Polytechnic School’s History Department Hosts Abolitionist Art Exhibit

Article and Photos courtesy of POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL OCTOBER 26, 2016

In an art exhibit hosted by Poly’s History Department, Poly parent Hope Demetriades recently showcased “The North Stars: Canonizing the American Abolitionists,” a series of mixed media artwork in Boswell Gallery. Demetriades created the artwork to honor American abolitionist efforts to end slavery. Having learned of the significance of slavery in United States history at a young age, Demetriades had always wanted to promote racial unity in her work.

“Racism is alive and kicking,” she said. “It’s my hope that by honoring our brave and sacrificial abolitionists, I can inspire people to emulate them by continuing the fight for racial justice.”

Students from all three divisions have viewed the exhibit. All juniors taking US History took a break from the classroom to visit the exhibit. “Mrs. Demetriades pointed out that the abolitionists were often inspired by each other,” says Alexandra P. ’18. “I really enjoyed seeing how she uniquely portrayed them.” Eleventh-graders will further explore abolitionism later this year during the antebellum unit.