Honoring Artists, Finding Voice

As the capstone to their spring semester, eighth graders take on the Αρχω (ARCO) project—named for the Greek word meaning “to begin something from something, to lead.” It’s a fitting title for a challenge that asks each boy to look back at what he’s learned and use it to create something entirely his own.

Each student selects a renowned modern or contemporary artist and begins with study: a short biography and a written reflection on the artist’s creative process. Then comes the work itself—an original piece of art reflecting personal experience that is shaped in the spirit of that artist’s style and vision.

In the final stage, boys present their work and rationale to a panel of judges, including teachers and professional artists, who evaluate which project most meaningfully honors the selected artist.

The project culminates in Salon de Diplômés, an evening reception where students share and discuss their work in small groups with faculty and families—a fitting celebration of creative growth.