At Pingree, our students engage deeply with their surroundings, finding personal significance and community value in the spaces they inhabit. A recent art project challenged students to consider the concept of a "threshold" within our school—a place that holds personal meaning and has the potential to support and inspire both the individual and the collective. Students were guided by questions that urged them to reflect on spaces that have impacted their Pingree journey, how these spaces can continue to offer support, and ways to honor and share their importance.
Gissel's Homage to Laughter in Jabari's Office
Gissel chose Jabari's office as her personal threshold, a sanctuary of warmth and guidance. It's a place marked by laughter and advice, a haven where Gissel and many others have found a sense of belonging. Inspired by the joy she found there, Gissel created a painting that captures the essence of laughter—so heartfelt it brings tears. This artwork, subtly integrated into the office, invites those who spend time there to pause and appreciate the joy and companionship the space offers.
Charlie's Artistic Journey on a Table
Charlie turned to the very first art table he used at Pingree as his canvas, a symbol of his evolving identity as an artist. Through his project, he transformed the table into a vibrant piece of art, retracing his journey of creativity and self-discovery. This painted table, now returned to its original spot, stands as a testament to Charlie's growth and the endless possibilities that the arts room represents for all who enter.
Kasey's Sun Mural: A Beacon of Happiness
Kasey found her threshold in a space under the staircase outside the Studio Arts room—a portal to a world of creativity and relief from the day's stresses. Her mural, a radiant sun, brings light and energy to a once dim area, symbolizing happiness, peace, and the joy of artistic expression. This sun not only brightens the physical space but also reflects Kasey's personal journey in the arts at Pingree, marking both her beginnings and her growth as she prepares to graduate.
Through these diverse projects, our students have not only marked their personal thresholds but have also enriched our community spaces with their creativity and insights. These artworks stand as enduring reminders of the profound connections between place, identity, and community at Pingree.
Caroline's Sculpture of Freedom
Caroline's sculpture, a kite suspended in the arts wing hallway, embodies freedom and creativity. This piece, blending drawing with woodworking and sculpting, expresses Caroline's connection to the arts at Pingree and her desire to extend that creativity into the physical space. The kite, with its intricate patterns and flowing ribbon, serves as a visual metaphor for the freedom to create and express oneself, a hallmark of the arts wing's nurturing environment.
