Lakeside School

As we step into 2025, the cold winter air and morning fog create a natural shift in perception, offering a fitting moment to pause and reflect on what we’ve built together so far this school year. The start of a new year is a perfect time to celebrate the hard work, creativity, growth, and learning that is happening in the visual arts department. In case you missed it, you can read about some of the highlights from the fall in my last article. Since then, the collective energy continues to build momentum — our students’ work showcases the increasing depth of thought, skill, and authenticity that make the cyclical nature of a school year in the life of the Lakeside arts program so beautiful.

Winter Art Show
I’m excited to invite you to our Winter Art Show, hosted in the Pigott Family Arts Center. The gallery and hallway displays will be open during school hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday until Feb. 14. This exhibition offers a wonderful opportunity to witness the skill, creativity, and growth of our students firsthand. Featuring new works from students in Ceramics & Sculpture, Drawing & Painting, and Photography, the show highlights the incredible range of talent across our department.

Featured Artwork by Kay D. ’25
One standout piece is senior Kay D.’s exploration of identity and media influence. Constructed from balsa wood, basswood, selected pages from The New Yorker, and glue, Kay’s geometric and engineered design represents the iterative nature of identity and the role media plays in personal evolution. “The finished product reflects the intent, using geometry and engineering to create complexity, mirroring my relationship with my identity,” Kay explains. “I hope viewers will be able to connect with my project as well, recognizing the universality in its message.”

Kay’s work exemplifies the thoughtfulness, intelligence, and visual communication skills our students learn to express through their artwork and is a reminder of the power of the arts to inspire and connect us all.

In closing, as I reflect on the work on display, I’m reminded of how the arts challenge us to see the world — and each other — in new ways. Together, we’re building something meaningful — a program that values creativity, connection, and lifelong learning. I hope you’ll visit the Winter Art Show and experience it yourself!

Jacob Foran is Lakeside’s Upper School Ceramics & Sculpture teacher and 5-12 visual arts department head. You can reach him at 206-440-2897.