Across Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District, creativity is taking center stage, and students from elementary through high school are thriving in vibrant, expanding arts programs. From immersive gallery nights to award-winning ceramics, our students are benefiting from the arts as a part of their educational experiences.
At David Weir Preparatory Academy, the newly added visual arts program, led by art teacher Mrs. Lisa Ryan, culminated in a joyful Art Museum Night. After a year of studying art elements, styles, and media, students became curators of their own work, welcoming families into a transformed Multi-Purpose Room filled with paintings, drawings, and collaborative installations. Acting as docents, students guided guests through their creations with pride and purpose. “We had an amazing night of art, art making, and community,” said Mrs. Ryan. Principal Alison Guernsey shared, “All students now receive 45 minutes of art instruction each week, and the results speak for themselves. We’re excited to continue expanding next year.”
Over at Armijo High School, the inaugural Multimedia Academy Showcase offered another dimension of student creativity. On May 22, students presented a dynamic mix of digital design, video production, storytelling, and original music to families and staff in the school library. “This showcase marks an exciting new chapter,” said teacher Emily Kile, reflecting on the student growth and talent on display. “We’re thrilled to celebrate our incredible students and give them a platform to share their creativity.”
Younger students also had their moment in the spotlight at Cordelia Hills Elementary, where Proposition 28-funded art teacher Mrs. Jennita Itthi-Angkul hosted the school’s First Annual Student Art Show on May 19. Families walked through a vibrant exhibition of student work, each piece a reflection of experimentation, growth, and identity. “The show is a celebration of imagination and creativity,” Mrs. Itthi-Angkul said. “Each project gave students space to try something new and express who they are.”
Student artists didn’t just shine on campus—they made a splash countywide. At the Solano County Art Show, Armijo High School students swept the categories they entered, earning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards for a sweep! Their proud teacher, Cody Frisinger, remarked, “I am so proud of my students in all of the work they produced this year. They were open to trying new techniques and pushed themselves to create complex artworks. The best part is seeing their artwork recognized against so many other schools and talented students. This really shows the quality of students we have along with their motivation to create beautiful things!”
Meanwhile, Armijo’s Ceramics Department, under the guidance of Miss Louise Jacob, also achieved standout success at the 9th Annual FSVAA Art Show. Students earned five of six top awards in the Ceramics and Ceramic Vessels categories, as well as an honorable mention. Among the standout pieces were Find Me by Abrielle Farias, Mary’s Garden of Faith, and The Meal Deal by Lucas Hernandez, which received 1st place in the Ceramics Division. Their work reflected both technical skill and imaginative flair, and the recognition reinforced the strength of the district’s visual arts programs.
These achievements—large and small—are more than just events on a calendar. They represent a deeper investment in student expression, exploration, and joy. Across FSUSD, arts education is helping students build confidence, connect with peers and families, and discover new ways of thinking and being. The arts are not only alive in FSUSD—they are flourishing!
