Samantha Cellucci ’26
As you walk through the Campus Center, you might catch sight of an art installation transforming an ordinary stairwell into a vibrant tribute to the power of creativity. “Creativity Takes Courage,” inspired by the words of renowned artist Henri Matisse, isn’t just a collection of colorful tiles—it’s a reminder of the courage that fuels artistic expression. The collection of glass tiles can be found nestled in the back stairwell of the Campus Center, adding brightness to the halls.
The hallway mosaic is the brainchild of the leaders of ‘Install-It,’ a collaborative art club on campus dedicated to enhancing visual beauty throughout the campus. Eleanor Anderson ’25 and Upper School art teacher Hillary Hutchison have championed the Install-It Club, and are the masterminds behind the piece. Their leadership kickstarted the project, and others quickly began to contribute to the magic. Faculty, staff, and even middle schoolers added their personal touches, making this mosaic a true community effort. Through symbols of music, theater, and visual arts, the piece showcases the range of the Academy’s art department, inspiring passersby to reach for their own creative potential.
Photo courtesy of @ea_install_it Instagram
“The collaboration on this piece really reflects our community spirit,” says Hutchison. “It wasn’t just about the final product—it was a collective celebration of the arts, created by many hands.” Anderson shares this sentiment, adding, “I’m proud of the vibrancy and unity the tiles bring to the space. It represents the hard work and dedication from everyone involved.”
The diversity of art forms represented in “Creativity Takes Courage” resonates with students, serving as a reminder to embrace their unique talents. Madison Bottoli ’26, says she’s drawn to “the way it shows the different facets of art, especially the masks representing theater.” For Bottoli and her peers, the mosaic’s rich colors and textures act as a daily encouragement to be brave in both art and life. This reminder to be courageous is more than just symbolic. “We want our students to take risks,” says Hutchison. “It helps them build confidence and resilience, qualities that are essential for lifelong learning.” The piece has already inspired students like Emma Anderson ’26, who reflects, “Seeing ‘creativity takes courage’ each day reminds me to trust my instincts as an artist. To be creative, you have to take chances and believe in yourself.”
“Creativity Takes Courage” is more than an art piece; it’s become a part of Episcopal Academy’s artistic culture. This mosaic, created by students, faculty, and staff, serves as a visible reminder of the courage involved in creative expression. With its mix of art forms, it reflects Episcopal’s support for a community where students feel free to explore and take creative risks every day.