Over the past three weeks, Grandview’s beige walls have been colored with the talent of Grandview students. Paintings, photographs, and sculptures have lined the halls- unveiling Grandview’s 2025 Art Show. 

“We usually try to set up the Grandview section of the show the week before the reception. Then at the end of the week, the feeder schools bring in their elementary and middle school artwork to fill the ten hallway display cases,” April Green, the Art Department director, said.

The art show set up went all the way back to August, by meeting with feeder school teachers to discuss expectations and create the date for the art show, while also reaching out to musicians and groups associated with Grandview that are able to perform during the show. 

“Once everyone’s been contacted and the date is set, the art team begins the work of teaching, assisting, brainstorming, and helping students create art,”  Green said.

Over the course of the school year, the process of collecting student artwork never stops. Art teachers try to emphasize the pieces that show individualism. 

“And even though a lot of teachers try to provide open-ended assignments, it ends up being the

same thing that everyone else is doing most of the time,” James Dykstra, the photography teacher at Grandview, said. “So I really, really like seeing those original pieces where the kids go above and beyond and really show their own personal creativity and voice.”

Gallery • 3 Photos

Example of art show work displayed in Grandview hallways.

Once artwork is determined to be in the show, teachers label and mat the artwork (the black/white paper behind the artwork) to gain a head start for the big event. The art is posted in the library, hallways, and

 display cases. 

“Even if it’s not my student, seeing what they have done in somebody else’s class and where they’re really thriving is rewarding,” Kenda Hirsch, the graphic design teacher,  said.

The art show was open to friends and families on April 27th with the goal of highlighting what students have been creating. 

 “My favorite part is watching the students come in with their families, excited to show off their hard work. The pride, the excitement, the inspiration- it’s all so fulfilling,” Green said.

The organized display of art attests to the artistic development of art students over the year as well. 

“I’m proud of how successful they’ve been where kids have started from the beginning of the semester to where they’ve ended,” Hirsch said. 

The art is still available for students and teachers to view, dispersed throughout the common areas of Grandview. 

“It’s a really good booster, seeing their stuff out

on display for everybody to see. It’s a nice community builder, as well as [recognizing] students up and hearing their voice [and] what they’re all about,” Hirsch said.