Framed digital pieces and projected videos lined the walls at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCASD) in San Diego, turning the museum’s gallery into a student work showcase from local high schools, including the digital media classes at Bishop’s. On December 12, the museum reception welcomed families and friends alike to take in all the student work. A display of intentional and striking techniques, this extended showcase was a testament to the meticulous process the students undertook.
Digital Media teacher Ms. Emily Grenader revealed that the partnership between Bishop’s and MCASD was not new, but rather a long-lasting collaboration that had existed since she began teaching here. Even though the program paused during the museum’s three-year renovation, this year marked its return and expansion. “We’ve worked with the museums ever since my first year teaching here,” Ms. Grenader stated. She noted that this year’s exhibit involved an extended collaboration, where Bishop’s students showed their work alongside San Diego School of Creative Performing Arts (SDSCPA), and High Tech High Mesa.
In preparation for the exhibit, students participated in a process spanning several months, where the class made several visits to the museum, drawing inspiration from other artists’ style and work. Then, the students developed proposals and received feedback from peers and teachers, until their refined work was publicly displayed in the museum.
Ian, Elias, and Chris all found the event to be a great experience. “This was one of the biggest exhibits out of all my high school years in digital media,” recalled Chris, who has studied the art medium ever since he was a freshman. Ms. Grenader intended for these visits to give students “a little bit of a glimpse into what it’s like to be a professional artist and to show your work to the public.” Riley Emery (‘29), a visitor at the showcase, observed how the event highlighted the impact student art can have beyond campus. “This is how Bishop’s students and students around the city can see art that kids made, and how that can affect people,” Riley smiled.
Although the showcase’s reception was on December 12, 2025, the artwork will remain until January 18, 2026. Anyone can pay a visit during opening hours, 11 AM-7 PM from Thursday through Saturday.
In the end, the exhibit stood as both a display of finished projects and a shared space of student creativity. Ms. Grenader noted how many of the works explored common themes of process, identity, and personal connection, even though everyone approached those ideas differently. Students were able to see their art not just as an assignment, but as something meant to be experienced and interpreted.
