Marathon Middle High School students are being showcased in the “Dive Into Art” exhibit at the History of Diving Museum, running January 21 through April 15, 2026.
This year’s theme, “Stories from the Sea: Art Inspired by Literary Works,” celebrates the connection between art and storytelling. The exhibition invites students and visitors to explore how words from the sea—whether from books, songs, or poetry—can spark powerful visual interpretations.
Marathon’s young artists drew inspiration from Ernest Hemingway’s classic novella The Old Man and the Sea. After reading and analyzing the story, students selected meaningful quotes and passages, explored illuminated lettering, and created original illustrations inspired by the novel’s imagery and emotion. Each piece reflects an individual interpretation of Hemingway’s enduring themes of perseverance, nature, and the human spirit.
“This was a huge success and the lesson inspired creativity while deepening students’ love of reading,” said Shannon Wiley, art teacher at Marathon Middle High School.
Visitors to the History of Diving Museum can view the Marathon installation alongside other local submissions, experiencing how art and literature come together to tell “Stories from the Sea.”
