Lone Peak Elementary’s recent annual art show transformed the school into a full-scale celebration of creativity, learning and community connection by not only showcasing student artwork, but also the collaboration between teachers and Brain Booster specialists. 

This year’s exhibit tied into the school PTA theme, “Flying High since 1985” showcased a collection of talent, with each space reflecting on different projects, artistic explorations and hands-on experiences, said school Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts teacher Cassie Walker.

“We have a little bit of everything; we definitely have specific galleries and exhibitions, but it’s more of a blended show this year,” she said.

Visitors moved through the immersive, school-wide experience, which blended visual art, theater, STEM, library learning and physical education into one flowing exhibit. Some of the “mini worlds” featured students’ whimsical and playful creations, such as pop art and colorful monsters, while others were closely tied to academic content and concepts, such as animal habitats, volcanoes and sound waves.

A powerful centerpiece of the show was a surprise tribute to local artist Matthew “Billy Luber" Arnold, a former guest artist at the school. He previously introduced students to street art through live demonstrations, including spray painting and storytelling from his time working on projects with the “Diesel Brothers” TV show and the Utah Mammoth Zamboni design. 

Walker said his work is being highlighted in a documentary under production, which includes his volunteer work dressing up as Spider-Man to visit children’s hospital.

“Every year, he volunteers to help set up the art show so we’re counting on that to surprise him,” she said. “We have a gallery of superhero-themed artwork, which also reinforces the theme of everyday heroes that are amongst us.”

Another standout feature was student projects focusing on bees, tied to the fact that Principal Shad DeMill is a beekeeper. For a month, students built interactive exhibits explaining how bee communities function, complete with student-made hive models and interactive learning activities.