More than 300 elementary school students from Anne Arundel County Public Schools have their winter-themed artwork on display in the annual Winter Wonderland Art Exhibit at Westfield Annapolis Mall through January 8, 2026.
The exhibit features a range of creations depicting snowy landscapes, penguins, snowmen, and abstract snowflakes, crafted in mediums such as tempera paint, watercolor, paper collage, and mixed media. Pieces line the mall area near Crate & Barrel and the Discoveries Library, offering shoppers a view of young artists’ interpretations of the winter wonderland theme.
A reception for the student artists takes place at 6 p.m. December 16, 2025, including musical performances by ensembles from Severn Run High School and Broadneck High School.
Annapolis Mall staff and customers have repeatedly remarked that they look forward to the return of the exhibit every year and that the work by AACPS student artists is exemplary.
The partnership between Anne Arundel County Public Schools and Westfield Annapolis Mall provides public exposure for student work, aligning with the district’s visual arts curriculum that encourages creativity across grade levels. Art teachers select pieces based on classroom projects tied to seasonal themes, allowing flexibility in interpretation while meeting educational standards for technique and expression.
Anne Arundel County Public Schools serves over 80,000 students across more than 120 schools, with visual arts integrated from elementary through high school. The Winter Wonderland exhibit focuses exclusively on elementary contributions, one of several annual displays that rotate through community venues like libraries and the mall.
Westfield Annapolis, a central shopping destination off Route 50 with anchors including Macy’s and Nordstrom, hosts community events year-round. The mall’s corridors transform into gallery spaces for these exhibits, drawing families during holiday shopping periods.
Similar displays occur seasonally: spring often features broader student work, while other months highlight specific levels or themes at regional libraries or Maryland Hall in Annapolis.
Visitors can view the exhibit during regular mall hours, typically 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and adjusted weekends. Parking remains free, with access near major entrances.
The visual arts program in AACPS emphasizes process alongside product, teaching elements like color theory, composition, and material exploration. Elementary students learn foundational skills through projects that connect to curriculum units, such as science topics on weather or cultural studies of winter traditions.
Coordinators note the exhibit’s role in building confidence, as students see their work appreciated by the public. Past years have drawn positive feedback for the vibrant, imaginative pieces reflecting children’s perspectives on winter.
For families in nearby areas, including those crossing the Bay Bridge, the display offers a free, accessible arts experience amid holiday activities.
Anne Arundel County’s arts education supports state standards requiring visual arts instruction at all levels, fostering skills transferable to other subjects like problem-solving and observation.
The ongoing collaboration underscores community investment in youth creativity, with mall management providing space to highlight local talent.
