Bolton Academy Celebrates Creativity with Museum Art Show and Mural Dedication

The Bolton Academy entrance transformation to the new Hootie and the Koi Fish mural (before and after). Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©

Students, families, and community members gathered at Bolton Academy on December 12, 2024, to celebrate artistry and achievement with the unveiling of a new mural and a student-led art show that transformed the school into a museum.

Bolton Academy art teacher Ashley Dopson collaborated with her students to design the mural at the school’s entrance. The design was inspired by the school’s mascot, Hootie, and incorporates themes of unity, creativity, and the school’s diverse community. Centered on the concept of Hootie and the Koi Fish, a playful nod to the band Hootie and the Blowfish, the artwork was created to capture the vibrant spirit of Bolton Academy.

Principal Shavaun Mincey, art teacher Ashley Dopson, and Bolton Academy students at the Hootie and the Koi Fish mural dedication. Photo courtesy of Bolton Academy, APS ©

Shavaun Mincey, Bolton Academy principal, highlighted the mural’s significance during the dedication ceremony.

“This mural is not just a work of art; it’s a reflection of our vibrant community here at Bolton Academy,” Mincey said. “Each brushstroke represents the creativity, teamwork, and dedication of our students. Through this collaborative project, they not only expressed their artistic skills, but also their love for our school and the values we share as a community.”

Dopson emphasized the importance of exposing students to local artists and their significance to art history in neighboring communities.

“I wanted to make sure that they were engaging with some of the professional artists who have made history here in Atlanta,” Dopson said. “It just gives them an opportunity to see that everyday people who you’re walking by are making history in art.”

Nathaly Delgado-Valente, a fifth-grade student at Bolton Academy, created a painting live during the event. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©

The art show was designed to be experienced like a trip to the museum, complete with curated exhibits, live demonstrations, and interactive installations. What began in the planning stages with 10 live statues grew to a comprehensive showcase of over 50 students taking on roles as mimes, statues, cavemen, live artists, and curators. Among them was fifth-grader Nathaly Delgado-Valente, who chatted with attendees while creating a painting live during the event.

A scavenger hunt added an interactive twist to the evening. Guests tapped the shoulders of live statues to activate verbal kiosks, uncovering clues that led them throughout the experience and contributed to the event’s educational value.

Dopson wanted to give students a hands-on understanding of the artistry and organization involved in curating professional exhibits.

“I wanted them to see that this is how you put together a museum, and this is how it should look,” she said.

Zara Berry, a fifth-grade student at Bolton Academy, served refreshments to attendees and was a member of the event planning team. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©

Zara Berry, also in the fifth grade, was a key organizer who contributed to the event’s success and shared the fulfillment she experienced throughout the planning process.

“One of the things that was fun for me was being able to help organize the materials and help set up everything that was going to be going on around the building,” Berry said. “Being able to communicate with the other students who participated in our show was also really fun because I got to see their perspectives, what they were doing, and how it contributed to the overall outcome.”

Principal Mincey commended the staff for providing the venue for students to showcase their artistic talents and expressed her appreciation for the students’ ability to create a shared vision for their school.

“You’ve given us all a lasting reminder of the beauty that comes from working together,” Mincey said.

Enjoy the photo recap of the Bolton Academy Art Show and Mural Unveiling. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©