At Wellington, the arts aren’t extracurricular — they’re foundational. As a core academic discipline, visual arts are woven into the fabric of the upper school experience, encouraging students to explore big ideas, take creative risks, and engage deeply with the world around them. With nearly 140 courses offered in the upper school, 19 fall under the visual arts department — a testament to the school’s commitment to fostering artistic inquiry alongside intellectual growth.
That commitment came into sharp focus during Upper School Arts Week, held April 21–25, which invited students to immerse themselves in professional perspectives, experimental techniques, and community celebration.
Exploring Creative Futures With SCAD
Tuesday, April 22
Upper School Arts Week began with a deep dive into the world of careers in art and design. Students heard from Dale Clifford, dean of academics at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), who visited Wellington alongside assistant director of admission Jenny Conarroe to share insights on creative professions and the paths that lead to them.
Clifford encouraged students to think expansively about the arts — not just as self-expression but as a dynamic and evolving industry that spans disciplines and drives innovation. With SCAD alumni contributing to everything from blockbuster films to the NFL’s game-day graphics, he showed how foundational skills like drawing, storytelling, and design thinking translate into real-world impact.
He also shared how SCAD organizes its programs around creative instincts — drawing, painting, building, storytelling, and leadership — connecting fields like animation, architecture, fashion design, and photography. And when students asked about AI’s role in the arts, Clifford emphasized how SCAD is helping young designers use emerging tools responsibly and creatively.
The message was clear: there’s never been a more exciting—or more versatile—time to pursue a life in the arts.
Sustainable Style and Storytelling with Celeste Malvar-Stewart
Wednesday, April 23
On the second day of Upper School Arts Week, students heard from fiber artist and sustainable fashion designer Celeste Malvar-Stewart. With warmth, passion, and decades of experience, Malvar-Stewart shared how she transforms raw, locally sourced materials into couture garments — and how fashion can be a powerful tool for connection, storytelling, and environmental change.
Students learned about her zero-waste process, from felting alpaca wool to natural dyeing with indigo and black walnut. She emphasized the importance of knowing not just where your clothes come from but who — sharing photos and stories of the Ohio farms and animals she partners with by name. Malvar-Stewart also spoke candidly about the environmental consequences of fast fashion and challenged students to see waste as a resource rather than a byproduct.
Malvar-Stewart’s message to students was clear: fashion doesn’t have to be disposable. It can be local, ethical, and deeply personal. Through her stories — of named sheep and beloved scraps of denim, of garments that carry history and meaning — she invited students to think differently about the clothes they wear and the impact of their choices.
Cyanotypes in the Sunlight
Thursday, April 24
Upper school students got hands-on with one of the earliest forms of photography during Thursday’s “Cyanotypes 101” workshop, led by Donovan Otcasek ’25. A photographer and writer with plans to study dramatic writing at NYU, Otcasek was introduced to the cyanotype process by upper school art teacher Jaime Bennati. What began as a suggestion turned into a true interest — he recently completed a project combining his own photography and writing through this centuries-old technique.
In the workshop, students explored the creative possibilities of cyanotype printing by layering natural objects and cut shapes directly onto photographic prints. As sunlight and chemistry transformed the paper, images emerged in rich shades of Prussian blue—enhanced by silhouettes of leaves, flowers, and abstract forms. Otcasek guided students through both the science and the artistry of the process, encouraging them to experiment, collaborate, and think outside the lens.
Student Work on Display at Upper Arlington Concourse Gallery
Sunday, April 27-Friday, May 2
Upper School Arts Week may be wrapping up, but the celebration of creativity continues.
Beginning Sunday, April 27, Wellington students will be featured in a culminating group exhibition at the Upper Arlington Concourse Gallery. The show includes work from 45 upper school artists and showcases a wide range of media. It’s a powerful testament to the curiosity, skill, and personal voice students have developed throughout the year.
Please join us for the public reception from 2–4 p.m. If you’re unable to attend, the exhibition will remain on display through May 2. The gallery is located at 3600 Tremont Road in Upper Arlington. A full list of participating students is included in the event poster below.
A heartfelt thank you to upper school art teachers Jaime Bennati and Shannon Smith, whose vision and dedication made Upper School Arts Week a meaningful experience for students. Their thoughtful planning, creative energy, and belief in the power of the arts helped bring this week to life — reminding us that at Wellington, the arts aren’t an afterthought. They’re essential. From hands-on workshops to professional insights and gallery-ready work, students were challenged to think deeply, create boldly, and take pride in their artistic voices.