Art as Hope: Chandler School’s Annual Art Exhibition Highlights Creativity and Resilienc

The Chandler School 2024-2025 Junior Arts Honor Society (JAHS) Annual Art Exhibition, originally scheduled to open on January 8th, 2025, was disrupted by the sudden Greater Los Angeles wildfires on January 7th.

The exhibition showcased 42 artworks, all created by 6th to 8th-grade students from Chandler School. These included 32 paintings, 3 photographs, 2 sculptures, and 5 art installations.

Photo: The Bridge Arts Foundation.

Cindy Wang, the gallery owner of The Scholart Selection and founder of The Bridge Arts Foundation, shared her thoughts: “Both of my children graduated from Chandler School. Supporting the school and community is not only a privilege but also a responsibility I take seriously.”

The exhibition had been meticulously planned since last summer, with the combined efforts of teachers, students, and the gallery team. It was originally set to open on January 8th, but the devastating wildfires on January 7th forced the plans to a halt.

This unexpected tragedy was deeply heartbreaking. Pasadena, one of the hardest-hit areas, saw many homes destroyed, including those of Chandler School students and teachers.

Photo: The Bridge Arts Foundation.

Reflecting on the exhibition, Cindy Wang remarked, “This has become an exhibition without an audience. Despite the disruption caused by the wildfires, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the young artists. Their works are brimming with creativity and imagination, and they have beautifully expressed their emotions through art. It is truly moving.”

Although the original plans could not proceed as intended, the exhibition remained a significant highlight of Chandler School’s art education program. It showcased the students’ year-long dedication and underscored the resilience and transformative power of art.

Photo: The Bridge Arts Foundation.

Notably, some of the artworks were marked as “for sale,” with all proceeds donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Through this effort, the students not only demonstrated exceptional artistic talent but also embodied Chandler School’s commitment to social responsibility.

Art is more than a visual delight—it is a force that transcends environmental limitations and inspires hope.

The Bridge Arts Foundation is honored to have supported Chandler School in organizing this exhibition. Looking ahead, we remain committed to fostering the growth of young artists and ensuring that the light of art continues to shine in the hands of future generations.