This winter, students from both our Mountain Academy Jackson Campus and Teton Valley Campus were given a truly extraordinary opportunity, one that few young artists experience. Their work is currently on display at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, where it is featured in a thoughtfully curated gallery exhibition.
Centered around the theme of “connections,” students explored what it means to belong, to care, and to be part of something larger than themselves. Under the guidance of art teacher David Berry, each class approached the theme with creativity, depth, and personal expression, resulting in a collection that is as meaningful as it is visually striking.
At the Jackson Campus, sixth-grade students created individual “bubbles,” each representing the people, places, and passions they feel most connected to. While each piece tells a unique story, together they form a larger collaborative work that beautifully reflects the strength and diversity of our community.
Seventh and eighth-grade students brought their ideas into three dimensions with a remarkable sculpture: a bus filled with figurines representing the people and animals of Jackson. Within our school, the bus is more than transportation. It is a symbol of exploration, shared experience, and place-based learning. This piece captures both the literal and figurative journeys our students take throughout the year, making it a powerful reflection of their educational experience.
At the Teton Valley Campus, students in grades 4–8 also explored connection through both two-dimensional and three-dimensional works. One sculpture depicts a group gathered around a tree, echoing the daily rhythms of students who come together under the trees during lunchtime. Another piece highlights the beauty and identity of our region, with the Tetons standing prominently as a symbol of home, belonging, and place.
We are incredibly proud of our students, not only for their artistic accomplishments, but for the thoughtfulness and authenticity they brought to this work. Having their art displayed in a professional museum setting is a rare and meaningful honor, and one that underscores the value of creative expression within our school community.
It was a joy to see so many students and families gather for the opening on March 19, celebrating both the artwork and the connections it represents. The exhibit will remain on display through May 4, and the museum is generously offering free admission for participating students and their families.
We encourage you to visit and experience this special exhibition firsthand. It is a powerful reminder of what can happen when students are given the opportunity to create, reflect, and share their voices with the wider community.