Advanced Art 2 students spent the spring making art and uncovering history. The resulting collection, “Illuminating the Unsung: A Visual and Reflective Tribute,” now lines the upper school mezzanine, where clay boxes, stitched textiles, and mixed-media canvases honor historical figures unfamiliar to most. More than technique exercises, these works reflect weeks of research and creative exploration, as students spotlighted changemakers using symbolic design to tell powerful stories often left out of textbooks.

Nina Griffith ’27 chose Caroline Ferriday, a Connecticut humanitarian who aided survivors of the Ravensbrück concentration camp in the 1950s. Through archival research, textured media, and thoughtful composition, Nina used her canvas to tell Ferriday’s story.

“Art can be a voice for the unheard and a bridge to the past,” said Nina, who incorporated antique stamps and tea-stained envelopes to underline the emotional gravity of Ferriday’s advocacy. “Storytelling through art can preserve history and inspire justice and compassion. Learning about Caroline Ferriday inspires me to speak out for my beliefs.”

The project grew out of the ARTEFFECT Ambassador Fellowship, awarded to upper school art teacher Corina Alvarezdelugo by the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. The national program supports educators in spotlighting overlooked changemakers through socially impactful storytelling. The student’s work along with their impact statements is on view through mid-June. The gallery also features a looping video showing the students behind the scenes at work and highlighting how inquiry through art can lead to meaningful insight.

The fellowship provided Alvarezdelugo with access to expert mentors and structured programming that facilitated her capstone project, exploring how creativity can serve as a tool for social impact. 

“The Advanced Art 2 students are encouraged to create work that is technically strong, conceptually thoughtful, and personally meaningful,” said Alvarezdelugo. “The ARTEFFECT curriculum aligns perfectly with those goals. It challenged students to delve into history, engage in social-emotional learning, and communicate powerful ideas through visual language.”

That challenge led to a range of thoughtful, visually layered responses. Lila Leibowits ’25 used acrylic paint, collage, markers, and graphite to tell the story of Dr. Christine Grant, a pioneer in women’s collegiate athletics. 

"At one point, I wanted to play a sport in college, and it made me wonder if, without her, I would’ve had that opportunity," said Lila of the doors Grant opened. “She advocated for women's sports at the varsity level in colleges, which resonated with me since sports have played a major role in my life. She was the perfect hero to choose.”

Students worked with various materials and media, embracing the freedom to shape their projects independently. For Phoebe Lewis ’27, such creative autonomy was a highlight of the process. Rebecca Harper ’27 found satisfaction in watching her vision evolve from concept to final piece. Olive Miller ’27 drew inspiration from her passion for astronomy, crafting a celestial tribute to aerospace engineer Eugene Shoemaker.

The process demanded more than artistic skill, pushing students to problem-solve. Caroline Karbel ’27 grappled with distilling the many achievements of WWII teenage spy Agnes Lackovic. 

Inspired by nurse Emma Darling Cushman, Isabela Bliley ’27 taught herself to sew and crochet to complete handcrafted dolls representing displaced children Cushman aided during the Armenian genocide.

“The students approached this project with empathy and purpose,” said Alvarezdelugo. “They took time to understand the challenges and triumphs of the heroes, and their final work reflects emotional depth, which is ultimately what this kind of artmaking is all about.”

The unit aligns with King’s O.P.E.N. guidelines and deepens student engagement through socially conscious artmaking, while supporting their transition to Advanced Art 3 and AP Art and Design. 

Alvarezdelugo plans to continue implementing this project as part of the Advanced Art 2 curriculum.

“This project became a powerful framework for helping my students connect visual storytelling with personal voice, historical empathy, and the development of meaningful, process-driven artwork,” said Alvarezdelugo, adding that she is working on publishing a book about the experience.