The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

8 May 2015Tamara C, Allard ‘17; Photo by Featherdawn F, Mackenzie ‘15

“Would you like a cupcake?” As those were the first words I heard when entering the Arts Building last Wednesday for the Mad Hatters Tea Party art opening, how could I refuse? But the cupcakes weren’t the only sweet treat in the arts building that night: the artistic ability of Brentwood’s students is phenomenal! The atmosphere when walking into the gallery felt like an episode of lucid dreaming, where everything seemed so real but couldn’t be. Knowing the story of Alice and Wonderland, you can already assume what each painting had to offer: slightly creepy, yet fascinating with each individual touch. Paintings on the wall weren’t the only thing making your head turn when strolling through; walking in, the first thing your eye was drawn to was the enormous teatime table in the center of the room, consisting of a wide range of art forms including pottery, 3D design, and photography. The table was decorated gorgeously with all things spontaneous. Only authentic creativity from each student participating could have developed things so unique. From pure curiosity I asked our drawing and painting teacher, Mrs. Mannion, how she came up with the brilliant idea, and how she thought that the students benefited from this particular exercise. “Last year when I saw the chairs that the 3D design class had done, I thought it would be great to integrate 3D design, photography, pottery, drawing and painting into one exhibit…and what a better way than to throw a Tea Party? Hosting a Tea Party meant that pottery could make dishes, 3D could make the chairs, and we (drawing and painting) could decorate the walls with weird and crazy paintings. As a painting exercise I thought it would be fun to explore surrealism and alternative perspectives. I think the theme allowed students to investigate playful imagery and strange realities.” The art displayed around the Arts Building is always intriguing and makes my walk through the building enjoyable and thought provoking. Hats off to the Mad Hatters! Tamara C, Allard ‘17; Photo by Featherdawn F, Mackenzie ‘15

Where Students Choose To Be