From the fine arts director welcome, fine arts enthusiasts!

The Fine Arts program at Lovett is a unique and crucial part of Mrs. Lovett’s philosophy of educating “the whole child.” With sustained study in an art form throughout their time at Lovett, your child will have opportunities that lead to increased brain function, such as developing empathy, emotional stability, and necessary thinking skills, all of which are necessary in our 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 69).

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; a sustained study in an art form is the key. The Fine Arts department consists of a faculty of professional working artists who masterfully teach students of all grade levels. Lovett students have opportunities to learn from highly qualified artists in visual arts and performing arts; this includes band, chorus, dance, drama, film, orchestra, design & production. Opportunities for private lessons in piano, band, orchestra instruments, and voice are available through The Lovett Conservatory of Music.

The Friends of the Arts, our parent volunteer organization for the arts at Lovett, headed so capably by Fiona Shaw, our Head of School Meredyth Cole, our dedicated trustees, and our parents and students, make Lovett such an extraordinary 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 36 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 56

We are looking forward to an incredibly exciting year for the arts at Lovett, as we celebrate the talents and achievements of our students and enjoy a return to in-person events and performances.

Friends of the Arts (FOTA) is the volunteer parent organization dedicated to creating an awareness of the arts and supporting Fine Arts students and faculty. Over 90 percent of Lovett students participate in Fine Arts programs each year. They grace the stage, captivate us in music, dance, and theater; excite us in visual arts, design, production, and film; and thrill us through the many creative backdrops and sets designed for our shows

Through membership and events such as the Lovett Art Show & Sale and FOTA Experiences, FOTA raises vital funds for music scholarships, classroom and curriculum-enhancing equipment and experiences, and arts partnerships. Your generous support helps us to encourage future artists, performers, and audience members in their appreciation of the arts at Lovett and beyond. Please join us as a member today, and if you are interested in giving your time as a volunteer, we would love to hear from you.

There are many opportunities to appreciate the flair and accomplishments of Lovett Fine Arts students. Whether you attend performances, stream a show, or admire the art on display in the corridors of The Fuqua Center, I’m confident you’ll truly be inspired.

On behalf of FOTA, I welcome you to another great year celebrating the talents of our students and faculty!

Fiona Shaw, FOTA President, 2022-23

FriendsoftheArts(FOTA)isLovett’sparentorganizationdedicated to fostering an awareness of the arts and supporting Fine Arts students and faculty, as well as promoting a cohesive Fine Arts community at Lovett.