School Life
Arts
Save the Dates for LIVE D-E Performing Arts Events!
Click here to view the 2025-2026 D-E Performing Arts calendar for all music ensembles and theatre performances. Dates are subject to change.
Take a deep dive into all past performances and concert highlights: check out our entire lineup of Performing Arts Dept. updates on D-E Today: click here!
For any questions about D-E Performing Arts, please contact Adam Slee, Dean of Performing Arts, at: sleea@d-e.org.
Click here to view the 2025-2026 D-E Performing Arts calendar for all music ensembles and theatre performances. Dates are subject to change.
Take a deep dive into all past performances and concert highlights: check out our entire lineup of Performing Arts Dept. updates on D-E Today: click here!
For any questions about D-E Performing Arts, please contact Adam Slee, Dean of Performing Arts, at: sleea@d-e.org.
A Look Back: Senior Spotlight Exhibit 2026
In what has become a D-E tradition, the Swartley Gallery Series closed the school year with its Senior Spotlight exhibit. This showcase was “a chance for all Seniors’ work to be seen, even if they aren’t in the AP Art program,” said Ms. Diaz, Art & Design Department Chair. Featured artists were Emma Baumgarten ’26, Celia Binn ’26, Hudson Clune ’26, Mara Gualtieri-Horowitz ’26, Jack Meserole ’26, Jayden “Carlos” Moncion ’26, Isabella Moon ’26, Blasina Olowe ’26, Nisha Rajan ’26, and Amanda Santos ’26.
Nisha submitted a self-portrait as well as two abstract pieces, a new style for her, as part of the Advanced Topics Sustained Investigation program. One of Mara’s pieces was inspired by the cherubs in Raphael’s “Sistine Madonna” painting. “It’s a contemporary reimagining with me as the angel,” she said. Amanda showcased ceramics that she said were connected to her culture and family who currently live in the Dominican Republic. They included a muñeca, or doll, adorned in green, because her family collects dolls; a pot decorated with angels (a nod to her last name, which means “saints”); and a tile that represents “a view in the D.R. I’ve basically seen since I was born.”
Meanwhile, Jack submitted a selection of photographs, many of which were taken during the D-E 360° Balkans trip in the summer. One photo titled, “No Place for a Child,” depicted a famous figure of a child on a swing juxtaposed with a war-torn scene. “This was impactful for me because it shows spiritual, emotional movement,” said Jack, who added that he was able to empathize with the teenagers of the past for whom this was everyday life. Thanks to all the Seniors who shared their impressive work with the D-E community!
Take a deep dive into the entire 2025-2026 year in D-E Visual Art & Design: check out Art & Design on D-E Today - click here!
Take a deep dive into the entire 2025-2026 year in D-E Visual Art & Design: check out Art & Design on D-E Today - click here!
Swartley Showcases "What Does It Mean To Be Human?"
A Look Back: Jazz Brunch 2025
A Look Back: 'A Monster Calls': A Fall Play About the Human Experience
“Bringing [‘A Monster Calls’] to a new space with its own possibilities and limitations presented its own distinct set of challenges,” reflected Theatre Director Mr. Hogan. “Yet through the passion of our contributors, and the steadfast support of our loved ones and all who believe in the power of the arts, we have been able to bring this story to life on our stage.” And what an unforgettable story it was!
To learn more about the production, click here!
A Look Back: Swartley Art Gallery Series: Fiber Artist Maria Weinstein
The Swartley Gallery welcomed fiber artist Maria Weinstein to showcase her work in an exhibit titled “Sew Many Stories.” During a recent lunch reception, Ms. Weinstein explained her process, which included cutting swatches, sewing individual pieces, adding embellishments, and then putting it all together.
She described the vibrant collection on view through Thursday, Nov. 20, as eclectic. “I just love color and playing with fabric,” she said. Among the pieces she finds personally meaningful is a self-portrait decorated with a white silk scarf that she had tie-dyed with the ink from the ties worn by her beloved father-in-law, who had since passed away. Another piece, titled “Boy Walking Dog,” is a black-and-white scene that depicts her son, who has Asperger's syndrome, walking the family dog on a beautiful autumn day. “This is how I think my son sees the world,” she said.
At the reception, which was well received by D-E students and faculty/staff, Ms. Weinstein’s sister, Tina, and Tina’s wife, Rachel, displayed their support by wearing jeans emblazoned with the artist’s patchwork. One takeaway from this incredible exhibit is that sewing mends the soul.
She described the vibrant collection on view through Thursday, Nov. 20, as eclectic. “I just love color and playing with fabric,” she said. Among the pieces she finds personally meaningful is a self-portrait decorated with a white silk scarf that she had tie-dyed with the ink from the ties worn by her beloved father-in-law, who had since passed away. Another piece, titled “Boy Walking Dog,” is a black-and-white scene that depicts her son, who has Asperger's syndrome, walking the family dog on a beautiful autumn day. “This is how I think my son sees the world,” she said.
At the reception, which was well received by D-E students and faculty/staff, Ms. Weinstein’s sister, Tina, and Tina’s wife, Rachel, displayed their support by wearing jeans emblazoned with the artist’s patchwork. One takeaway from this incredible exhibit is that sewing mends the soul.
A Look Back: Swartley Art Gallery Series: Tyson Etienne
Tyson hosted a small reception when the show initially opened as well as an Artist Lunch Reception for the D-E community. Tyson credits our School and especially Caitlyn Young, US Art and Design Teacher, with sparking his interest in photography alongside his athletic pursuits.
“Basketball is an art form in itself,” he says. “Every day I play basketball, and every day I create.” Ms. Young recalls while Tyson was at college, he sent her a sketch of him playing in the NBA, a dream eventually realized when he was signed by the Brooklyn Nets. “I meet the moment as much as possible,” he says.
CONGRATS to Cast & Crew of "She Kills Monsters"
BRAVO! D-E Performing Arts Department proudly presented the Upper School Fall Play, “She Kills Monsters” (SKM), to appreciative audiences in early November. The play was performed in D-E's Hajjar Auditorium and featured memorable scenes and a fantastic set, compelling costumes, and dramatic, futuristic lighting and backdrops.
Written by playwright Qui Nguyen, the play follows Agnes Evans after she’s lost her family, including her younger sister, Tilly, in a car crash. Amidst her grief, Agnes uncovers Tilly’s Dungeon and Dragons game set-up and embarks on a fantastical journey to connect with her late sister.
Congratulations to the entire "SKM" cast and crew for an unforgettable dramatic event!
Written by playwright Qui Nguyen, the play follows Agnes Evans after she’s lost her family, including her younger sister, Tilly, in a car crash. Amidst her grief, Agnes uncovers Tilly’s Dungeon and Dragons game set-up and embarks on a fantastical journey to connect with her late sister.
Congratulations to the entire "SKM" cast and crew for an unforgettable dramatic event!
Welcome to Arts at D-E!
A structured involvement in the arts unleashes the kind of creativity that can invigorate one’s entire learning experience. Studying the arts can also help a student grasp mathematical and visual concepts, develop critical literacy, and see patterns across academic disciplines.
At Dwight-Englewood, the arts play an important role from Preschool through the 12th grade.
All Lower School students learn how to listen to and create music. One activity that defines the Lower School experience is the Creating Original Opera program, in which all fifth-graders participate. Additionally, our studio-art program offers children the opportunity to explore many forms of visual art. Students work from both their own imagination and direct observation. By starting out early in life making art, our students ignite a lifelong love for the arts.
At the Middle School level, drama, music, and studio art challenge students to become confident and imaginative innovators. This growth continues in the Upper School, where a program such as Jazz Rock helps aspiring singers and musicians select the right composition to show-case their talents.
In the Upper School, students can choose from courses in studio art, sculpture, ceramics, and photography/video production; theater courses that explore acting technique, writing for the stage, production, and the technical arts; and music courses in orchestra and chamber ensembles, chorus, stage band, or handbell choir.
One of the most exciting things about Dwight-Englewood’s arts program is that so many of our instructors boast significant professional experience. Many are active on Broadway, play in musical ensembles, or pursue visual-arts careers. By sharing their real-world experience with students, our teachers serve to inspire and to prepare a new guard made up both of people who make art and those who deeply appreciate it.
At Dwight-Englewood, the arts play an important role from Preschool through the 12th grade.
All Lower School students learn how to listen to and create music. One activity that defines the Lower School experience is the Creating Original Opera program, in which all fifth-graders participate. Additionally, our studio-art program offers children the opportunity to explore many forms of visual art. Students work from both their own imagination and direct observation. By starting out early in life making art, our students ignite a lifelong love for the arts.
At the Middle School level, drama, music, and studio art challenge students to become confident and imaginative innovators. This growth continues in the Upper School, where a program such as Jazz Rock helps aspiring singers and musicians select the right composition to show-case their talents.
In the Upper School, students can choose from courses in studio art, sculpture, ceramics, and photography/video production; theater courses that explore acting technique, writing for the stage, production, and the technical arts; and music courses in orchestra and chamber ensembles, chorus, stage band, or handbell choir.
One of the most exciting things about Dwight-Englewood’s arts program is that so many of our instructors boast significant professional experience. Many are active on Broadway, play in musical ensembles, or pursue visual-arts careers. By sharing their real-world experience with students, our teachers serve to inspire and to prepare a new guard made up both of people who make art and those who deeply appreciate it.
Mailing Address: 315 East Palisade Avenue Englewood, NJ 07631gps: 81 Lincoln Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
201-569-9500 Email: d-e@d-e.org
Located in Englewood, New Jersey, Dwight-Englewood is a greater New York City area private school with a rigorous college prep curriculum for boys and girls in preschool through grade 12.