In a powerful testimonial during BAA Foundation's inaugural Annual Meeting, Natalia Reyes (BAA ’20) shared with guests her experience working with professional architects during her time at Boston Arts Academy to design the five-story glass curtain wall that graces the front of the new Boston Arts Academy school building (watch here at the 46:48 mark).

"To me, this curtain wall captures the environment, culture, and diversity of the City of Boston. It also represents urban, city kids, like me."

During her senior year, Natalia worked with Studio M7, BAA's in-school student-run design firm, to create the concept for this public artwork. Natalia started the project’s creative process by coming up with words that represented the school like: illuminate, unity, support, diversity, inclusion, beacon, educate, and self-expression. 

"I wanted to translate the energy of the city, the lights, the moving people. The city is never quiet, nor still. So, I wanted to capture that through different components and perspectives using various shapes and patterning."

"My teacher, Ms. Gretta Olton, gave me an opportunity to focus on something I’m passionate about. She was an advocate for me and many other students. She helped me turn my vision into a reality," shared Natalia. "Now my art is alive, permanently on the new school building, on display for millions of people visiting the Fenway neighborhood to see."

"If it were not for BAA, I would have never had the opportunity to experience a project like this, building the curtain wall."

We are so proud of Natalia, currently a sophomore at Lesley University on a full four-year scholarship. Your contributions help us to continue to support deserving, hard-working, talented students like Natalia in their arts education and pursuit of their dreams.