Artistic Expressions

An interview with Craig Smith and Lynn Zinder, co-chairs of the Fine Arts Department

What exciting things are happening this year?

Craig Smith: A highlight of the year was the premiere of “Today’s Hope,” a song commissioned by Steward for our 50th anniversary and featuring the words of “The Power of Hope,” a poem written by Gabby Marshall ’26. The song was first performed at the Thanksgiving program, and our student choir will professionally record it in the coming months. In addition, we have a yearlong, rotating alumni art exhibit on display in the Carolyn R. Brandt Art Gallery.

How is Steward theatre celebrating our 50th birthday?

CS: Grade 4 performed “Celebrate Steward!,” a play that the students wrote. The scenes incorporated all of Steward’s history, from founder Helen Dixon to the Bryan Innovation Lab. In addition, the entire theatre season honors the School’s history this year. Each show performed on the Lora M. Robins Theatre stage has been performed at Steward in the past 50 years, and some have been performed three times! It was great having alumni back for our production of “Harvey,” and we look forward to having more return for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

Lower School art teachers recently partnered with local business Saxon Shoes. What was that like?

Lynn Zinder: Fourth and fifth graders created 50 adorable papier mâché dogs, which were featured in a week-long exhibit at Saxon. An opening reception attended by our student artists, their families, and appreciative Saxon customers was a terrific way to connect with the wider community

Q. What do you find most fulfilling about teaching?

LZ: It’s so rewarding because art is part of the entire educational experience, which values selfexpression and individuality. Students learn to make connections between what they learn in the classroom and the art they create. We are blessed with the ability to provide students with the best possible courses, and plans are in the works for more 50th-anniversary projects. We really feel the pulse of excitement!

CS: The Fine Arts departments work diligently to showcase the fantastic talents of all of our students. We like to think of this building as a building full of smiles — smiles that celebrate the creativity and curiosity of our teachers and students.

Last fall, we welcomed some new teachers to the fine arts department. Who are our new colleagues?

LZ: Four excellent fine arts teachers joined us: Sandy Dacus (Lower School music), Abby Klein (Lower/Middle School visual arts), Erin Roukous (Lower School music), and Kristin Snelling (Upper School visual arts). They fit in so well and are developing projects that reflect their unique styles. We can’t wait to see what they come up with!