For six years they all were taught by the same art teachers and for one last time four Barrington High School alum were able to come together this month to show off everything they have learned.

The Clair E. Smith Art Gallery inside Barrington High School, recently wrapped up its “Metaphors” exhibit, which featured the work of 2001 graduates Cara Chidley, Adrienne Janci, Kelly Stachura and Jessica Very.

Besides spending four years together at Barrington, the artists also spent two years studying together at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, all which culminated with their graduation earlier this year.

“It really was a lot of fun for all of us because this was our high school,” Stachura said of the exhibit.

Before graduating from the Art Institute, Stachura said she took a class designed for curators that focused on how to plan and run your own show.

It was that class that gave her the idea for putting together the “Metaphors” exhibit at the high school, that featured pieces ranging from ceramics to fiber and photography to sculptures.

“It was a wide range of pieces,” Stachura said.

The “Metaphors” exhibit, Stachura said, explored what it meant for the artists to share common experiences and approaches in art while developing unique voices.

The school held a special reception for the artists, which Stachura said was fun because it gave them a chance to revisit their old stomping grounds.

“It has just been really exciting for the artists,” Stachura said.

Throughout the year, the Clair E. Smith Art Gallery hosts a variety of different art exhibits.

The gallery, which is located on the campus of Barrington High School, 616 W. Main St., is open Monday through Fridays from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. and in the evenings during school performances.

For more information on upcoming exhibits contact Barrington High School’s fine arts department at (847) 381-1400.