LYNN — Vibrant portraits, layered sculptures, and imaginative murals filled the Galleries at LynnArts this week as hundreds of Lynn Public Schools students showcased their work in the annual All-City Art Exhibit.
The event, which began in 2002, highlights top visual art selections from Pre-K through 12th grade and is curated by the district’s art educators. Dr. Patty Klibansky, Lynn Public Schools’ Director of Fine Arts, has overseen the exhibit for nearly a decade.
“Our goal is to celebrate student voice and creativity,” Klibansky said. “This space gives students a chance to experience what it’s like to be professional artists. It’s a big moment for many of them, especially our seniors in AP Art preparing for art colleges and careers.”
The exhibit is held at the Lynn Museum Art Center—formerly the LynnArts building—where spaces are rented by the school department from the Galleries at LynnArts. Works are displayed thematically, with sections for portraits, abstract art, nature, sculpture, and more. Teachers, who help students mount and title their pieces, also train annually with the Addison Gallery of American Art to ensure professional presentation.
A collaboration with Beyond Walls is featured in the Community Gallery, showcasing lessons inspired by public art and created with contemporary artists.
Among the standout high school artists was Bridget Toomey, a junior at Lynn Classical High School, whose AP Art piece titled Sweet Dreams drew emotional praise from viewers. Toomey’s work explores themes of identity and innocence through the lens of her experience growing up queer.
“My theme is about growing up and how being queer shaped my life,” she said. “With this piece, I wanted to capture the feeling of being blamed for something you don’t even understand at a young age. It’s about holding on to innocence in the face of that.”
The piece featured warm-toned clouds against a dark background, with a symbolic heart-shaped emblem on a sheep’s bow—representing feminine relationships. Toomey said she draws inspiration from personal reflection and uses color and symbolism to communicate deeper emotions.
“I really love AP Art,” she added. “If you get the chance to take it, you should. You get to express yourself and create things that matter to you.”
Donovan Lam, also from Classical, drew from his Vietnamese heritage for “The Master,” a tribute to his grandfather’s martial arts legacy. “I’m exploring the ‘what ifs’ of inheriting that tradition,” he said.
Senior from Lynn Classical High School Donovan Lam stands by his self portrait “The Master” inspired by his grandfather’s love for martial arts.
Elementary artists were equally enthusiastic. Fifth-grader Violette B. from Cobbet Elementary discussed her collaborative mural inspired by the artist Sen2. “I like how it doesn’t have to be perfect—just like the world,” she said.
Violet B (5th Grade) from Cobbet Elementary stands beside her mural design collaboration with Kelly D inspired by mural artist SEN2.
Art educators praised the show’s impact on students across all grade levels. Indigo Fox Tree-McGrath, an AP Art teacher at Classical, said Lynn’s students are “deeply grateful and incredibly hardworking.” Danielle Santapaola of Washington STEM noted how teaching art sparked her own creativity after transitioning from math instruction.
Mark Gately, art teacher at Callahan Elementary, emphasized the importance of public exhibitions in building student confidence. “Having their work displayed in a real gallery makes the students feel like their art matters,” he said. “They walk in and point with pride—‘that’s mine!’—and you can see how much that means to them.”
Gately added that the exhibit also highlights the diversity of teaching styles across the district. “Each teacher brings something different to the table, and you see that reflected in the range of media, themes, and approaches. It’s what makes this show so powerful.”
Middle schoolers also had a strong showing, with several students submitting multiple works. Alhona Barua, an eighth grader at Marshall Middle School, had several pieces featured across different media—including a still life contrasting an apple and a boot, and a mixed-media piece inspired by Starry Night using glass.
“I wanted to show that even if things don’t seem like they go together, they can still make a beautiful piece,” Barua said. “Art is about putting yourself into the work—your emotions, your ideas, even your doubts.”
Barua, who also participates in RAW Art and has done summer programs with live model work, said she plans to continue developing her practice. “I’ll keep doing this as far as I can go,” she said. “I love trying new techniques—ceramics, painting, everything.”
Her teacher, Jenica Pratt, said Alhona’s dedication stands out. “She takes what she learns and runs with it—sometimes literally taking clay home to keep working,” Pratt said. “She’s always pushing herself.”
Community turnout was strong, with many families expressing pride.
“There are so many impressive pieces here,” said Julie Forry, mother of student Liam Grawe. “I love how this gives students exposure to different types of media early on.”
The exhibit remains open to the public through Saturday, with viewing hours from 12–2 p.m. Afterward, the work will return to schools for in-building displays. “It’s about recognizing the incredible talent our students bring every day,” said Klibansky. “And making sure they feel seen.”
