What Lifts You Up?

That was the theme of the 2nd Annual Melinda Vooss Creative Arts Festival at Chesapeake Bay Academy on May 23, 2024. And what an uplifting experience it was as the event expanded in scope and scale in every way possible. The art space was extended into the large gym area where works across all mediums were on display. Students explored new and historical artists and applied their talents to collage, loom weaving, self-portraits, sculpture, murals, printmaking, and so much more.

Inspired by Yoko Ono's Wish Trees, students collaborated to create paper tree sculptures and leaf prints, echoing the interactive nature of Ono's work and inviting guests to share their wishes for the world back of a leaf and tie to a tree.

As part of the program's theme, "What Lifts You Up?," another interactive exhibit invited both students and attendees to engage in a collaborative art piece. This display featured a large set of angel wings crafted from paper feathers. Guests were encouraged to decorate blank feather templates with their own unique designs, which were then added to the wings, symbolizing a collective contribution to the artwork and reinforcing the festival's uplifting and inclusive spirit.

The main program also featured a variety of performances, including a choir, solo vocalist, original poetry readings, and an energetic drum ensemble, adding to the festival's vibrant celebration of artistic expression.

The class also presented an original artwork as a gift to the Vooss family incorporating the paper feathers.

This was a collective effort to plan, organize, and execute such a wonderful celebration and festival. Special thanks to CBA faculty including Destiney Kooiman (Music), Rachelle Viar (Makerspace), Synnika Lofton (Literature), and Jazmine Beatty (Art), as well as Dr.Judy Jankowski (Head of School) -- and, of course, to the incredibly talented student artists.