Student Creativity and Award-Winning Artistry on Display
Greenhills students have been showcasing their creativity and artistry in the greater Ann Arbor-area art scene. In recent months, their work has been displayed in prominent galleries and community spaces, and been recognized by peers, teachers, and judges alike. And they’re finding support from teachers who understand the courage and confidence it takes to put yourself out there.
“As an artist, seeing your work on display in a public gallery and watching others react to it is really special,” said Greenhills ceramics teacher and visual artist Caitlyn O’Neal. “We are always updating the artwork on display at Greenhills, but these public events are another way for students to showcase their work outside of the school. It’s all student-driven, and I’m really proud to see them putting themselves out there like this.”
Most recently, three talented Greenhills students had their works featured in the “PLAY: An Annual Youth Art Exhibition,” held at the Gutman Gallery in downtown Ann Arbor. Presented by the Guild of Artists & Artisans, this exhibition ran from September 13 to October 19 and invited young artists to explore the theme of play through their unique perspectives. Greenhills students Linnea Bengtson 28, Gigi Hauptman ’27, and Renia Singer 29 each submitted original artwork for the exhibition, which was featured alongside works from fellow Washtenaw County artists in grades K-12.
Singer had two paintings and a ceramics piece in the PLAY exhibition, both of which were created during her seventh grade year at Greenhills; several original paintings from Bengtson were on display; and Hauptman, who’s art also won Best of Show in the school’s 2024 Art & Jazz Showcase, displayed pieces she crafted in her Ceramics class at Greenhills.
“It’s always meant more for me for more people to see my work than to win an award,” said Singer. “I love seeing the reactions people have—what emotions they experience and what they think of when they see the artwork. I always know my intentions going into it, but every time someone else sees my work it’s always going to be a different feeling you get.”
In August, Greenhills senior Tove Vivekanand submitted her original artwork to the Art Around Saline public art competition. Her work, entitled “Dragon,” was created with pen and ink on toned matwork, and was selected as one of the competition’s six winners. As a result, a three- by four- foot reproduction of her work is now on display in downtown Saline, in the Farmer’s Market parking lot at 100 S. Ann Arbor Street, where it will remain for two years.
Photography students are sharing their work as well. Earlier this year, Nandan Narayanan ’26, Josephine Roether ’27, George Rominski ’25, and Eder Tijero ’27 all submitted work to the annual Congressional Arts Competition. Narayanan and Tijero both were recognized at a special luncheon event in Ann Arbor where Congresswoman Debbie Dingell presented both with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.
Greenhills artists are fortunate to have the opportunity to both learn by doing, and to learn by seeing others do. Teachers regularly share their own artistic creations with students and in the community. A generous, donor-funded Visiting Artist Endowment also brings in outside artists to showcase their work, discuss their careers, and teach new methods of creating art.
Liz Wilson-Hill, who teaches art and serves as the chair of Greenhills’ fine and performing arts department, has had her work featured at Cahoots in Ann Arbor and is currently displaying a large body of work, alongside O’Neal’s ceramics, at a gallery in Macon Creek, MI. At the beginning of this school year, Greenhills art teachers Nicole Burroughs, O’Neal, and Wilson-Hill, along with robotics coach Jeremy Green, showcased their work in the Campbell Center for the Performing Arts gallery.
“We want students to see examples of adults creating artwork outside of school,” said Wilson-Hill. “That’s one of the reasons we invite outside artists into Greenhills every year—it’s not just showing examples of professional-level work, but that art can be a lifelong pursuit and a successful vocation.”
In early October, Detroit-based artist, Ford Motor Company clay sculptor, and Lawrence Tech University clay modeling instructor Sean Vanden Brink spent the day working with Greenhills artists. He guided students through a hands-on ceramics workshop, demonstrating the key tools and techniques he uses in his daily work, and helped students design and sculpt their own cup.
There are countless ways students showcase their creative spirit at Greenhills, and all of them are valued. As students continue to share their artistic voices with the broader community, they aren’t just capturing the attention of art enthusiasts, they’re inspiring others with their passion and dedication.
