Last Friday, I had the privilege of attending the Visual Arts Student Show 2025 at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts (DESA) in Washington, D.C. As I walked through the exhibition with my goddaughter, Nicoletta, a freshman in the Visual Arts Department, I witnessed firsthand how this extraordinary institution transforms artistic potential into polished expression.

A Dream Realized

For Nicoletta, DESA represents the fulfillment of a lifelong passion. Even as a toddler, while other children played with dolls, she gravitated toward pencils, paints, and clay. Her journey to DESA wasn’t easy—the school’s rigorous admission process admits only 25 visual arts students annually from hundreds of applicants, requiring portfolio presentations and in-person drawing auditions. As her Godmother, her parents invited me to attend the “Family Meeting.”

“To have professional instruction, to be moving art forward, and be in the moment where ideas, vision, and expression move smoothly, is my ideal,” Nicoletta explained as she guided me through the exhibition. The school’s unique structure, dedicating three hours daily to arts education, has transformed her academic experience as well, leading to recognition for her outstanding GPA.

Team Building Creativity

The centerpiece of the exhibition featured four nearly life-size ballerina sculptures created by freshman student teams. Each sculpture represented a beautiful example of collaborative artistry—individual students crafted specific body parts that were later assembled into cohesive wholes under the guidance of their sculpture teacher, Mr. Wesley.

“I carried that leg around with me for months and worked on it at home and at school. I have grown accustomed to having its company,” shared Eliana, pointing to her beautifully extended ballet leg with its perfectly pointed foot.

What made these sculptures even more impressive was their construction material: cardboard. When asked about creating such fluid forms from such a rigid medium, one student explained, “We softened it by hand by repeatedly bending and smoothing until it yielded to our shapes.”

A Nurturing Environment

Beyond the impressive artwork, what is striking is the atmosphere of the school itself. The architecture, with its vast, inspiring spaces, creates an environment where creativity flourishes. But it’s the community that truly distinguishes DESA.

“I have made wonderful friends. We are a close community where everyone is supportive and lends help when needed. Criticism is constructive, kind, and very valuable,” Nicoletta shared as she introduced us to many of her classmates.

The faculty’s approach reflects this supportive philosophy. When asked about their teaching methods at a previous event, one visual arts teacher explained, “We teach the fundamentals and basics of art—technique, tools, media, and vision. We feel that this is the best way to help prepare our students for the rigors of their future education and ultimately, life.”

Growing Artistic Vision

As we explored intricate skull drawings that would inspire next year’s projects, Nicoletta reflected on her artistic development: “This year, my eye has become more developed. I calculate and observe better. I can see differences and note details, symbolism, and emotions.”

The exhibition culminated with award presentations, including a historic first—a sculpture titled “Right Standing Work” winning Best in Show. Department Chair Ms. Elana Casey recognized the excellence of the faculty while emphasizing, “We are so honored to be supporting our students’ vision.”

In a world that often undervalues artistic development,  DESA remind us that nurturing creative talent isn’t just about producing art—it’s about developing young people who see the world with greater depth, collaborate with genuine respect, and approach challenges with both technical skill and imaginative vision.

Like many instructions in today’s economic environment, funding has been cut in many ways. The Visual Arts Department field trip to New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art had to be cancelled due to cessation of funding. Instead of complaining, Department Chair,  Ms. Casey, said, “This is a wonderful opportunity for you guys to DONATE and support our mission.”

Walking back to our car through the rain, I hardly noticed the weather. My mind was still discovering details in the exceptional student creations I had  just witnessed- it was an highly engaging immersive experience—each piece a testament to the transformative power of dedicated arts education.