A night of tea and talent

La Muse, Carrollton’s art and literary magazine, is published at the end of every year and contains poems, artwork, photographs, short stories, and more, all created by members of the Carrollton community.

But the magazine is also focused on encouraging students’ creativity, and on December 5, it hosted an art showcase at Tea and Poets, a local cafe in Sunset. The featured works incorporated themes of individuality, nature, and personal relationships. Some pieces were even in Spanish, a reflection of the bilingualism in Miami. 

Guests who attended had the opportunity to experience different pieces of original writing, including poems by Liani Montero ‘24, Ceci Oses ’24, Mia Lane ‘24,  Amalia Neff ’25, Victoria Rodriguez ’26, Allegra de Armas ’26, and poems in Spanish and English by Eva Castaneda ’26 and Mia Deschapelles ’24. 

In addition to the poetry, presenters showcased their narratives. Alexandra Stockton ‘25 read a moving essay about her dog, Tatiana Leach ’25 shared several short stories, and tenth-grade English teacher, Ms. Franklin, shared an essay about her relationship with her grandmother. 

On the wall behind the students, art, and photography were featured. A detailed painting of a great horned owl by Grayce Cheng ‘25 was displayed along with art collages by Natalie Farber 24’, watercolor paintings by Nina Heffron ‘27, and bird paintings by Olivia Cooper ‘25. 

In addition, Lyla Rufeh ’26, Liani Montero ’24, and Mia Deschapelles ’24 provided piano music between readings.

The event was organized by the student editors of La Muse, Editor-in-Chief, Amalia Neff ’25, and La Muse Adviser, Mrs. Palacios.

“I felt proud that my work was able to be shared and didn’t just sit in the bottom of a drawer–other people could enjoy it,” said Nina Heffron ’27.