When staff and students returned from Spring Break, they were greeted by a dazzling window mural and labyrinth in the Atrium. Created by a team of staff and students, in collaboration with our Artist-in-Residence Luisa Henz, read on to discover the who, how and why of these incredible art pieces.
During her two-year artist residency at SJS, Luisa Henz has led over 150 interdisciplinary arts workshops, each designed to inspire creativity, self-expression and collaboration. This year, her work culminated in a collaboration with Design Teacher Victoria Murphy, engaging students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 in creating a school-wide mural and labyrinth. Together, they turned the Atrium into a space for reflection, inviting students to pause, observe and appreciate the collective beauty created from shared effort.
At the heart of Luisa’s approach is the belief that the arts serve as a powerful tool for connection—not only to creativity but also to each other. Earlier in the year, her shadow puppet workshops in Junior School explored the interplay of light and shadow, which laid the foundation for the stained-glass window mural’s theme. Similarly, her body percussion workshops in Senior School introduced students to polyrhythms, reinforcing the concept that each rhythm, like every student, is an essential part of a larger, interconnected whole.
The Stained Glass Window Mural: A Collective Vision
The mural was designed by five senior students—Ashley Wang, Cecie Kot, Iona Jiang, Jolie Ye and Maggie Zhou—and carefully collaged together by Ms. Victoria Murphy. The final artwork was divided into 570 pieces, with each student contributing a piece to the larger, unified vision. Using vibrant tissue paper to mimic the effect of stained glass, students pieced together their sections, creating a luminous work of art that radiates light and unity.
The mural came to life with symbolic images that reflect our community values: the eagle representing our ability to soar with purpose, the whale symbolizing our appreciation for the land we live, work and play on, and the compass for the wayfinding that guides us forward.
A special thank you to Junior School Art Teacher Lauren Lam who supported her students with this project.
The Labyrinth: A Path of Reflection
In parallel with the mural, Luisa guided Grade 12 students in the creation of a labyrinth using National Geographic newspapers. As students walked its winding path, they engaged in deep reflection, contemplating history, culture, geography and their own sense of belonging to the greater picture.
Unlike traditional mazes, which are designed to confuse, labyrinths paths—invented 4000 BCE, offer a single winding path leading to the center—a metaphor for personal and communal processes of learning. At the labyrinth’s center, a single puzzle piece awaited each student, reinforcing the message that every individual plays a crucial role in our community.
Art as a Message of Unity
The mural and labyrinth were more than just artistic endeavors—they were powerful metaphors for interconnection. Through these creations, students experienced firsthand how individual contributions can come together to form something meaningful. By integrating visual art, movement and mindfulness, Luisa Henz has left a lasting impact on the SJS community, ensuring that the lessons of collaboration, self-reflection and belonging will continue to resonate long after the final piece was placed.
