Julianna Ballinger

The Griffin School | Class of 2026

Julianna Ballinger is an artist in every sense of the word — creative, expressive, and deeply connected to the world around her.

A senior at The Griffin School, Julianna has spent her high school years cultivating her passion for art while also giving back to her community in meaningful ways. Her volunteer work with a local women and children’s shelter reflects a compassionate heart and a desire to use her time and talents to make a difference.

Her creativity has already begun to leave its mark — quite literally. One of her proudest accomplishments is being commissioned to paint a playground at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. It’s the kind of achievement that not only showcases her artistic talent, but also her ability to bring joy and beauty into shared spaces.

This fall, Julianna will continue pursuing her passion at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts, where she’ll immerse herself in an environment designed to challenge and inspire the next generation of artists.

Her story is layered with unique experiences — including spending four years living in Puerto Rico — shaping her perspective and influencing the way she sees and creates art.

Julianna’s senior portrait session was especially meaningful. Beyond the images themselves, it became a moment of reconnection and reflection. Working with "Elizabeth was the highlight of my photo shoot,” she shared. “It brought back so many amazing memories of when I was younger.”

Those moments — where past and present meet — are often the most powerful. And in Julianna’s case, they added an extra layer of depth and emotion to an already beautiful experience.

Julianna is stepping into a future filled with color, creativity, and purpose — and we cannot wait to see the art she brings into the world next.