The Wildwood art gallery kicked off its 2021-2022 season with a special exhibition of alumni works, co-curated by alumna Gracie Simpson Dixon ‘09. Featuring the artwork of 12 Wildwood alumni ranging from the classes of 2008-2021, “Celebrate Wildwood: 1971-2021” was a joyful celebration of Wildwood’s visual arts program and the lasting impact it continues to have on Wildwood students long after they graduate.
“I am so grateful that my time at Wildwood was full of teachers both in and out of the visual arts program who supported and encouraged my creativity,” said Anna Ramsey ‘15, one of the exhibition’s featured artists. “Because of these experiences, I continued my education with a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and am now getting a Masters of Social Work with the goal of doing art therapy in the near future. Wildwood helped shape who I am today and I am forever grateful.”
Other alumni artists shared similar sentiments regarding Wildwood’s impact on their work.
“My Wildwood experience instilled in me a curiosity and desire to explore the world and ask questions of myself and those around me,” said Jacob Moss ‘09. “The years spent immersed in a nurturing and creative environment undoubtedly made a huge impact on my development as an artist.”
The exhibition included more than 20 paintings and photographs, as well as sculptures, and several short films. In alignment with Wildwood’s Habit of Service to the Common Good, a percentage of proceeds from sold artwork from the exhibition went to the Hope Fund, an endowment for Flexible Tuition, benefiting current and future Wildwood students.
Alumni artists featured included Jade Johnson ‘08, Bria Murphy ‘08, Eli Pearl ‘08, Jacob Moss '09, Christine Lyon ‘10, Rae Dagdagan '12, Eloise Hess '13, Anna Ramsey ‘15, Matin Kazemi ‘18, Liam Butler Schafer '19, Devon Halliburton ‘20, and India Reinhardt ‘21.
For Wildwood’s visual arts faculty, the exhibition provided a “full-circle” moment to connect with former students.
“It’s so humbling to welcome these graduates back and see firsthand how their work has evolved in the years since their time at Wildwood, said Laura Forsythe, middle and upper school visual arts teacher. “In my 20 years at Wildwood, the talent of our students and what they do with it after graduation never fails to leave me inspired and grateful.”
- Fall 2022
