Creativity and talent burst from the MAC, the South Gym, and the Shoenberg/Beasley hallways and studio at the fourth annual MICDS Arts Fest. This year’s theme, “Creativity in Bloom, an MICDS Garden of Expression,” included fan-favorite activities such as Scar Theater Makeup, Blue Man Jam Session, Chalk Art, and the Instrument Test Drive. Our stellar arts faculty and staff presented a variety of new explorations, including pinhole cameras, a Creation Station for makers of all kinds, a woven textile art installation called Scroll It, and more.
MICDS families enjoyed the various art activity stations and discovered beautiful works of 2D and 3D art by students in all three divisions, woven throughout the halls and the MAC. It was a stunning showcase of our students’ artistic expressions.
The din of the crowd was punctuated by an array of live performances, including scenes from the Middle School production of Lion King Jr. and the Upper School musical Beetlejuice Jr. Talented student musicians of all ages offered short-form concerts in orchestra, band, and choir. Click here to see the full schedule of events offered at Arts Fest ’26.
The Parents Association Arts Boosters volunteers staffed a very popular booth, spinning and dispensing cotton candy, helping guests decorate and personalize small flower pots, applying Arts Fest temporary tattoos, and inviting the masses to join the festive photo booth fun. Our food service partner, FLIK, offered their signature chocolate chip cookies and popcorn.
A special highlight of the event was a farewell gathering for Head of School Jay Rainey and his wife, Ruth, in the Hermann Squash Courts lobby. “Key”-ing in on Mr. Rainey’s fondness for the arts, Arts Fest provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate him before his time at MICDS concludes at the end of the current academic year. Per tradition, the Head of School portrait of Mr. Rainey was unveiled at the event, and we thank artist Yuka Imata for her skillful rendering. No event with Mr. Rainey would be complete without him playing a few notes on the piano. It was a lovely event for Mr. Rainey to share memories and receive well-wishes from many.
Many thanks to our students, faculty, staff, and parent volunteers for staffing various activity stations and supporting our performers. Our dedicated Facilities crew deserves a generous measure of thanks for working early and late over several days to set up and break down all the infrastructure required to produce such a large event, and to Associate Director of Events Sydney Brockman for her calm and creative presence in executing another sensational Arts Fest ’26.
JK-12 Arts Department Chair Dr. Bonnie Carpenter noted that the day’s vibrant energy was part of a much larger global context. “This year, we chose to celebrate and elevate the arts at MICDS through the theme ‘A Garden of Expression,'” she shared. “This theme aligns with UNESCO’s World Art Day 2026, celebrated on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, which was chosen to honor Leonardo da Vinci and symbolize world peace, freedom of expression, and tolerance. This international day serves to promote global awareness of artistic expression, creativity, and cultural diversity.” The spirit of connection was felt in every hallway and gym, turning our campus into a true garden of student creativity!
Thank you to our arts faculty for developing engaging opportunities for students to be creative in new ways. The mood was festive, and the gratitude for all forms of art and those who created them was evident.