Annual All-Schools Art Exhibition at BHS on May 5-7

The Bedford Public Schools’ 29^th annual K-12 Art Show is scheduled to open Friday, May 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Bedford High School. 

The exhibition will continue throughout the weekend: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 7.

“The goal is for every student in the Bedford schools to be represented in the show,” said Sean Hagan, the schools’ visual arts program director. He is expected to be joined by the entire art faculty at the festive opening.

Hagan cited a change in the show’s geography that he and the faculty hope will be an improvement. “We are changing this up a bit this year with the flow of the exhibit. John Glenn Middle School and Lane School student work will be located in the BHS gym, which will allow for a more open, gallery-type feel and less congestion with crowds.” 

One familiar location will be the high school lobby, where once again “senior artists will have their night in the spotlight with their work exhibited in the senior display,” Hagan said. 

Graduating seniors who are majoring in an art class, which meets four times per rotation, are invited to show a body of work that encapsulates their growth as artists, and includes an artist statement, he explained.

“Some students bristle when asked to write in an art class, but we are making writing and reflection a part of art classes more each year, starting as soon as students can form sentences at Davis. “Being able to communicate is an essential skill, and we want our students to be able to do that at all levels in a thoughtful and reflective way. You’ll see quite a lot of artist statements from all of our schools at the show.”

Hagan also noted, “Visitors to this year’s art show may notice quite a bit of three-dimensional work, whether it be ceramic pieces from Davis or Lane or oversized Claus Oldenberg-inspired candy sculptures from the middle school.” 

Hagan thanked Keith Mangan, director of athletics, physical education, and health, and the wellness teachers for their flexibility with the use of the gymnasium.