Building on last year’s success, many community members and arts groups throughout the valley and school district were eager to take part and contribute to the event.
In similar fashion to last year, a main focus of the Art Palazzo was the Empty Bowls charity effort, a partnership with Valley Community Food Pantry. Attendees were able to order soup donated by Milano’s and HUSD’s Nutrition Services. Soup was provided in one of many custom ceramic bowls made by high school students that attendees could keep. The $2,800 raised on Friday alone from soup bowl orders was donated to Valley Community Pantry.
The Art Palazzo also featured live musical performances from the Tahquitz Marching Band (percussionists), Polynesian Club Dancers, Folklorico Dancers, and other musical groups as well as individual performances. Throughout the event, student organizations such as Tahquitz Construction CTE, Marine Corps JROTC, and West Valley Fine Arts showcased and sold products.
Many activities were also available this year from the Palazzo’s broad group of participants. High school students led children’s art activities in the visual classroom and pottery painting activities were available in the ceramics classroom. Adults were able to put pottery up on kick wheels to make their own unique projects.
The Arts at HUSD look forward to future Art Palazzo events and HUSD as a whole would like to express gratitude to the many organizations and partners involved in the event.
The remaining ceramic bowls from this event will be sold at the District Art Showcase in the HUSD District Office Boardroom on April 26, 2024. These sales will also go towards Valley Community Food Pantry.