Since that year, every student who has taken an art course at NDA has completed a rock to be added to the garden. These rocks, inspired by Japanese culture and Shinto beliefs, are the first project every year to allow students to see how they have grown both technically and as individuals. It is a Shinto belief that all things, living or nonliving, contain a spirit and must be respected. We mirror this tradition by honoring the spirits and personalities of our art students, all connected to one another through this project. Looking at the rock garden, we see not only beautiful and carefully painted designs, but also a community of NDA artists.
