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Behind the Art Scene with Lily LaRue '25 and Willa Seo '26
By Madi King '26
Last Friday, 600 people filled SVAC’s Wilson Gallery, currently home to art work from local pre-k through 12th grade students. Anharad Llewellyn, an art teacher here at BBA, hopes everyone finds some time to view the exhibit before it’s closes on May 4th. Entry will be free and open to the public up until then!
Llewelyn states, “One of the aspects I am most proud of is the diversity that we bring from the Visual Arts Department.” In this year's show you will encounter drawing, painting, mixed media, ceramics, photography, woodworking and creative design projects.
Read on for more on two featured artists.
Read on for more on two featured artists.
One cool and unique aspect of the set up is the lighting. BBA design students worked in groups to create functioning lamps; those lamps light the other art pieces on display!
“We take artwork throughout the year that stands out from various projects--those pieces exceeding expectations in skill, creativity, and innovative solutions.” says Llewelyn when asked how art work gets chosen for the show.
When you make your way into the Wilson Gallery, be sure to look out for BBA senior Willa Seo’s oil painting. Seo received a gold key award in the Scholastic Art Competition for this piece; she also became a national winner of the Visions Award. Seo represents the whole northeast region, winning first place in painting. Her painting and three others--those by Kiara Larson ‘25, Sydne Remenar ‘26, and Lily LaRue ‘26--are going to the congressional art competition in Montpelier after the exhibit closes, so make sure to come see them before they're gone!
We caught up with Lily about her painting:
What inspired you to create that piece?
“This painting was inspired by a campsite spot in Maine my family goes to where there’s always beautiful sunsets every night over the water. I loved these peaceful moments and wanted to capture it.”
What is your painting process like?
“I usually have to have some sort of inspiration to motivate me to start a painting. I always start in my sketchbook drawing things out till I know what I want then pencil it in on a canvas and get going.”
Do you hope to pursue art in the future?
“I absolutely do, and if not as a job even just keep doing it for fun as a hobby!”
Words from Willa on her painting, Host Father:
What inspired your painting?
“This artwork is part of my AP portfolio inspired from my high school exchange year in Japan. I painted my host father at a dinner table full of the previous night’s leftovers. When I was homesick or frustrated with my social situation, my host father reminded me to be thankful for the little things in life. He worked a full-time job but every night he came home and was happy to see this family and dinner on the table. His attitude helped me to feel proud of the life I made for myself in a different country even through my hardships.”
What made you choose oil paint?
“This was actually my first time trying oil paint. Since painting Host Father, I haven't gone back to using acrylic. Oil paint is really helpful for painting portraits because it dries slowly making things easier to blend.”
How did it feel winning a gold key award?
“It was really unexpected for me. Scholastic was the first art competition I entered, so I wasn't expecting to get good results. It was surprising to receive a Gold Key and even more so when national awards were released and I earned a Gold Medal. I'm truly thankful for Anharad! I wouldn't have entered and done so well without her encouragement. “
Llewelyn continues to be proud of the program and the students this year-- proud of their creativity and skill, really bringing it up a notch. These are the best of the best pieces, creating a fun, colorful feast-for-the-eyes exhibit that is a must see!
Pictured: Host Father by Willa Seo '26, lamp by Design students, painting by Sydney Remenar '26
Pictured: Host Father by Willa Seo '26, lamp by Design students, painting by Sydney Remenar '26
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