As the Boulder JCC’s Jay and Rose Phillips Early Childhood Center wrapped up its school year, it also concluded its highly successful, thoughtfully curated, and inspiring Art Show in May 2025. The Early Childhood Center’s main meeting space, usually a hub of activities from food creations to tummy time, turned into a full-on art gallery experience with easels, display boards, labels, artist statements, and more!
With the participation of the entire School (teachers and staff included), children ranging from infants to preschoolers had the opportunity to get their hands messy and create something with Studio Art Teacher Leah Blake. “After winter break, we began creating pieces for the Art Show, drawing from observations and the rich time we’ve spent in the Art Studio. For some children, it was a moment of spontaneous creativity; for others, it evolved into a long-term investigation. Both approaches were equally valuable and worthy of being showcased,” Leah explains.
The Art Studio within the Early Childhood Center’s curriculum is a thoughtfully designed space that fosters creative freedom, an essential part of a child's learning journey. Throughout the year, Leah has given children the time and space to freely explore a variety of materials during their studio time - carefully observing and reflecting after each session, using those insights to build on classroom experiences, and diving deeper into the unique interests of each class. “My favorite part of putting on the Art Show was witnessing the children's reactions—the squeals of joy, the proud smiles, and the pure excitement that fills the room. Children often wear their hearts on their sleeves, and being able to experience those authentic moments is truly a gift,” Leah Blake states.
2025’s Art Show brought an elevated level of production, as the staff involved truly transformed the show space. Every willing child had their artist bio filmed (video overlays included) and displayed with a QR code for access, descriptions of what each classroom’s focus was and how it related to the School’s curriculum were provided, and every piece of art had space for information and display room - all elements of a logistical artpiece within itself. “To witness the intricate pieces that logistically went into this show was something to be proud of. In my opinion, this year was the best! Hats off to a fully rounded, inspiring moment of art,” boasts a Boulder JCC staff member.
In addition to the expressive art created by the students, there was a section highlighting artwork created by teachers and staff members. It takes exceptionally creative and talented individuals to educate, so it's no surprise that such talent was reflected within the staff portion of this show. “From watercolor to textiles, and illustration to photography, it was truly inspiring to see the work of my colleagues. It’s a powerful reminder of the incredible talent at the Boulder JCC," said a staff member.
The Jay and Rose Phillips Early Childhood Center’s Art Show was a remarkable celebration of creativity and community. The transformation into this vibrant art gallery showcased not only the children’s imaginative works, but also the dedication of the staff who helped bring this event to life. The thoughtful integration of the arts into the curriculum, along with the elevated production of the show itself, underscored the importance of creative expression in early childhood development. From the joyful reactions of the children and parents to the inspiring pieces created by the teachers and staff, this year’s Art Show served as a powerful reminder of the incredible talent and passion that thrives at the Boulder JCC.