On Thursday, April 30, the art atrium at Lakewood High School transformed into more than just a classroom space. It became a full gallery of student creativity for the annual “Everybody But Seniors” art show. The event, which highlights artwork from students in grades 9-11, gave artists the opportunity to share months of work with friends, family and the broader school community.

Walking into the atrium, it was immediately clear how much preparation had gone into the show. From ceramics and photography to drawings and mixed media, nearly every wall and display area was filled with student work. Art teacher and organizer Autumn Sabin said the goal is to include as many students as possible.

“Our goal is that everybody who takes an art class has work in the show. If you’re in art one, you get one piece; if you’re in art two, you get two pieces. And then ceramics and fibers and photos, it just kind of depends on how much work you have and how much space we have,” Sabin said.

The show itself has a long history at Lakewood High School, stretching back decades. That tradition adds another layer of meaning to the event, connecting current students with generations of past artists who have showcased their work in the same space.

For many students, the show is more than just a display; it is also a moment of recognition. Sophomore Savannah Sullivan described the experience as both exciting and rewarding.

“It’s honestly a pleasure,” Sullivan said. “A lot of people I know were coming up to me and complimenting me on it, and it felt like some really good recognition after the months of hard work put into them.”

Sullivan displayed two ceramic bowls, each with a personal touch. One was designed specifically for her cat, complete with cat ears, polka dots and the cat’s name written on it.

“It stemmed from my cat at home not having her own bowl unique to her,” Sullivan said.

Her second piece, a blue star-shaped bowl designed to hold keys and jewelry, also took extensive practice to complete. While the final pieces looked polished, Sullivan admitted the process was challenging.

“The wheel is kind of tricky,” she said, explaining that shaping the clay and practicing repeatedly was one of the hardest parts of the process.

Other students echoed similar feelings about the challenges and rewards of creating art. Birdie Josza, a photography student, shared how meaningful it was to see her work on display. “I think it’s just a great opportunity, and it shows all of the hard work that we’ve put in this year,” she said. “It’s honestly just an honor.”

Josza’s work focused on portrait photography while incorporating her own creative style. However, she explained that the most difficult part came after taking the photos.

“I can capture the picture,” she said, “but editing it in a visually appealing way is the hardest part.”

Beyond the artwork itself, the show also created a sense of community. Sabin emphasized that one of her favorite parts of the event is interacting with students’ families.

“My favorite part is meeting everybody’s families,” she said. “Getting to talk to somebody’s grandma about what their grandchild made, or meeting little siblings who might be my students someday.”

That atmosphere is part of what makes the “Everybody But Seniors” art show stand out. Rather than functioning as a competition, the event acts as an open celebration where visitors can walk around, talk and connect through a shared appreciation for art.

The show also motivates students to push themselves creatively throughout the year. Knowing their work will eventually be displayed publicly encourages many students to put extra effort into their projects.

“We work really hard,” Sabin said. “So be proud of it.”

For some students, the experience can even influence future plans. Sullivan said participating in the show increased her interest in continuing with ceramics.

“Definitely,” Sullivan said when asked if the show made her more interested in pursuing art. “I am hoping to take AP 3D so I can continue investing myself in ceramics.”

Overall, the “Everybody But Seniors” art show continues to be a meaningful tradition at Lakewood High School. Whether it is a carefully crafted ceramic piece or a thoughtfully edited photograph, each artwork tells a story about the creativity and effort behind it.