In October, we celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month!

A little history: Hispanic Heritage Month originated as a week-long celebration in 1968, authorized by President Lyndon B. Johnson to honor the culture and contributions of Hispanic Americans. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed a law to expand it to a whole month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15, to coincide with the independence days of several Latin American countries.

Fine Arts and Spanish middle school students, along with students from Upper School and Lower School, helped transform the William’s Gallery into a vibrant celebration of Hispanic culture.

Spanish students in 5th and 6th grade created handmade ceramics while learning about different aspects of Hispanic culture, inspired by traditional pottery from Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Guatemala, and Spain. 7th and 8th-grade Spanish classes created a “Painted Rock Cactus Garden,” an art project inspired by the cactus as a symbol of life, resilience, and cultural identity across Latin America. Students selected and painted rocks to resemble different cactus species found in Hispanic countries, highlighting the beauty of nature and the creativity rooted in tradition.

Fifth-grade Art students created “Nichos,” or three-dimensional photo frames, to honor loved ones and animals that have passed away. Each colorful box became a heartfelt tribute, decorated with intricate designs and painted with watercolors.

Sixth-grade students explored color theory by painting vibrant Sugar Skulls, then brought their designs to life by creating 3D paper calaveras de azúcar.

Seventh-grade artists also contributed to the many detailed 3D paper calaveras de azúcar that celebrated remembrance through intricate patterns and vibrant colors.

Eighth-grade students collaborated on two large-scale Frida Kahlo portraits, adding their individual styles to two collective masterpieces. They also designed bright paper cut-outs that fill the room with movement and color, and contributed feathers for the wing photo op, a favorite spot for visitors.

Across grades six through eight, students worked to create many Flores de papel in a rainbow of sizes and colors, adding the final touch of joy and festivity to the display.

The Mercado was also a huge success!

5th- and 6th-grade Spanish students practiced Spanish greetings and market phrases while sharing their work with others, and also used their creativity to design and paint their own pieces. The activity combined cultural education with artistic expression, allowing students to explore traditions and make something personal at the same time. Seventh- and eighth-grade students helped organize and set up stations to celebrate Hispanic culture through the foods they prepared in class, as well as symbolic art, such as flags and banners. This project enabled students to connect cultural heritage with art, learning about the significance of Nopales in countries such as Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Venezuela, and Colombia.

This year’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration was our most successful yet, thanks to the incredible creativity and dedication of students, teachers, and staff across all divisions!