As part of the lead-up to LACHSApalooza, the LACHSA Foundation invited LACHSA’s Visual Arts students to take on a real-world creative challenge: design the initial marketing assets for one of the most significant fundraising events in the school’s 40-year history.

This was not a hypothetical exercise or a classroom-only prompt. Led by LACHSA Graphic Design teaching artist, Sandi Silbert, these designs were created for active use across social media, the LACHSA Foundation website, and print materials, with student artists credited for their work and, in gratitude for saying yes to the challenge, each student will receive a free ticket to LACHSApalooza on May 30th, 2026 at the Greek Theatre.

The Assignment: Designing for a Landmark Moment

The assignment asked student artists to step into the role of professional designers. Students were given full context for the event, LACHSA Foundation brand guidelines, technical specifications, and required copy. They were then challenged to translate the spirit of LACHSApalooza into compelling visual storytelling.

The process for creating the designs was threefold:

  • Students brainstormed design ideas as a class
  • Each participating student artist submitted 4 rough ideas
  • With class input, final ideas were selected and brought to life

Every piece needed to balance the individual student’s creative voice with the essence of LACSHApalooza across formats, mirroring the expectations of professional client work.

How Students Approached the Challenge

Under the leadership of the LACHSA Visual Arts Chair, Lisa Ruiz, and with guidance by LACHSA teaching artist, Sandi Silbert, LACHSA student artists drafted designs with bold colors and expressive typography, capturing the energy of a major Los Angeles festival. Others explored symbolism and layered imagery, weaving the event’s story and spirit together. Across styles, each submitted work demonstrated an understanding of audience, purpose, and platform, in addition to their artistic skills.

The LACHSA Foundation shared these student artist drafts with its staff, Board members, LACHSA Administration and Art Department Chairs, and gained feedback regarding the designs. Feedback was provided to Ms. Silbert who worked with student artists on the final designs, just like a client would do in the world of graphic design.

The Results: A Showcase of Exemplary Student Artistry

What stands out most is how successfully the students translated their visions and talent into cohesive, striking visual narratives. These designs allow student artists to express their unique voices, critically think about a client’s needs, and create social impact by helping the LACHSA Foundation to promote this benefit arts and music festival.

Below, we invite you to view each of the submitted works. Each one represents the diversity in creativity, highlights the depth of talent within LACHSA’s Visual Arts department, and the artistic excellence that students are building as emerging artists.

What’s Next?

The posters designed by these student artists are the first visual invitation into the LACHSApalooza experience. LACHSApalooza is the culminating celebration of the LACHSA Foundation’s two-year 40th Anniversary fundraising campaign.

Produced by the LACHSA Foundation at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 30, 2026, this benefit arts and music festival will bring together illustrious alumni, today’s student artists across all five of LACHSA’s arts disciplines (music, theatre, visual arts, cinematic arts, and dance), and the broader Greater Los Angeles and LACHSA community. It is an event rooted in legacy and momentum, raising critical funding to support future generations of LACHSA student artists while honoring the legacy of those who’ve called LACHSA a creative home over the last four decades.

Keep an eye on our official LACHSApalooza Page and follow along on your favorite platforms as we continue to celebrate LACHSA’s 40th Anniversary and inch closer to LACSHApalooza:

Become a sponsor! We invite you to invest in our mission at LACHSApalooza and ensure artistic excellence in education at the nation’s #1 public high school for the arts.