Night of the Arts at UPAD: A Celebration of Creativity

Detroit, MI — University Prep Art & Design's (UPAD) annual Night of the Arts on May 23rd was a stunning celebration of creativity and community, featuring the transformative work of our 7th-grade scholars from Ms. Lloyd’s Art Class.

This year's event was particularly special, highlighting a Project-Based Learning (PBL) unit where scholars harnessed the power of design to champion social justice. Renowned Detroit artist Desiree Kelly collaborated with the scholars to bring their visions to life in a captivating mural, which will welcome everyone at the school entrance. This collaboration was a testament to the impactful learning experiences PBL can offer, connecting classroom lessons with real-world applications.

Adding to the excitement, UPAD partnered with Hagopian for a unique contest, where Level 1 scholars designed rugs inspired by culturally responsive themes. This project developed their artistic skills and prepared them for future careers in art and design. Congratulations to Taylor Hill, whose winning rug design was a highlight of the night!

A heartfelt shout-out to our incredible art team for making Night of the Arts a reality. Ms. Hahn, Ms. Lloyd, Ms. Hansberry, Mr. Massey, Ms. Jones, Mr. Barber-Kennedy, Mr. Boatner, Ms. Ross, and our Art Chair, Ms. Williams, devoted countless hours to ensure the success of this cherished event. Your tireless efforts, from matting and labeling to months of preparation, supported our scholars' growth and development in the arts. A special thank you to Principal Anton Horton for his unwavering support and leadership.

We also celebrate our scholars, whose vision, style, dedication, and perseverance shone brightly throughout the evening. Every scholar at UPAD is an artist, and we are excited to see what they will continue to create and innovate. A special thanks to our scholar culinary artists from the Detroit Food Academy for curating and serving a fantastic menu, adding a delicious touch to the event. Night of the Arts is more than a showcase; it is a vibrant tradition that underscores the creativity and artistry of our UPAD community. We look forward to celebrating even more remarkable talent next year!