Creativity with a Cause: Arts Jam 2025 Celebrates Talent and Giving Back

On a warm afternoon in April, Cannon’s campus was alive with music, movement, and vibrancy during this year’s Arts Jam. Families, faculty, and students gathered for this annual celebration of student creativity and talent—this time, with an added benefit of philanthropy.

A cornerstone event for the Cannon community, Arts Jam showcases the incredible talents of our student artists, musicians, actors, and performers. This year’s festival was no exception, with a packed schedule of performances and hands-on creative activities. Highlights included the return of the Lower School concert to kick off the festival, performances by our band, chorus, and strings groups, and a whimsical production of Mary Poppins by Lower and Middle School performers. The main stage buzzed with energy thanks to performances by Brad Davis’ Modern Ensemble, a variety show by Upper School theater students, and dynamic cultural showcases from Beenatya South Asian Dance Team and the Reid Academy of Irish Dance, featuring a stirring dance by Fiona Gibbons.

Families and students explored an array of arts and crafts stations, from henna and face painting to power carving and printmaking. The annual reveal of The Ink literary magazine cover added a touch of literary flair to the celebration.

But this year’s Arts Jam wasn’t just about celebrating creativity. It was also about channeling it for good.

At the heart of this service element was the debut of the 5th Grade Philanthropy Market, a project led by Dean of 5th Grade students Jeremy Mattsson and Middle School art teacher Alex Bresalier. As part of a yearlong exploration of entrepreneurship and business, fifth-grade students created their own small businesses—complete with marketing plans, pricing strategies, and handmade products—and sold their items at Arts Jam to raise funds for a cause of their choice.

From slime and perfume to bedazzled hair clips, paper airplanes, and 3D printed toys, the students’ entrepreneurial spirit was on full display. After researching various nonprofit organizations, the fifth graders voted to support the Humane Society of Concord and Cabarrus County, a decision made even more meaningful when a representative from the Humane Society visited to share how the funds would be used to help local animals.

By the end of the day, the Philanthropy Market had raised over $2,000, an extraordinary achievement reflecting the compassion and commitment of Cannon’s youngest middle schoolers.

Arts Jam 2025 was a celebration in every sense, recognizing artistic expression, cultural diversity, imagination, and this year, community service as well. We are proud of all the students, faculty, volunteers, and families who made this day such a joyful success.