Letter from the Fine Arts Director

From the fine arts director

The Fine Arts program at Lovett is entirely unique and a crucial part of Mrs. Lovett’s philosophy of educating “the whole child.” Without sustained study in an art form throughout their time at Lovett, your child will be missing key opportunities that lead to increased brain function, such as developing empathy, emotional stability, and critical thinking skills that are so highly valued in the present economy. Scientific studies have proven that the arts promote critical thinking skills, self-expression, self-confidence, discipline, and working collaboratively with others. Students who sustain study in an art form also attain higher SAT scores and gain an unparalleled edge entering college and throughout their adult lives (see page 84).

Families are often tempted to focus too much on elements of traditional education and traditional extra-curricular activities, BUT arts education affects a child’s developing mind in ways that nothing else can and is essential for all students. I urge you to sit and plan how you can keep the arts in your child’s schedule throughout their educational journey at Lovett. Sustained study in an art form is the key. Taught by an incredible faculty of professional working artists, Lovett students are given the opportunity to learn from the best in visual arts and performing arts—band, chorus, dance, drama, film, orchestra, design & production and private lessons in piano, band and orchestra instruments, and voice.

The Friends of the Arts, our parent volunteer organization for the arts at Lovett, headed so capably by Brittany Duncan and Sarah O’Brien, our Head of School Meredyth Cole, our dedicated trustees, along with our parents and students make Lovett such a very special institution. How can you help? Join Friends of the Arts today. By doing so, you directly help support the vital components of the arts at Lovett to grow and flourish.

Thank you for your support for the arts at Lovett!

Jay Freer ’78, Director of Fine Arts

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR

Jay Freer, a 1978 Lovett graduate, received a BFA in acting from The University of North Carolina School of the Arts and was a Kenan Scholarship winner. He has taught and directed more than 95 plays and musicals at Lovett over the last 35 years. He won the Woodward Award for Excellence in teaching in 1992, the Alumni Excellence in Teaching Award in 2006, and accepted the position of director of Fine Arts in 2007. He studied in New York City at HB Studios with Uta Hagen and continues to work with her protegé, Ted Brunetti. » SEE FULL BIO ON PAGE 65