Sleman, Indonesia — On January 31 – February 2, 2025, Jogjakarta Montessori Elementary School (JMES) students proudly showcased their talent and boundless imagination through the Art Exhibition 2025, "The Intuitive Art Through a Child's Mind," at Jogja Gallery. With over 300 artworks displayed, this biennial event served as a vibrant celebration of the creativity and intuition of young artists from grades 1 - 6 of JMES.

This year's exhibition, themed "The Intuitive Art Through a Child's Mind," offered a glimpse into the authentic, natural creativity of the children. Through a variety of mediums such as canvas paintings, mask art, and dazing installations, the exhibition showcased diverse subjects, including reworked pieces from well-known artworks through the child's perception, like the Starry Night, Mona Lisa, Picasso, and Girl with a Pearl Earring, alongside self-portrait and environmental themes such as endangered species: the majestic blue whale, hammerhead shark, one-horned rhinoceros, Elephas maximus, Javanese eagle, red bird of paradise, sea turtle, and the Komodo dragon. Each piece reflected the child's technical skills and deep connection to the natural world and iconic art history.

The exhibition was the culmination of months of hard work. Under the guidance of JMES's dedicated art teacher, Nisrina Habibah Zayyan, S.S., M.Sn, children spent the semester working on their projects. They explored a variety of materials, including canvas, paper, clay, and foam clay, with each piece representing their unique perspective and creativity.

The opening day of the exhibition was a lively and heartwarming event, beginning with valuable speeches by Natalia Christiani, S.S, Principal of JMES, and Vandalina Susanto, S.Pd., Mont. Dipl, Director of Education at Bambini-Jogjakarta Montessori School, celebrating and empowering we, adults, to fully appreciate the power of childlike intuition and imagination in the process to guide them grow naturally towards their potential. The event was further enriched by vibrant performances, including live painting, traditional dance performances, songs, and captivating storytelling by the JMES students, adding an extra layer of joy and excitement to the occasion.

The exhibition was open to the public for three days and attended by more than 450 visitors, attracting even art activists alongside children, parents, education institutions, and departments who walked through the gallery with fulfillment, admiring remarkable artworks created by the children and reflecting on the effort and enthusiasm each child put into their art. A How to Roll a Picasso art game complemented visitors' creative experience.

The JMES Art Exhibition 2025 showcased children's talents and confidence and emphasized the importance of fostering creativity and self-expression in children. This event has become a treasured tradition at Jogjakarta Montessori Elementary School, a testament to the hard work of both the students and teachers, as well as the ongoing support from the school community to nurture holistic education through the creativity, beauty, and respect aspect of arts.

This spirit will always live in every piece of art on display, making the JMES Art Exhibition 2025 a truly unforgettable experience.

Join us on a journey of inspiration at @jogjakartamontessori on Instagram. Relive the unforgettable moments that make our school so special!