Twelve senior artists presented portfolios that showcased their growth and personal expression at this year’s Art Colloquiums, the culminating event in their upper school artistic journey. Held over two assemblies, the presentations highlighted years of creative exploration. Each body of work told a unique story of transformation and the discovery of an authentic artistic voice.

Long before she began blending photography with collage, paint, and fabric, Morgan Powell had an eye for the overlooked details most people pass by — like the slant of shadows across a wall or a fleeting movement that shifts the viewer’s perception of a scene. With a camera always in hand, she honed her eye on overlooked moments, developing a personal aesthetic rooted in intuition and close observation.

Yet it was not until her Grade 10 art history class, where she discovered Henri Matisse’s cutouts and photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson's concept of the “Decisive Moment,” that she realized she possessed such innate artistic skills. With the encouragement of art teacher Ran LaPolla, Morgan worked to develop the body of work necessary to earn a place in Art 3, marking the beginning of her journey toward a distinction in Art and Design.

This spring, Morgan joined eleven fellow senior artists in presenting her portfolio at King School’s annual Art Colloquium, a celebration of the most advanced visual arts students and the final step of the OPEN (Original, Personal, Experienced, and Novel) capstone program. Held in the Performing Arts Center and divided into two sessions to accommodate the volume of artists, the event brought together families, faculty, and peers to witness the culmination of years of exploration, skill-building, and personal expression.

Morgan’s presentation featured reimagined Montana landscapes rendered in watercolor and collage, along with a fabric pattern inspired by an orange umbrella, created through printmaking and self-taught sewing techniques.

“I pushed myself to try new things while staying true to my identity through photography,” she said. “This project helped me realize how intuitive art can be, and how much detail lives in a single moment.”

Morgan’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of the program. Each of the other 11 senior artists presented a unique body of work, reflecting individual growth and artistic exploration. Collaborating with advisors LaPolla and Corina Alvarezdelugo, the artists navigated challenges and breakthroughs to create original, deeply personal pieces. This artistic evolution lies at the core of what the program seeks to inspire.

“It’s a challenging year,” said Art and Design Department Chair Brady Shoemaker, who opened the event. “Mistakes are made and celebrated. It's never boring, and throughout the year, students' themes often evolve, resulting in their work becoming more nuanced and sophisticated.”

Lila Perkins explored the bold blues of Yves Klein, paired with the masterful construction found in Alexander McQueen’s fashion. She began her journey with a large-scale pastel rendering of her favorite blue jeans, then digitized and embroidered them, using trial and error to find hidden narratives beneath the polished azure surface.

“When I saw the messy, exposed back of my embroidery, it hit me,” she said. “On the outside we might look put together, but the inside often tells a different story.”

Lila’s final piece, a mixed-media collage of personal photos, denim scraps, and loose threads, embodied this duality and told a deeply personal story about identity, appearance, and experience.

“By collaging denim with moments captured from my own life,” she said, “I was able to tie together the message of how my personal experiences have shaped what I show to the outside world.”

Similar journeys of inward reflection, often rooted in identity and personal experience, like the complexities of being a twin or the fading of childhood, were shared by the ten other artists presenting their work. 
“By the time students reach the Art Colloquium, they have typically developed a strong sense of artistic identity, confidence in their creative voice, and the courage to take meaningful risks,” said Alvarezdelugo. “This year’s group exemplified that transformation through their thoughtful exploration of personal and societal themes, and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of their work with intention and authenticity.”
These deeply personal explorations reflected profound intellectual, emotional, and creative development.

“So much of the growth in this program comes from what looks like wasted time, in frustration, failed attempts, and starting over,” said LaPolla. “But that’s where the real learning happens. Students begin to let go of perfection, trust their intuition, and discover that letting go, sometimes even throwing things out, is essential to shifting perspective and finding their voice.”

That self-discovery is precisely what the program is designed to nurture.

“What a fantastic school where we can create an environment that gives students the room to develop in such an extraordinary and personal way,” said LaPolla.

Congratulations to the following seniors on the culmination of their incredible work:
Dhoni Middleton
Morgan Powell 
Sydney Hauben
Elise Prather
Lila Perkins
Olivia Rodrigues 
Claire Pritchard 
Dermott Robinson
Sofia Acosta 
Kioja Duff 
Ava Angelov
Caroline Resnick