Among the rows of intricate sketches and paintings, Mia Makower (’23) creates elegant strokes of color across her canvas. A group of seventh graders glide paint pens upon the surface of smooth stones and the smell of wet clay floats through the air at the annual Visual Arts Festival Feb. 15.

The festival gave students a chance to showcase their work as well as experience the diverse artwork created by the student body. The Archer Council of Artists hosted the event in the courtyard where students were encouraged to contribute their art and showcase it in the festival. A plethora of art was displayed including photography pieces, sculptures, collages, paintings and sketches.

In an effort to expose students and faculty to a variety of art forms, artists and members of the council hosted activities such as pinch-pot making, rock painting, a wheel throwing demonstration by Georgia Ehrlich (’23) and a live painting demonstration by Makower.

Sophomore Bryce Collis is a musical theatre lover and member of the Archer Council of Artists. She is a part of the Website Committee where she updates the community about events involving the arts department on Archer’s website. She said her favorite part about the festival was how it brought the community together to appreciate different kinds of art.

“I had such a good time looking at all the art pieces and just watching people admire everyone else’s art,” Collis said. “There are so many students here who do art but aren’t in art classes and don’t get their work featured in the arts hallways, so I think it’s really important for those students to be able to showcase their hard work here and to be appreciated.”

Marya Alford is the faculty adviser for the Archer Council of Artists and is also the visual arts department chair, photography teacher and the co-director of the Eastern Star Gallery. Last year, Cira Mizel (’23) came to Alford with the idea of forming the Archer Council for Artists, which launched the first Visual Arts Festival in 2022. Since Mizel came to her for guidance, Alford has been able to connect her to other faculty and staff members to help make this festival a reality. As a result, the Visual Arts Festival has become a tradition in the Archer community.

“It’s just beautiful to see all the artwork on view and all the students out visiting to see the work,” Alford said. “We have all of our work in the [art] hallways down here, but since it’s in the basement, it’s hard for people to always access it. So it’s great to get it out on campus.”

Gemma Larbalestier (’24), who is also a part of the Archer Council for Artists and works alongside Collis to highlight diverse student artists, educate the community on the arts as well as collaborate with the Eastern Star Gallery. As a council member and as someone who has submitted artwork to the festival herself, she said it is beneficial for students to be able to share their art and work toward a goal to have it be showcased.

“I think it’s really beneficial for students to see what it feels like to share their art and work toward a goal to then share it,” Larbalestier said. “Sometimes it’s scary to do that and to show your work to the entire student body, so I think it’s also great for artists’ confidence as well.”