Art at the Park (AATP) is Christ Episcopal School’s week-long celebration of the arts, which culminates in our unique take on a school fair.
Kicking off with an adults-only cocktail event, the week progresses with a child-centered, gallery-style art exhibit and reception; the jaw-dropping, student-created Box Parade; and, finally, a Saturday spent on our sprawling campus with confetti eggs, wacky hair, and arts and crafts to spare.
Hosted by the Christ Episcopal School Parent Association (CESPA), it is the school’s largest event, and it brings in significant funding that supports educational enhancements.
The name “Art at the Park” nods to the event’s history. Held in Bogue Falaya Park in its early years, Art at the Park is now held on the bucolic grounds of the Christwood Boulevard Campus (CBC).
Important 2023 Art at the Park deadlines:
Thursday, March 23: Pre-sales for Day Fair tickets and Battle of the Bands wristbands end today. Click here for all.
Friday, March 24: Box Parade theme ideas are due to homeroom or cohort teachers.
Monday, March 27: Last day to purchase Opening Night Party tickets (click here) or, if you’re a sponsor, last day to RSVP for the party.
Student Art Show Opening Parents, family, and friends are invited to enjoy the art of our talented 1st-12th grade students and light refreshments at the CBC Art Show Opening in the Dathel Fine Arts Center Foyer on Thursday, March 30, from 3-5 p.m. The spectacular art remains on display through the AATP day fair!
One of our most eagerly anticipated traditions, the annual Box Parade is not to be missed. Students in 4th-12th grades transform ordinary oversize boxes into wearable masterpieces in keeping with an annual theme. The ECC and Lower School students in 1st-3rd grades watch the creative parade, which continues on through the Christwood Retirement Community. The CBC-wide Fun Run (students only; no signup or preparation required) precedes the Box Parade.
Click on the graphic below to watch a short video with all you need to know about Box Parade rules, themes, prizes, etc. for students in grades 4-12. (P.S. Our younger students line the parade route and cheer on all of the participants!)
What if I need a box? Boxes were disseminated on February 14. If you still need one, please email ssheehan@christepiscopalschool.org. Include student name and grade.
When are box theme ideas due? Friday, March 24. Box theme ideas should be turned in to homeroom or cohort teachers by this date.
Can parents watch the parade? Absolutely! Parents are asked to bring their own chairs and set up along the Intergenerational Pathway that connects the CBC to Christwood Retirement Center (near the 3-4 Building at the CBC). Please be set up, along this path only, by 9:30 a.m. on parade day.
What time does the Box Parade begin? The Box Parade begins at 9:45 a.m.
When are boxes due at school? Boxes are brought to school the morning of Box Parade day (arriving with students in car line), which this year is Friday, March 31.
What are the Box Parade rules? Please see graphic below.
Opening Night Party is an adult-only cocktail party for sponsors, parents, and CES faculty and staff!
This year’s event will be on Friday, March 31, at 7 p.m. at Maison Lafitte.
Tickets are limited and sales end on Monday, March 27 (or when we reach capacity), so order now and prepare to blast off for an evening of intergalactic proportions! The “Out of This World” party will feature a carefully curated silent auction, delectable food and libations, and musical entertainment, all designed for a night of infinite enjoyment!
Click here to order your individual tickets or purchase a sponsorship (each level includes at least two tickets to the ONP)!
A note to sponsors: Please email your ONP RSVP to Opening Night Party Chair Anna Scheffy at annascheffy@gmail.com.
Spend the day with family and friends, classmates, and faculty at the CBC enjoying all the essentials of a traditional school fair with some Wildcat extras. Kids enjoy the run of the campus looking for their next confetti egg targets, stopping to take part in the dozens of crafts and activities along the way. Recent years have boasted human hamster wheels, rock climbing walls, pony rides, a petting zoo, finger casts, tie-dye t-shirt making, wacky hair and make-up, and more. Food truck specialties and a variety of entertainment opportunities round out the fun at this can’t-miss event.
Click here to pre-purchase Day Fair ticket bundles and the Krewe of Krowns artisan experience! Click here to purchase the Swamp Girl Glass artisan experience (see details on artisan experiences in the March 13 Go Home).
This Saturday night event from 4-9:30 p.m. follows the Day Fair and will feature six local student bands, food trucks (for the duration of the event), fireworks, and more! All ages are welcome to join this music festival atmosphere on The Quad at the CBC!
Battle of the Bands Schedule and Lineup:
4 p.m.: Gates open
5:30: Music starts and includes bands Talking Pictures, October Lights, Hailey’s Comet, School of Rock, Led Pencilz, more!
9:30 p.m.: Awards, encore, and fireworks
Click here to pre-purchase Battle of the Bands wristbands! Wristbands are for entry only; please bring cash for food and other miscellaneous purchases.
Participating bands, see below.
If you’ll be performing at BOTB, click here for the required permission slip.
2023 Art at the Park t-shirts sales have closed.
To secure your sponsorship via online payment, click here. Alternatively, print and fill out the form below and return it to the CES Business Office with payment. Thank you!