The Ecos del Pasado carnival brought color, music, and emotion to life on Thursday, celebrating creativity across Del Oro High’s Visual & Performing Arts programs. Organized by art teacher Madison Holmes, the event was designed to showcase all areas of student artistry in one special night — a celebration of talent, collaboration, and community.
“This was about bringing everyone together,” Holmes said. “I wanted to show what our visual and performing arts students can do when given the spotlight they deserve.”
The evening featured beautiful art displays, live mariachi music, traditional folklorico dancing, student games, and vendor booths that filled the school campus with laughter and culture. The event also included a Día de los Muertos ofrenda, decorated with flowers and candles to honor some famous Hispanic artists and reflect on the deeper meaning behind art and remembrance.
Although artwork from only 18 Crescent Elementary pupils was featured, the turnout from the school’s staff was remarkable; there were more Crescent staff members in attendance than Del Oro’s, showing strong support from the Crescent community. Surprisingly, despite it being one of the biggest art events of the year, no school administrators attended. But the night’s success spoke for itself, and Holmes credited her dedicated staff for making it all possible.
“The only reason this event was such a success is because I have so much faith in my staff,” she said. “They helped make everything come to life.”
Holmes shared that she plans to make at least three art events throughout the year, continuing to collaborate with the community and even local elementary students to inspire future artists.
She also expressed deep gratitude for her students: “The biggest credit goes to my kids; there’s no art gallery without art. Del Oro art students put our school on the map in their very first year. We’re trying to build our social media presence, so we can start selling prints and encourage new students to join the program.”
Money raised from events like Thursday’s exhibition will go toward scholarships and field trips for Del Oro’s art students, creating more opportunities for them to grow and express themselves.
Several students stood out during the show. Junior Mariah Berrelleza, only in her second year of art, went above and beyond — her work left many amazed. Senior Gavin Roberson brought edge and creativity to his graffiti-style art, painting over old CVS shelves and turning them into beautiful art. Junior Brissa Solis, a first-year art student, impressed with her natural talent and passion. Senior Sebastian Fernandez’s charcoal drawing of Tupac Shakur drew crowds and praise for its realism and emotion.
“I was blown away,” Holmes said. “It was sick — in the best way.”
The exhibition wasn’t just about art — it was about heart. Through teamwork, dedication, and creativity, Holmes and her students transformed a simple school event into something unforgettable, proving that with enough passion, art truly can bring a community together.
