With the art room in a totally remodeled space this year, the 8th graders had a rare opportunity to freshly interpret the long-standing 8th grade art installation tradition. “This is the culminating project in the art program at Hyla,” explains Kate, “and everything before this point over their three years has worked up to this moment.” The art installation project is a chance for the oldest students at Hyla to make their mark on campus before they graduate. This 8th grade class was the first to apply this tradition to a brand-new space and re-imagine it with an explosion of color, light, and creativity. “This project asks students to stretch themselves and to ask challenging questions of themselves,” said Kate.

With this project, she continued, they are “given the opportunity to explore the world around them, and to conceive of ways to express and highlight their experiences. This is an opportunity to work collaboratively, problem solve, think up beautiful ideas, and then work hard to make them a reality as artists.” “This project asks students to stretch themselves and to ask challenging questions of themselves,” said Kate. With this project, she continued, they are “given the opportunity to explore the world around them, and to conceive of ways to express and highlight their experiences. This is an opportunity to work collaboratively, problem solve, think up beautiful ideas, and then work hard to make them a reality as artists.”

What emerged from this year’s unique confluence – a beloved tradition, a new space, the individual personalities of this class, along with their collective identity – are innovative interpretations of what an art installation means, and even some art forms that have never before been seen on Art Night (no spoilers here!). As new ideas are born within tradition, students establish connection, which was the central question chosen by the 8th grade to guide their work: “how are we connected?” Art Night is a critical part of the process and a chance for connection to expand. Kate shared that Art Night is when 8th graders “step out into their community, presenting not just their artwork, but themselves as the artists they are.” Art Night is therefore also a chance for parents to see with new eyes. Touring through the installations is a way to connect to young artists, to their bold expressions, and to their unique imprint on the world.