Following the recent revival of Art Walk last year, Catharsis again hosted the visual art exhibition, meant to allow student artists to compose a piece in real time with a student audience. On Jan. 25 during both lunches, Cavaliers were exposed to a showcase of student artists who created pieces with their respective mediums in the courtyard.

“It was cool to see what people comment while passing by. I heard a lot of compliments but I also heard some critique from fellow artists. For example, a few complimented my under-painting techniques and some artists helped me figure out my shadows. I really liked having people watch my process, because it made art more accessible to people, and I think we need to be consuming more art,” senior Moon Anderson said.

Cavaliers of all grades and academies were able to participate, so long as they had signed up via Catharsis’ Instagram.  A few minutes before first lunch began, artists made their way to the Catharsis class, where helpers and participants met and discussed any final necessities. Students participating were suggested to bring their pieces half-way done, as the goal of the Art Walk was to be able to exhibit finished creations by the end of the event.

As first lunch commenced, students poured in to watch their fellow Cavaliers create compositions, each harboring a talent unique to them. Staff and volunteers checked up on the artists periodically to ensure equipment was stocked up and provide help if any was needed.

“As [the] main organizer, I was in charge of making sure that my volunteers reached out to their artists as well as in charge of directing the event itself, organizing the setup and keeping track of artists’ needs. The volunteers were responsible for making flyers, advertising the event, recruiting artists and making sure the event was running smoothly throughout, ” senior Daphne Renoux said.

Throughout the intermission between both lunches, artists were given the time to continue adding to their pieces. During this period, pizza was provided for all students on deck, as an hour of mingling and working took place.

The following lunch featured the same artists, as they put the final touches on their pieces while explaining their craft to curious classmates. The foot traffic in the courtyard changed at regular intervals, as students visited alongside their friends or went to eat lunch.

“[Being watched] wasn’t stressful, but people were looking at you doing something that you’re passionate about, and I was a little shy talking about it, but people were really interested. After a while, I kind of got into the groove of things and was able to talk to people about it more comfortably, but people coming up to me and asking about it was really exciting for me, because I love crocheting,” junior Michelle Hernandez said.

The exhibition strove to highlight a diverse array of artistic styles, with each medium offering its own distinctive expression. Cavaliers created nail art with texture and sculpting techniques, painted with watercolors, crocheted clothes and showed off shading and layering techniques on various canvases.  

Art Walk 2024 served as a testament to the art community within Gables, bringing together students who presented their passion and those who explored their abilities. Encouraging Cavaliers to express themselves through art, the exhibition allowed students to display their talents, enjoy art made by others and inspire them to create their own.