The majority of St. Mark’s students returned to campus, after enjoying two days off last Thursday and Friday, and probably noticed little evidence of the extraordinary event that took place over the weekend. In fact, the entire faculty and staff, Upper School fine arts students, and scores of parent volunteers worked tirelessly to host and participate in The Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS) Arts Festival. The event went off without a hitch thanks to the leadership of Fine Arts Department Chair Jacque Gavin and parent coordinator Pam Larrave. For over a year, they worked conscientiously to ensure every detail associated with the Festival was addressed. The event not only showcased the talents of students but also the commitment of the St. Mark’s fine arts department and the cooperative spirit of the entire School community.

The Festival is officially sanctioned and supported by the ISAS to help promote and develop the fine arts activities and curricula for grades 9-12 of its member schools. Participation in the Festival is intended to promote high standards and stimulate creativity in the performing and fine arts programs of the schools and in the individual endeavors of students and teachers.

In a letter to parents describing The Festival, Headmaster Arnie Holtberg noted: “the arts are universal in what they do for the human spirit, soul, and intellect. The arts give rise to imagination and creativity and allow us to communicate in ways that are so vital to our humanity.” He pointed out that the Festival provides an opportunity for new connections and soaring spirits. “All of this is a great reminder as to why the arts have such an important role in the life of boys at St. Mark's from grades 1 through 12.”

The ISAS Arts Festival began in 1967 when the Casady School Choir invited the choirs of Wichita Collegiate and Holland Hall to participate in a joint program. Since then, the Festival has grown to be the nation’s premiere annual regional arts festival among independent schools, typically occurring each spring at a different member school campus. The Festival is designed to be a celebration of sharing and learning with critiques by professional artists and performers rather than a competition for prizes or rankings.