Art Relay: An Artist’s Perspective

By Ava Moxley '29

While many people on the Mesa were preparing for break and stressing about essential deadlines, seven students kicked off Art Relay on December 3rd at 8 a.m. The day excused students from all school commitments for 24 hours, allowing art to guide them. With a mix of excitement and uncertainty, the first participants in each group were ready to dive into the relay, using seven different prompt words. The following artists were required to respond solely to the artwork they were given. They could select any medium they wanted, including studio art, photography, sculpture, choreography, video production, music production, and theater. 

Josh Butler ‘26, a Group 1 participant who was part of the second round of Art Relay, after Gwendi Rogers ‘27, explained, “Since my word could have meant anything, I tried to, in some ways, recreate what the person before me did, but in a different way.” Many students had various approaches upon receiving artwork: some were unsure how to start, some recreated mediums and conceptual themes, like Josh, and others considered how to interpret a distinct style in a different medium. 

Gwendi Roger’s ‘26 Art Piece, which Josh received

In an interview with Paloma Rudnicki ‘27, she recalled, “I remember just staring at [the previous ceramics piece] and the photos I took of it for a minute or two. I was intrigued by the concept of each lid being a cup that was also a lid to a cup, and the fact that if you looked from above, the circles looked concentric.” She was part of Group 3 and received Charlie’s work as her inspiration. Paloma used the ideas of connection and concentricity to inspire her photography. “I just kept going out, shooting, and moving the photos around until I had my piece,” stated Paloma. 

Paloma Rudnicki ‘27 Art Piece

Emi Kanda-Gleeson ‘27, a Group 1 participant, had a slightly different approach. She explained, “I spent a while just looking at all the details of the previous art piece… I knew I wanted to use my wood sculpture skills for this piece, but I didn't quite know what to make of it, so I took a break… I came back and thought about what words and ideas came to mind when I saw the previous piece for the second time.” Emi drew inspiration from the piece and came up with some words that guided her process. Her main inspirations were Andy Goldsworthy and Deborah Butterfield, which guided Emi to use nature and trash to create art installations, including a temporary piece and a sculpture. Specifically, her temporary piece outside of 25 House pulled inspiration from Andy Goldsworthy. She stated, “The intention with that piece was that I spent time precariously perfecting this particular pattern, deciding which leaf and flower went where with much debate, and then I would return a few days later for them to all be scattered again.” 

Emi Kanda-Gleeson ‘27 Temporary Art Piece

Edie Abbott ‘27, a Group 4 participant, described her experience: “It was so peaceful not to have to worry about anything and just get to do my art all day uninterrupted.” Edie received a musical piece and used words that came to mind while listening in order to guide her art. She remarked, “I was struck by how graceful it was, moving from higher intensity to lower intensity almost flawlessly. The grace and the ease of the transitions between the different parts led me to think of the shifts in emotions that one goes through every day, which influenced the colors that I used for my piece.” She captured the grace and emotion through three blurred silhouettes, marking the transitional movement in dance. 

Edie Abbott ‘27 Art Piece 

With the end of the calendar year so chaotic, many agreed they enjoyed not having the stress of classwork and commitments for a day, and they appreciated the chance to focus solely on creating something they loved. Art Relay continues to be a highlight for the juniors and seniors who partake in the challenge and express their creative sides.