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Showcasing Student Creativity: New Works Added to Patty Wyman Art Collection

Exterior photo of Firestone Hall at dusk
Showcasing Student Creativity: New Works Added to Patty Wyman Art Collection

The newly dedicated Patricia Wyman Legacy Art Collection is a testament to the enduring impact of Patty's four decades of unwavering dedication to the institution. Through her profound commitment and passion, she enriched the school's culture and ignited the artistic spark in countless young minds. Named in her honor, this collection pays homage to her legacy by preserving the artistic achievements of Old Trail's students.

Each year, an exceptional piece of art from each academic division finds a permanent home within the collection, symbolizing Patty's ongoing legacy of creativity and inspiration. From vibrant paintings to intricate sculptures, the collection encapsulates the diverse talents and boundless imagination nurtured within Old Trail School’s halls. As a living tribute to Patty Wyman's influence, the Patty Wyman Legacy Art Collection serves as an example of creativity, reminding present and future generations of the transformative power of art and education.

Meg Harris Stanton ’71, Old Trail School’s 2024 Lincoln Gries Distinguished Alumni Award winner, curated our three newest additions, created by OTS students during the 2023-24 school year, for the collection.

“I was so impressed with the breadth of talent of the students, and the wide variety of media and techniques they are being exposed to and experimenting with in their art classes, I had a very difficult time narrowing down my choices to just three works to be added to the permanent collection.” — Meg Harris Stanton '71

Sydney Spatz '30 | Grade 2

In second grade, students explored the art of abstract self-portraits on black paper using chalk pastels, pencils, glue and permanent markers. Inspired by artists like Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró and Alice Bailly, students began by observing their own facial features in mirrors, noting their unique elements. They then brought these observations to life on paper.

By focusing on analogous colors from the color wheel, students achieved seamless blending and a harmonious effect. Sydney’s piece masterfully blended technique and skill, capturing elements of her face while embracing the abstract style, making her work truly stand out.

“I couldn’t believe the sophistication of the chalk pastel in Sydney’s self portrait. The colors are wonderful and very balanced, with both cool and warm tones. It’s a captivating piece!” — Meg Harris Stanton '71

Marielle McGrath '27 | Grade 5

In fifth grade, students practice creating a grid with a ruler to integrate measurement and precision within their work. After reviewing the 1960s Op Art movement and the work of British modern artist Bridget Riley, fifth graders learned several optical illusion patterns through a series of drawings. These drawings were paired with techniques in color pencil blending.

Marielle’s project represents the water droplet concept. She used stencils and rulers for precision but also her own hand to try to expand each circle to make a “water bubble” appearance. For her piece, she included a wonderful shading concept that made her grid water droplets come off the page!

“I thought Marielle did an excellent job conveying the three-dimensionality of the balls against the flat background, and I really enjoyed her choice of colors.” — Meg Harris Stanton ’71

Max Light '24 | Grade 8 

Each year, Old Trail students experience at least one clay project in arts class. For eighth grade, students combined their many years of hand-building experience to create three-dimensional shapes that would be sound sculptures. The students reviewed the Pacific Northwest Totem Pole traditions in tribal communities and the symbols that mark a community’s heritage and identity.

Focusing on semiotics, students drafted a plan for a stacked clay sculpture that held hand-built items of objects they felt were important for their identity. Some took on themes that they loved, like food, clothing, seasons or animals. Max loves junk food and believes it is an essential marker of his cultural identity!

“I was immediately drawn to the ceramic junk food tower by Max Light because of the difficulty of the subject he chose to tackle. He did a great job, especially with the French fries and lettuce on the hamburger.” — Meg Harris Stanton ’71

Current Issue — Spring 2024

Issue 6

OTS Alumni