Art From the Hills: An Artistic Legacy in Bloomfield Hills Schools

The visual arts program is a point of pride for our K-12 students in Bloomfield Hills Schools. Art classes are offered in every grade, with increasing levels of mastery as students progress through the district. One of the most inspiring ways to view this depth of artistry and growth of our student body is at the annual Art From The Hills exhibit, hosted at the Bloomfield Township Public Library. Student artwork from every discipline, and from every school, is showcased at this beautiful exhibition. The special reception on May 13 featured not just the artwork, but music and speeches to celebrate our student artists. Each art teacher chose approximately 20 pieces, which showcase the talents of students, and the diversity of mediums utilized by Bloomfield Hills Schools artists, including charcoal drawing, digital arts, collage, printmaking, ceramic sculpture, watercolor, multimedia, fashion design, photography, jewelry, and many others.

With a string trio featuring Bloomfield Hills High School musicians as a backdrop, students and their families explored the exhibits, searched for their creations, and also enjoyed all the other student art in the process. Kindergarten pieces were adjacent to high school artwork, each a masterpiece to behold. Conant’s art teacher, Pennie Ellis, shared a heartwarming and funny speech listing ten ways in which a parent knows that they have an artistic child, noting at the end, “the best way to know that your child is an artist, is that your child is human. Because all children are artists.” Interim Superintendent Keith McDonald also shared inspirational words: “Tonight as we admire the works of our student artists, we witness the profound impact of giving voice to our young people. From the smallest brushstrokes of our youngest students, to the bold expressions of our high school seniors, each piece speaks volumes about the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of our next generation. At the core of our art program lies a set of values that guide and inspire us. Our art students learn more than just techniques; they learn empathy, they learn resilience, they learn the power of their own voice. For in the act of creation, they discover the true essence of expression and potential.”

The art show will be visible at the Bloomfield Township Public Library until Saturday, May 25, located at 1099 Lone Pine Road, in Bloomfield Township. The Bloomfield Township Library operating hours are located on their website at www.btpl.org. Congratulations to all of our students whose work is on display, and to our amazing art educators for inspiring and guiding our student artists!