Walk the halls of St. Clare Hospital in Lakewood this summer, and you’ll find more than white walls and medical monitors, thanks to 11 student photographers from Lakes High School.
Picture this: Waterfalls caught mid-cascade, a toy goldfish leaping in an explosion of color, and a rainbow so perfect it forms a full, natural circle over the water. These images, captured by eleven student photographers from Lakes High School, are part of a special exhibit that’s both artistic and deeply human. And this year’s show is a milestone, marking ten years of a collaboration between St. Clare and the school’s commercial photography program.
Lakes High School Student Photographers Showcase Art at St. Clare Hospital
Each year, students submit their best work for the chance to be featured in the hospital’s permanent collection. The hospital staff votes on their favorites, choosing which photographs will line the walls and, in doing so, help brighten the days of patients, visitors, and care providers.
The latest unveiling took place last month, where students, families, school staff, and city and district officials gathered alongside hospital employees for a celebration of this enduring partnership—and the powerful creativity of young artists.
“The artwork displayed each year captures the attention and heart of patients, their families, visitors, and our staff every day,” said Matt Metsker, President of St. Clare Hospital. “We have greatly enjoyed the artistry and imagination of previous winners, and we are thrilled to now showcase this new collection of photos by such talented young representatives of Lakewood.”
Each student whose photo was selected received a certificate of appreciation and a custom postcard set featuring their own work, as well as the work of their fellow photographers.
Student Art Transforms St. Clare Hospital
One of this year’s featured students, Boen, shared the story behind his breathtaking image of a circular rainbow. “I came home from school and noticed a rainbow over the water,” he said. “I thought it would be cool to capture a fully natural circle-rainbow. I like this photo because it symbolizes hope and happiness.”
Another student, Minette, talked about the creative process behind her dynamic photo of a goldfish making a splash. “I decided to photograph a toy goldfish being dropped into a tub of water,” she explained. “I wanted to capture a fiery image, with the water splashing around it to create the illusion of the fish swimming.”
This year’s collection includes a vibrant mix of nature and still life: cherry blossoms in full bloom, misty forest trails, beach sunsets glowing in warm hues, and close-up details of birds and fish. Each image tells a story, and each photographer, in their own way, contributes to the larger narrative of what it means to find healing through art.
For the students, the exhibit is a chance to share their perspectives with a much wider audience. For the patients and staff at St. Clare, it’s a source of light during challenging moments. And for the community, it’s a testament to the power of partnerships between schools and healthcare institutions, between youth and adults, between creativity and compassion.
After a decade of collaboration, the exhibit has become more than just a display. It’s a living archive of young talent and a symbol of how art can transform even the most clinical spaces into something hopeful, human, and alive.
