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Avalon Hester

06/22/18

Avalon Hester's Oxbow Final Project was featured in the New York Times article "She Painted Portraits of ‘Overlooked’ Women. Then She Made a Dress" by Karie Macdonald.

" With #MeToo in mind, 17-year-old Avalon Hester turned a Times obituary series into a pleated gown. Avalon Hester did just that — and more — for her final project at the Oxbow School, a single-semester arts school in Napa, Calif., for high school juniors and seniors, and gap-year students. Inspired by artists like Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald, who each created an official Obama portrait, Ms. Hester wanted to explore storytelling through portraiture."

Oxbow opened me up to what was out there in the world to go out and grab, and gave me so much that I take with me everywhere I go, with everything I do.

— Nina Palomba, Spring 2008

I want to thank you all for being so supportive and wonderful, thank you for running this incredible program. And half of my acceptance to RISD is because of Oxbow. (Especially thanks to Chris who wrote my letter of rec, to Jennifer who revised my essays, to the admissions team who helped me with my portfolio.

— Jeff Shen, Fall 2014

I have learned so many skills and habits that have made me a better person throughout my time here. To name a few: I have learned how to be a good roommate, how to communicate, and how to trust myself. I have learned the importance of staying hydrated, getting good sleep, and having a clean work space. I have learned how to share space both in the studios and dorms. Lastly, I have learned that it’s okay to advocate for what you need and that there is no harm in asking for help or support.

— Grace Reynolds, Fall 2023

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