Art surrounds us. Whether it be from a professional artist or simple scribbles on the side of homework paper, there is a lasting beauty in creation. Hence why Westlake High School hosts the annual Art Show incorporating all grade levels, mediums and styles. Classes such as Photography, Ceramics, Drawing and Painting, Fashion, 21st Century Design, and Studio Art to name a few headline all the beauty showcased in the Library.

 

The hard work and dedication of Art teachers from all buildings, the janitors and the students contributes to the process of setting up and moving the furniture boards, making the show incredible.

 

Westlake has been home to the Art Show for the past decade to display the students’ growth and acceleration in their ability to create using their creativity and imagination. Typically, every student in Hawthorne through fifth grade is privileged to be nominated. However, once entering middle school, the students whose art work is exemplary are selected first by their teachers. 

 

Ella Vanhulle and Zoey Walsh, two artists who were featured, expressed, “it made me feel proud to see my improving progress and making it to the art show this year.” It is clear that, with the help of the art teachers, students have been able to tap into their creative talents and put it on display for the community to admire.

 

Art teachers across the board hope for students to feel appreciated and motivated when they are featured. Education in the arts makes students more well-rounded and flourishes their creativity, benefitting other subjects. 

 

Through the years, teachers work on coming up with innovative ideas to continue to make the Art Show more fascinating and organized. For example, the elementary schools are often separated from the rest and each grade is provided a board for their artwork. Additionally, this year, they created integrated boards to add a creative twist.

 

Let’s give some credit where it is due: the talented self-portraits created by the fourth graders in Columbus Elementary School and the abandoned cities made from Mrs. Frawley’s 21st Century class. This year, many students participated in photography however, Chase Olshan was featured with his astounding wall of photos. The 2026 Art Show will certainly be hard to outdo.