In celebration of this year’s Week of Respect, students from the EHS Visual Arts 2 class created a thought-provoking installation in Edison High’s front lobby, inspired by the theme “What You Say Echoes.” The piece reflects the lasting impact of words and emotions; energy spreads from one person to another, creating ripples that affect everyone throughout the community.The installation features layered silhouettes, flowing lines, and vibrant colors that symbolize how a single word or action can radiate outward, touching countless others.
“I was just walking through the lobby and wasn’t expecting anything, but seeing the sculpture actually made me stop for a second. It was really cool, and it kind of brightened my day in a way I didn’t expect.” Arya Krishnan ‘27
Moreover, in the process of the sculpture, under the guidance of art teacher Ms. Kelley Gavor, students in her class took on leadership roles, learning what it means to plan and prepare like actual art educators. While Gavor assisted with theme creation and emotional development through color and symbolism, her students were the leaders of the design.
The sculpture itself embodies shared creativity and unity, characteristics reflected in the talented artists’ dedication to the project. Also, the outer rings on the sculpture represent “echoes,” depicting feelings and sentiments that travel outward. The artists explained that the process incorporated everyone’s ideas, which is what made it so special.
“Everyone was able to be part of it in some way by adding something they actually wrote on the sculpture, which was my favorite part,” said Katie Hahn ‘26, one of the artists of the project.
To further depict their vision, the students asked all the art classes to create little pieces of positive or negative words to be hung on and around the rings. By incorporating the voices and sentiments of many students, the sculpture is a collective expression of emotions and awareness, showing that everyone’s words contribute to the larger “echo” that shapes the school community.
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Fine details dazzled the sculpture, illustrating the work’s unified artistic student voice.
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An important virtue, respect of others, served as a keystone lesson during the development of the installation.
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One of many intricate pieces, a dangling artifact spotlights the value of student voice and expression.
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The intricate installation, developed by EHS students, taught important ideas in artistic statement and artistic mission.
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The sculpture underscores how no one student had sole ownership; rather, everyone was connected to the art.
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Students were the leading designers for the sculpture, with teachers acting as guiding mentors.
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Located in the newly-renovated lobby, the installation aims to spark a greater curiosity in how objects exhibit emotion.
“My hope is that I don’t want [the EHS community] to have one set of emotions,” said Gavor. “I hope it sparks awareness, and pushes them to not just see objects, but be thought-provoking and see how it speaks to them.”
The sculpture doesn’t just decorate the main entrance, but communicates a message to everyone who passes it. The piece serves as a daily reminder of the influence our words and emotions hold, encouraging students to think before they speak and to recognize the lasting echoes their actions create. Through its vibrant colors, symbolic rings, and collaborative spirit, the piece stands as a testament to empathy and expression within the EHS community.