In curating this year's student exhibit, we sought works demonstrating a wide range of approaches, styles, and voices in drawing, 2D, and 3D art forms. In the process, we felt a narrative unfolding from all these talented voices across the U.S. and the globe. It seemed these young artists were expressing a shared feeling, an emergence from a pandemic to a post-pandemic life. The collective yet vastly different challenges experienced by everyone globally were present in these varied forms of expression. We decided to follow the thread to these insightful voices. Much like the sustained investigation students develop, this thread evolved and branched into many more voices and ideas that narrated their stories, challenges, and aspirations, as well as holding up a mirror to social issues young people are affected by. We were too often left in awe at the way students communicated such complex and personal ideas with sophisticated skills, nuance, and raw honesty.

I admire all the students' innovative spirit, unwavering determination, and commitment to bringing their unique visions to life through their creations. My heartfelt congratulations go out to their friends and families for their invaluable support throughout this journey. I also express my special gratitude to the dedicated teachers who mentored and guided these talented students over the past academic year. The artworks showcased in this exhibition promise to captivate viewers and serve as an enduring source of inspiration for all who experience them. Congratulations to all involved!