Creating Community: Bullis Acorn and Oak Art Installation

In the Spring of 2025, students in Upper School Visual Art and faculty came together to create a remarkable installation for the Atrium: over 100 ceramic acorns and oaks, inspired by local artist Laurel Lukaszewski. This project was made possible by a generous Parents Association Grant, which supported materials and resources for the students’ creative vision.

The acorn and oak are symbols of growth, strength, and potential—values that are deeply rooted in the Bullis School community. Just as an acorn grows into a mighty oak, Bullis students are nurtured to reach their full potential, supported by the collaborative spirit of their peers, faculty, and the larger school community.

This project wasn’t about individual achievement; rather, it celebrated the power of collaboration. No single piece was completed by one person. Instead, many hands contributed to a collective work of art, reflecting the spirit of community that defines life at Bullis.

Step 1: Making

Students began by shaping clay into oak leaves and acorns, exploring form, texture, and expression.

Step 2: Glazing

Next, each piece was carefully glazed, allowing students to experiment with color and finish while maintaining the cohesive vision of the installation.

Step 3: Class of 2025 Acorns

Special acorns were created to represent the graduating Class of 2025, leaving a lasting imprint of their time at Bullis.

Step 4: Mapping

The team thoughtfully planned the placement of each piece, creating a harmonious arrangement that highlights the collective effort behind the installation.

Step 5: Installation

Finally, the pieces were installed in the Atrium, transforming the space into a visual celebration of collaboration, creativity, and connection.

This project would not have been possible without the support and generosity of the Bullis community:

• The Parents Association for their generosity.

• Mr. Zigler for printing the oak and acorn cookie-cutter templates, ensuring visual consistency.

• Ms. Booth, Ms. Christensen, Ms. Polun, Ms. Terwilliger, Ms. Venezian, Ms. Wade, as well as the Facilities and Security teams, for their support with the logistics of installation.

The Atrium installation stands as a testament to what can be achieved when many hands work together, embodying the collaborative and caring spirit that makes Bullis School such a special place.