A three-legged piano stand. A bowl handcrafted for guacamole. A record stand. Photos with contrasting colors. The Petropoulos Show, held in honor of former Ceramics Teacher John Petropoulos, showcased artwork from 13 seniors in the Upper School (US) Lower Art Gallery on April 15. Art teachers nominated the students to participate in the show.
US Woodworking and 3D Design Teacher Anna Van Voorhis nominated Wyatt Welu ’25.
“I’ve fulfilled my art credit within first two years of being at BB&N, but I’ve loved Ms. V’s class that much, and I loved my progression through the woodworking program that I’ve wanted to stay with it, and to end off my career at BB&N in the woodshop as part of this event is pretty cool,” Wyatt said. “It’s really special to see how much we’ve grown. … Our various exhibits showcased that sort of progression to see where we’ve come as our respective artists.”
Wyatt prioritizes making functional pieces. His final project was a record stand for his dad.
“My dad has no organization for his records, so I found this piece online and made some changes to the design,” Wyatt said. “I think it’s one of the best things I’ve ever made.”
Art has always been a staple in Wyatt’s life.
“Art has been in my family for a pretty long time.” he said. “I’ve always grown up loving art, seeing art and love it being a part of my life. When I came to BB&N, I was accustomed to painting and visual arts in that sense. So, when I had the opportunity to do woodworking here, it made me very excited and happy to be able to continue my art career but in a different medium.”
At the show, Quentin Higgins ’25 presented “Quiet Nights,” a set of photos focused on negative space.
Imaginative thinking is a key part of creating art, Quentin said.
“If I’m driving around and I see something I want to take a photo or video of, then the process of bringing that vision to life is definitely satisfying.”
Wyatt and Quentin decided to continue taking art courses instead of having additional free blocks.
“A lot of people fall victim and take the extra free block, but I forced myself to give it a chance.” Quentin said. “I also knew the free time wouldn’t be as valuable as the class itself.”
George Miller ’28 attended the Petropoulos Show.
“Seeing this show was a new angle on art for me,” he said. “I wanted to get an angle on a different side of the arts that I’m not really involved in. … I was very impressed with the quality of work and also the growth people had experienced. … I think that left a profound impact on me.”
