![Upper School Fine Arts Night Draws Appreciative Crowd]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1717717792/oregon/tognoz5t1ynmrxjmkxvr/FineArtsNightthumbnail.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1717717792/oregon/tognoz5t1ynmrxjmkxvr/FineArtsNightthumbnail.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1717717792/oregon/tognoz5t1ynmrxjmkxvr/FineArtsNightthumbnail.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1717717792/oregon/tognoz5t1ynmrxjmkxvr/FineArtsNightthumbnail.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1717717792/oregon/tognoz5t1ynmrxjmkxvr/FineArtsNightthumbnail.jpg","width":1600}])
The OES community came out in large numbers on Upper School Fine Arts Night on June 5 to celebrate the work of Upper School artists and musicians.
A concert in the Upper School Great Hall featured musicians from the Upper School band, choir, jazz band, strings, and the a capella group.
Visual art was on display throughout the Upper School, ranging from contemporary art to advanced digital studio work, to 3D design and prototyping.
New this year was the Ceramics Showcase and Pop-Up benefit sale, with proceeds benefiting Neighborhood House.
Head of School The Rev. Michael Spencer said, “Thanks to all for the wonderful showcase of art and talent at Upper School Fine Arts Night. I attended with my daughter, Katherine, and we both loved the musical performances, seeing the art on display, and the engagement of the community. As I mentioned in my comments, we do a lot of didactic work in schools (breaking things apart to understand). That is necessary to learn and it must be complemented by another level of learning that only the aesthetic experience can provide–witnessing the creation of beauty and expression that is not didactically dissected, but rather beheld in its wholeness. Thanks to all of you for making Fine Arts Night happen and to all our practicing artist-teachers who model this work of creativity each and every day. It is a privilege to be surrounded by the power of art.”
Department Head Cameron Jack shared, “Thanks to everyone for the hard work that went into making Upper School Fine Arts Night '24 such a success. I see our arts students walking on clouds and I know this is because they feel seen and celebrated. So many people leaned in to create the conditions that support their work: through direct mentoring and support of students, caring for the studios and spaces, event and tech setup, designing programs and posters, catering with amazing treats, getting the word out to the community, speaking to audiences about the importance of art, and all the unseen things that are done to help our program and students thrive. It is a joy to be part of such a committed group that supports the blossoming of creativity at OES.”
Jack added, “A huge thanks also to our Performing Arts Team, Emily Stone, Pete Buonincontro, Lauren Cuellar, and Jam Mandeberg, for supporting our passionate thespians and technical crew, and inspiring another amazing year of growth in the program.” See the links below for the photo galleries of 2023-24 performances: