A Day with Artist in Residence Branly Cadet

Seven Hills kicked off Black History Month with a memorable visit from artist-in-residence Branly Cadet. A classically trained sculptor, Cadet has created iconic public artworks, including multiple Civil Rights sculptures and the renowned Sandy Koufax Monument and Jackie Robinson Memorial outside Dodger Stadium.

Born and raised in New York City, Cadet is a descendant of Haitian metal artist Georges Liautaud, whose exploration of iconography influenced his own creative journey. Today, he splits his time between Oakland and New York City, working on large and small-scale sculpture commissions while continuing to develop his own artistic projects.

On Monday, February 3, Cadet began his visit with a K-8 assembly, where he shared his artistic process and the inspiration behind his towering bronze sculptures. Students were captivated by his storytelling, particularly the intricate details of casting his Jackie Robinson “Stealing Home: The Point of No Return” statue. Throughout the day, he engaged with small student groups, answering thoughtful questions and offering insight into his craft.

One of the day’s highlights was his time with our youngest students in the ECE yard. Rainbow children eagerly gathered around him, sculpting with Play-Doh and excitedly sharing their creations. Red Barn students, having learned about Cadet’s public sculptures in preparation for his visit, had plenty of curious questions and comments for him, including:

“I like your sculptures.”
“Did you make the bulldog inside, or did you make it outside?”
“How did you write the letters on the baseball shirt?”
“How big are your sculptures?”
“Did you make all the pieces of the baseball guy, then put it together?”

Cadet wrapped up his visit with a hands-on workshop in the art room with Ms. Lori and the 4th graders, who were eager to learn more about his techniques and the world of commissioned art. Inspired by his visit, the students have embarked on a Cadet-inspired project, which Ms. Lori will share with him in the future.

Reflecting on his time at Seven Hills, Cadet shared his appreciation for our students’ curiosity and enthusiasm, telling Head of School Kathleen McNamara, “I can’t believe how curious these students are! It was a thorough delight to be with them and share a bit of my art journey." His visit left a lasting impression, sparking creativity and a deeper appreciation for the power of art in storytelling and history.