Baker Celebrates Creativity at Second Annual Art Show

The event provided families the opportunity to view student artwork displayed throughout the school, enjoy musical performances by second- and third-grade students, and participate in hands-on artmaking at three make-and-take stations. The evening was led by Baker art teacher Heather Herbay.

“Many of the students challenged themselves and amazed me with their creativity while learning new concepts and experimenting with different art mediums,” Mrs. Herbay said. “I was excited for their artwork to fill our school and to be enjoyed by our community.”

Mrs. Herbay emphasized that art shows play an important role in art education, giving students the opportunity to share their work and celebrate their progress.

“Since beginning my art teaching career, I have believed that art shows are an essential part of art education,” she said. “They are the visual arts equivalent of a play, concert, or sporting event – a celebration of hard work, perseverance and growth, and a chance to share that achievement with families and the wider community.” 

The Baker Art Show is a collaborative effort involving multiple staff members and the school community. Sarah Shoemaker, music teacher, and Linda Connor, school librarian, worked alongside the Baker PTA to bring the event to life. Mrs. Shoemaker organized musical performances by second- and third-grade students, while Mrs. Connor’s spring poetry walk was displayed outdoors for families to enjoy.

“The most memorable part of the art show is stepping back and watching families slow down to enjoy the artwork lining the halls, or sit together creating at the make-and-take stations,” Mrs. Herbay said. “Nothing about the evening feels rushed, and there’s something special about taking time to create side by side.”

As guests arrived, student greeters distributed programs along with compliment cards. Attendees wrote hundreds of notes to student artists, sharing what stood out to them about their artwork and encouraging their creativity. 

“I loved reading each one while sorting them to return to students – it was the perfect end to a wonderful evening,” Mrs. Herbay said.

The evening highlighted not only student creativity, but also the strong sense of community at Baker Elementary, as families, staff and students came together to celebrate learning through the arts.