More than 700 students had their work showcased at public art exhibit
Fairfield, CA (May 21, 2026) – Students at David Weir Preparatory Academy recently brought together art, science, and environmental stewardship through an immersive classroom aquarium program that culminated in a public art exhibit featuring more than 700 original student-created works at the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum.
As part of the Classroom Aquarium Education Program (CAEP), kindergarten through eighth grade students raised rainbow trout in their art classroom while learning about local watersheds, biodiversity, conservation, and environmental responsibility. Their artwork was showcased from April 4 through May 28 as part of the Vallejo Watershed Alliance 20th anniversary exhibit.
“We wanted students to experience how art and science naturally connect,” said Lisa Ryan, the art teacher at David Weir Preparatory Academy who helped bring the initiative to fruition. “By raising trout in the classroom and creating artwork inspired by the experience, students developed creative thinking skills while also learning about ecosystems, conservation, and the importance of protecting our environment. Watching students take pride in both the care of the trout and the public display of their art has been incredibly meaningful.”
The program was made possible through partnerships with Friends of Lake Chabot, which provided tanks, equipment, and hands-on support; the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which coordinated the statewide program and supplied trout eggs and educational resources; the Vallejo Watershed Alliance; and the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum, which hosted the exhibit for the public to enjoy. School and community partners were a key part of bringing this to reality, including Principal Alison Guernsey, Vice Principal Jenel Jensen, Doug Darling of Friends of Lake Chabot, and Kristy Love, who served as volunteer coach for Friends of Lake Chabot, and as a consulting teacher for FSUSD to support the program.
David Weir Preparatory Academy Principal Alison Guernsey shared: “This program gave our students a learning experience that encouraged curiosity, creativity, and responsibility,” Guernsey said. “It was inspiring to see students across all grade levels work together in this collaborative manner, and we are thankful to our staff and partners who made this possible.”
FSUSD Superintendent Jennifer Sachs shared: “Programs like this show students that learning extends far beyond textbooks. By combining science, art, and environmental stewardship, our students are developing critical thinking skills, creativity, and a deeper connection to their community and the natural world.”
The Classroom Aquarium Education Program’s mission is to improve teacher and student understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of fish populations and aquatic ecosystems through the use of classroom aquaria. Through partnerships like these, classrooms become living laboratories where students are inspired to become future environmental leaders, artists, and advocates for conservation.
