By Nicole Rosiello, ’17, Lighter Fare Editor
Country Day’s Evening of the Arts was an event that took weeks to prepare for. The Art Committee, which consisted of around 10 students and teachers in total, held meetings twice a week almost a month before the art show went live. Committee members had to grab their lunches and head towards the art studio-, where various topics were sorted out over plates of salad, sandwiches, and pizza. Members focused on the overall appearance of the venue, which was designed according to a carnival theme. There were always various details that had to be settled, from an efficient gallery arrangement to food and décor. Careful choices helped make things pop, literally, thanks to the popcorn supplied by Sage Dining. Everything was a precise decision that helped add to the atmosphere; ticket strips set up as the backdrop to a photo booth and big-top style cotton candy both helped make the theme fun and stylish.
In the final days leading up to the show, both Ms. Carole Lichty-Smith’s and Louise Hausman’s AP classes helped the committee by taping fliers, hanging pieces, and adding finishing touches. Everything was finally wrapped up by Thursday, with the art show ready to start that night.
Everyone’s hard work had clearly paid off that evening. I was extremely glad that I took the time to clean myself up and put on a dress before I arrived; everyone was extremely well dressed. Even the few who decided to be comfortable wore designer track pants and modern-cut tees. The effort everyone put into their appearances matched the effort invested in the appearance of the show. Needless to say, when paired with the art, it all was a visual pleasure. “It’s really beautiful,” said Claire Beyette, an Honors Studio Art student, “They did a really great job.” There were many seniors, like her, who enjoyed their last art show. It surely left a great impression as one of the last events before the end of the school year.
Almost every discipline of art was attended to. The first hour, lasting from 6:30 to 7:30, was given as an opportunity for guests to see all the visual art that students had produced that year. All photography classes, studio art classes, and drawing classes were given a chance to shine in the halls of the school, but the real gem was the honors and AP students’ gallery, which still had an air of newness and sophistication. Despite student and committee objection, the students who had “risky” content, such as smoking and partial nudity, were confined to a censored room. Many were concerned that the room would not get the same amount of traffic as the rest of the Honors and AP work, but that was clearly not the case. The nearby snacks and enthusiastic advertising ensured many viewers, possibly more than the actual gallery.
“It wasn’t even that bad,” Jon Miller, a sophomore, commented. “There were people smoking in an emptied pool, but nothing really horrible.” His reaction was shared by many students. Many young committee members hope that they can help bring the censored art into the gallery in the future, where they believe it really belongs.
7:30 was the start of the concert, featuring the Upper School choir, band, and jazz band. It was a truly striking performance—I personally thought that it was better than previous years. It was easy to see that hours of practice had been put in to reach the level of skill each group exhibited. The choir sang modern mashups featuring popular songs, tried pieces from “Pitch Perfect” cast members, and bid an emotional farewell to their beloved teacher, Mr. Mark Femia. Mrs. Stephanie Wietmarschen led an intense set for the band; “Welcome to The Jungle” and the theme from “Psycho” really upped the ante for everyone. Country Day’s own Jazz Band featured Monica Ma and the 2015-2016 Upper School Student Body President, David Yang. It was clear that he was popular— excited squeals from the audience were heard throughout his performance.
Overall, the Evening of The Arts was a hit. It was a pleasure for the eyes and ears, and it truly gave the arts of Country Day an opportunity to shine. It was one of the best that I’ve attended, and I’m sure that next year’s students will help make 2016’s art show even better.
