Perpich Arts High School Studio Arts Department Presents: Junior Curriculum Exhibition “Maybe the Art (Show) was the Friends We Made Along the Way”

May 9, 2025

Perpich Studio Arts Juniors presented their Curriculum Exhibition “Maybe the Art (Show) was the Friends We Made Along the Way” on Thursday, May 8, 2025. The exhibition is showing until early September, 2025.

“We had a spectacular final gallery opening of the year!” said Kathryn D’Elia, Studio Arts Chair and Visual Arts Instructor. “The junior work is strong and shows the strides they’ve made in their artistic practice since coming to Perpich. The work will be up through the summer for the enjoyment of all and to serve as a great example of the work our students make for our visitors and summer camp attendees.”

The exhibition includes artwork created in Perpich art classes during Quarters 3 and 4 by members of the Class of 2026 and features animation, video art, drawings, paintings, darkroom-based analog & digital photography, prints, sculpture, and digital art. The students selected one piece of artwork that they were proud of or they felt represented them well to be displayed for the exhibition.

In their exhibition statement, the students wrote, “Our first weeks here were hesitant, wanting to connect to others but were not sure how. The single factor which connected us, despite our different backgrounds, was to grow as an artist. What we really found was family. Friends who giggle with you, who you can collaborate with, and ultimately, connect to deeply. Perpich is a special experience, freeing and liberating. This show is special as it highlights our growth as rising Juniors, but know it is also about the friends we made along the way.”

A media screening took place during the exhibition opening. The show included work from Media Arts and Visual Arts students. Guests were invited to also visit the Basta Gallery for “Perpich Behind the Scenes” exhibition. This exhibition is a result of a month-long project in which each Media Arts student was paired with a willing Perpich staff member to create a series of photographs using 35mm cameras. Students interviewed their subject to get to know more about them and what they do, at Perpich and beyond. The photographs give us a glimpse inside the world of the subjects and also reflect the style of each student artist.

Congratulations to all the students, and their instructors, on a wonderful exhibition!