Thayer Senior Recognized for Artwork

The artistic talent of Eliana Soares ’26 has drawn attention in the Boston area in recent weeks. 

On the third episode of its “Artists Next Door” series, Millis Community Media offered a 12-minute profile of Soares, a Millis resident. In it the senior describes her artistic process and how the theme of “bright, positive feeling” runs through most of her work.

“I really like to feel happy when I look at my art, and I hope other people feel happy when they look at my art,” said Soares, who works mostly in acrylics but also uses charcoal and watercolor. 

Soares also discussed paintings she’s made of several family members, including one of her grandmother who recently passed away. 

“I just love that painting,” said Soares, adding that the background of the painting is the Cape Verdean flag, a tribute to her family’s heritage. 

And if Soares’ painting of her grandmother feels familiar to some, there’s good reason. On Jan. 29 GBH featured the work on its Digital Mural, a 30 feet by 45 feet digital display embedded in the exterior wall of the station’s studios overlooking the Mass Turnpike. The display is part of Community Canvas, an initiative presented by The Culture Show where GBH spotlights artwork from community members. 

“We’re just thrilled for Eliana,” said Upper School Visual Arts Department Head Anni Zukauskas ’94 P ’28, ’29, who emphasized not only Soares’ talent and creativity but the senior’s beautiful remembrance of her grandmother. 

All of Soares’ work can be found on Instagram at @elianas_art.27.