ISM’s Jack Wu recognized in 2025 SABIS® Art Calendar
The annual SABIS® calendar is an opportunity to highlight the artistic abilities of students, displaying 12 pieces of art curated from students in SABIS® schools around the world. Once again, The International School of Minnesota (ISM) has a student recognized for their extraordinary artwork.
Jack Wu, an incoming junior at ISM, had his artwork shown off in the month of June. The theme for the 2025 SABIS® calendar is “Music and Art” and Jack’s art, titled “Untitled,” allowed him to leap into abstraction.
“Geometric forms and clashing colors compose its visual harmony, with the central muse’s dress flowing into a scalloped triangular hem—soft curves concealing crashing ocean waves,” Jack said. “She stands barefoot on swells, playing a horizontal bamboo flute whose verdant grain echoes summer seas. This contrast between serenity and wild waves mirrors music’s duality of calm and rhythm. I intentionally keep it unnamed, believing true art should roam freely through viewers’ interpretations like sea wind across shores.”
Jack’s interest in art started the first time he opened a comic book. He used the walls and ceilings of his old home as he canvases until they need a full repaint. He received formal sketching training and eventually earned a professional certificate in Chinese calligraphy.
The passion for art started to fade as he grew up until he discovered ceramics at ISM. He enjoys how clay can transform with just a touch of his fingertips and seeing art in a three-dimensional form.
There was a portion of Jack’s life where art started to be put on the back burner, but what drew him back was the freedom and power art possesses.
“When inspiration crystallizes on canvas, it preserves my vision while inviting others into a shared aesthetic experience,” Jack said. “That’s why I’m pursuing AP® Art—to refine my craft and deepen my artistic language.”
When the news broke that Jack earned one of the 12 spots on the 2025 SABIS® calendar, he nearly dropped his brush. As a transfer student, he never imagined being selected to a global calendar and he was honored they enjoyed his art so much.
“Holding that page with ISM’s name ignited my fingertips,” Jack said. “This milestone transcends personal achievement, becoming our school’s creative voice echoing across SABIS campuses worldwide.”
Jack is enjoying his time at ISM and working with Mr. PJ Mack, ISM art teacher. Mr. Mack shows his humor and the creativity he brings to students allows the freedom to create any piece of art. He also works with students, like Jack, to prepare for their submissions each year.
Jack can’t wait to get back to ISM after the summer and start his next round of projects. He also wants to be a leader in AP® Art and continue developing his skills. Jack doesn’t want to focus on one particular subject of art, but wants to be well-rounded with his understanding of everything.
Mr. Mack worked with students, grades 3-12, on submitting their artwork back in April for the upcoming 2026 calendar “140th Anniversary of SABIS® in Art.” The theme focuses on celebrating 140 years of SABIS® on canvas by creating visuals that are inspired by our history, school traditions, campuses, school experiences, and more. We will find out if any students were selected for the calendar this upcoming fall.
“My brush won’t rest,” Jack said. “I’ll champion cross-school art competitions, turning galleries into runways for emerging talent. Currently charging toward AP® Art, I dream of articulating visual poetry with professional fluency. After all, art isn’t a simple elective; it’s how I see and express myself in different ways.” 
