This past week, this year’s student art show in the Darcy and Richard Kopcho Student Art Gallery transformed the space into a vibrant tapestry of personal stories and shared connections. Under the direction of Ms. Danielle Foster and Mrs. Arcadia Michelon, ninth graders on the retreat created hanging art pieces inspired by the idea of home not just as a place, but as a reflection of community, memory, and identity. 

Mr. Keer, head of the art department, shared about the beginnings of the art gallery. He said, “The [Darcy and Richard Kopcho Student] art gallery has been exhibiting student works since the 2013-2014 year. This was to allow our school community and campus visitors to see some of the results of the learning and creativity that happen in our classrooms.”

This new exhibit hung paper-made art from the ceiling, as well as displayed on platforms, all intricately illustrated with places that students hold dear.

“The goal was for students to design their version of home,” Ms. Foster said. “The pieces hang in a way that lets you see their communities, friend groups, school spirit, and what makes them feel grounded.”

The gallery is a metaphor for the way students connect to each other through their friend groups, but also through the places that they feel the most connected to. 

Maya K., (’29), made the  Studio City Public Library. She said, “It was the place where my grandmother used to take me.”

Maya K. felt safe walking through its doors, surrounded by books and memories that made up her childhood.

Mrs. Michelon, head designer of the gallery, shared, “I’m very pleased with how the first large group project of the year turned out.”

Regardless of the location the 9th graders decided to draw, all of these places connect here, in the art gallery. In little communities of their own, they represent where de Toledo students feel the safest and happiest.