Roycemore School recently unveiled a custom installation by renowned artist John Spears: the "Color Field Series 1-8” in the newly constructed Innovation Center. The Innovation Center offers over 6,000 sq. ft. of space for students to delve deeper into the fields of STEAM, fostering curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. John Spear’s vibrant collection brings to life the dynamic fusion of art and science, inviting students and visitors to explore the profound connections between these disciplines.​

The "Color Field Series" includes eight individual canvases, which will be rotated on display. Each piece in the series showcases bold hues and subtle gradients, utilizing Mr. Spears’ unique and innovative technique that explores the properties of luminosity and the effects of light.

The installation at Roycemore's Innovation Center serves as an educational catalyst, prompting discussions among students and faculty about the effects of light and color, as well as the principles of design.

In December of 2023, when Roycemore’s Head of School, Chris English, visited John for the first time, they met at his art show in New Hope, Pennsylvania. Mr. English shared at the unveiling, “While I was impressed with the art and craft of John’s work, I was most drawn to him, and connected immediately with him, because of his educator's heart. John has learned so much from his own work and process, and he holds a pure desire to see others explore and learn from their own pursuits. John sees the teachable moments in his work, and as we looked through his comprehensive portfolio, I found myself the eager student again. Curious, fascinated, and inspired.”

John Spears was charged with creating a work specifically for the Roycemore School Community through a generous donation from the Podolsky Family Foundation. In true John Spears fashion, his creativity overflowed, and his inspiration led to not a single work, but rather, eight works of art. Mr. Spears has gifted us with “Color Field series 1-8.” Intended to be displayed in pairs or as a whole group, the series captures the complementary and contrasting colors of the color wheel, and challenges us to look closer, to look through a different lens, and to shed new light on our perceived understanding.

Bridging Disciplines: The Intersection of Art and Science

The placement of John Spears' work within the Innovation Center encompasses the inherent connection between artistic creativity and scientific inquiry. Both art and science rely on observation, experimentation, and a desire to understand the world. Through the "Color Field Series," students are encouraged to consider how artistic techniques can inform scientific visualization and how scientific concepts can inspire artistic expression.​

By integrating art into a space dedicated to innovation and learning, Roycemore School demonstrates its commitment to forward-thinking education. The "Color Field Series" serves as a daily reminder that creativity and analytical thinking are not mutually exclusive but are complementary skills that drive progress. Students are inspired to approach problems with both imaginative and logical perspectives, preparing them for the multifaceted challenges of the future.​

We invite you to visit Roycemore School's Innovation Center to experience John Spears' "Color Field Series 1-8" firsthand. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, contemplate the seamless integration of art and science that defines this unique installation, and discover the unique and innovative ways that Roycemore students are exploring the world with curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.


About John Spears

Born in El Paso, Texas, John Spears is known for innovative artwork that explores the properties of luminosity and the effects of light in unique and fascinating ways. His work transcends the boundaries of art and science, serving as an inspiration for Roycemore School students as they strive to view the world through the lenses of artists, scientists, and citizens.

John graduated from Stanford University with a degree in studio arts and economics in 1975. His early work in fabric design was lauded by industry peers and praised for both its artistry and technique, as John experimented with screen printing, metallic inks, and large-scale gradations of color that spread across 15-foot swatches of fabric.

John created artwork for Apple C

omputer’s first headquarters in Cupertino, as well as Kraft Foods (Nabisco), Johnson and Johnson, Rutgers University, Podolsky Realty Associates, and at least 60 other corporations. His work has been featured in the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco, the San Jose Museum of Art, and dozens of museums and galleries across the country. He is credited with blurring the line between printer and artist. He made an art of the technical aspects of printing.