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UA+Ed Foundation Grant in Action: Burbank’s Annual Gallery Hop
- Upper Arlington Education Foundation
- Apr 22
- 2 min read
Updated: May 1
April 10, 2025 | Burbank Childhood Elementary School
Every spring, Burbank Early Childhood School (BECS) comes alive with color, creativity, and community spirit during its annual Gallery Hop—a beloved tradition that celebrates the imagination and artistic voices of our youngest learners.
With the help of Upper Arlington Education Foundation’s Burbank Arts Fund and the support of Burbank’s PTO, this year’s Gallery Hop was more vibrant and meaningful than ever. The funds provide each classroom with the art supplies and resources needed to dream big and create something truly special. The result? A school-wide transformation into a joyful, immersive gallery showcasing the talents and hard work of every student.
Families, friends, and staff wandered the hallways and gym, now filled with themed art displays that reflected what students had been learning in the classroom. One class, for example, followed the birth of a new panda cub and turned their fascination into a collection of panda-inspired art—after spending weeks watching a live panda cam and learning about conservation. Every project had a story, and each piece of art was filled with personality, purpose, and pride.
The Story Behind the Fund The Burbank Arts Fund was established by Mark and Brenda Gerhardt in 2001 to promote the visual arts for Burbank students. It is an Endowment Fund that is structured to provide support into perpetuity. Any friend of Burbank can donate to grow the fund.
At BECS, learning through art is more than just painting and coloring—it’s a way to connect with the world, explore new ideas, and express understanding. This fund allows teachers to seamlessly integrate art into their lesson plans, allowing students to learn by creating.
“Our teachers love finding ways to make learning come alive,” said Principal Chris Thiel. “This fund helped us go even further. The supplies and support gave us the flexibility to try new ideas and turn our classrooms into creative studios.”
Creating Lasting Impressions
“It was a strong reminder of what makes Burbank such a special place,” said Principal Chris Thiel. “Families were engaged, kids were proud to share their work, and the energy throughout the building was really positive. We were all proud of the effort—and especially proud of the work on display.”
Events like the Gallery Hop remind us of the power of community support, and the incredible things that can happen when creativity and education come together. The BECS students had the chance to not only showcase their learning, but also experience the joy of being artists.
The Upper Arlington Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides access to meaningful opportunities for students that are beyond the budget of the Upper Arlington School District. Established in 1985, UA+Ed is permanently structured to fund programs and projects today and for generations to come. The Upper Arlington Alumni Association is an important part of the foundation and keeps graduates connected, engaged, and motivated to pay it forward.
