Perpich Studio Arts Department presents “Senior Capstone Exhibition 2026”

March 6, 2026

Perpich Studio Arts Seniors presented “Senior Capstone Exhibition 2026” on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The exhibition is showing in the Upper Gallery through April 24, 2026.

Capstone gives artists of both Visual Arts and Media Arts the opportunity to devote themselves to a long term, sustained, multi-week project with the goal of showcasing individual and personal artistic endeavors including skill development, refined techniques, medium explorations, and overall risk taking that highlights students interests and growth. The Capstone Gallery Exhibition is entirely student-driven, beginning with original concept brainstorming; stamina building as a studio artist in creating and critiquing artwork; collaborating with visiting designer to create marketing materials; repairing, prepping, and laying out their physical gallery space; installing work; marketing; committee duties for opening night; and removing and repairing of individual exhibition space.

In an excerpt from the exhibition statement, Emily Class (Visual Arts 2026) shared, “We learned that process is not linear, it spirals, it stalls, it fractures and reforms. We learned to trust the unfinished, to let uncertainty be a collaborator. We learned that our voices do not arrive fully formed, they are built, layer by layer, choice by choice. Together, these works form a portrait, not of perfection, but of becoming. They hold what this place has given us: Challenge as invitation, critique as care, community as catalyst. They hold who we were when we first walked in, and who we are now, standing at the threshold between student and artist, between question and declaration. Thank you for stepping inside. Thank you for witnessing what we have dared to make.”

Capstone students and their instructors gather in the Upper Gallery prior to their exhibition opening on March 5, 2026

Aurora Gallagher (Visual Arts 2026) said, “I thought the exhibition went really well, it was really fun to see both my own work and my peers work appreciated after so long working on it. I think galleries are a really good space for connection and it’s cool to watch that happen over art.” Watch Aurora talk about her Capstone project here.

Sasha Visalden (Visual Arts 2026) said, “The capstone exhibition was amazing. Everyone’s art piece had so much time and thought put into it and it was such a great experience to see everyone’s visions come to life!” Watch Sasha talk about her Capstone project here.

Jade Norton (Visual Arts 2026) said, “This senior capstone exhibition was a stunning display of effort, care, collaboration, and passion. Everyone worked so hard to shine a light on all they’ve learned and gained from being here at Perpich.” Watch Jade talk about her Capstone project here.

Ajay Nicholas (Visual Arts 2026) said, “It was wonderful to see the product of the hard work my peers and I put into our projects. The gallery was so full of life, as everything came together to form a cohesive display, and it was both relieving and bittersweet to realize that capstone was finally over.” Watch Ajay talk about his Capstone project here.

“The Capstone show is our biggest and best of the year, and this 2026 exhibition was no exception,” said Kathryn D’Elia, Studio Arts Chair and Visual Arts Instructor. “We are so proud of what our young artists have accomplished. The work is varied, shows strong personal voice, and ambitious undertakings!”

Reflecting on the exhibition, Rebecca Bullen, Perpich Arts High School Principal, shared, “I have been wandering the halls slowly this week, taking in the installations as they come together. There is something so special, and inspiring, in watching ideas come into fruition. From sketch to process, to full installation… It’s pretty magical! Over the past year, and for many, the past two years, we have watched them grow not only as artists, but as humans finding their voice. As I reflect on the exhibition, and Perpich as a whole, I feel immense gratitude for our students and their bravery, pushing boundaries, challenging themselves and others to be better. And I am grateful for the teachers and community members who educate, guide, and support them along the way.”

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