Continuing its celebration of its 25th year, Housatonic Valley Waldorf School unveiled a new painting, created by a teacher at the school, during its annual Michaelmas festival on Wednesday, September 24.

Emily Remensperger was commissioned to create the painting for the school by a 25th anniversary committee. According to the school’s website, “This gorgeous watercolor depicts four of our most beloved festivals: Michaelmas, Martinmas, Advent, and May Fair.”

The annual Michaelmas Festival honors St Michael, a mythical dragon-slayer who bears a mighty iron sword. St Michael’s legend, according to the school, symbolizes the autumnal resurgence of human strength, willpower, and striving to overcome the inner dragons of laziness, greed, doubt, fear of the future, and forgetfulness.

Some of the celebration’s events on Wednesday included students participating in a traditional role-playing relay game, and in an instrument walk.

A Michaelmas play was also staged, with different grade levels at the school participating. While third graders wore a dragon costume, fourth graders dressed in red to portray St Michael.

The festival was held outside of the school, with parents and invited guests looking on.