As spring ensues and the world around the school is ornamented in flowering blossoms of maple trees and courtyard tulips, the library becomes full of a year’s worth of passion, color and talent – Gallery Night.
On May 2, art students gathered and celebrated the world beyond textbooks and organized thought, the world of ceramic creations, picturesque paintings and all other pieces that spoke to the individuality of each and every Highlander. Coordinated by the Homestead Art Department and National Art Honors Society (NAHS), the night honored talent, recognized specific pieces, and raised money for the blooming program.
Meghan Eckl, Class of ‘25, is the Treasurer of NAHS. Her pieces “Legal” (Oil Pastel), “Couldn’t Hold You From Heaven” (Charcoal) and “Navy Sisters” (Digital Painting) were just some of the hundreds of pieces celebrated at the event. As an AP Art student, art is more than paint on a page for Eckl.
“I enjoy being able to visually express myself without needing words to explain a deeper feeling or message, and where the audience can make a connection to their own lives. There are endless ways to create art, and everyone has a different style that makes them stand out and enjoy what and how they create. These pieces were all a part of my AP portfolio, where I focused on the ideas of “Goodbyes” or “See you later”s, and moving on in life. All of these pieces were moments I experienced in my life related to the topic of my portfolio,” Eckl said.
As the event was geared towards celebrating student creativity and expanding talent, it also was a moment for students to reflect on their progress as artists. Tamara Niy, senior, had her pieces “Least Favorite Color” and “Kitchen” on display at the event. Her art was also recently showcased at the East Towne Square Mall, where shoppers could experience her passion for art as they passed by the corridor.
“I was very technique-oriented when I was younger, and focused a lot on realism and proportion and color, trying to paint like a photograph. Recently, I changed my view on art 360 and think much more fondly of abstract art and paintings with just feelings and thoughts. I love when multiple media are combined, like adding embroidery and glitter on clothes or canvases, or watercolor and oil on one canvas is so cool to me,” Niy said.
Niy is also the Vice President for NAHS, where she helped not only coordinate the event, but saw the creativity of the student body firsthand.
“I love that Homestead has such an inclusive art program. I think clay, metal, acrylics and colored pencils are all such different mediums to work with so students at HHS can find something they like most when they choose to take an art class. I like Gallery Night because I see many people’s art, and sometimes I see something very cool, look at the name, and am so surprised by who the artist is because I would have never thought that that person would be artistic! I like the online forms that guests and artists can fill to compliment others’ works; honestly, that’s the best part about the entire event,” Niy said.
Liliana Espinosa, junior, was also featured at the 2024-2025 Gallery Night. For her, the art department curates creativity and self-expression. She had three pieces featured in the show.
“Every piece is unique in its own aspect, like media and subject matter. I like the creativity and sense of control you have with art. You can create whatever you want, and it will be unique to you. This type of creation can’t be done in many facets of life, which is why I love art,” Espinosa said.
As a member of NAHS, Espinosa also has a unique view of Gallery Night and everything the art department has to offer.
“I love Gallery Night because it encourages creativity and expression through art. It is a great opportunity for students to share their creations and see their peers’ creations. This type of collaboration isn’t common, so the fact that we have a great tradition like Gallery Night is a privilege,” Espinosa said.
