School Life
Arts
Art & Design Assembly + Art Battle
The arts scene at D-E is blooming! On April 3, 2025, the Upper School Assembly featured an Art & Design Showcase, highlighting the hard work of our AP Studio Art students and the many steps that go into creating the art. “Process is so important, sometimes more important than the final product,” said Marisol Diaz, Chair of the Art & Design Department. “The magic happens in the process!”
The assembly included slideshows and a series of videos capturing students working on their 2D and 3D art—drawings, paintings, printmaking, ceramics, digital and film photography, and more. Meanwhile, backstage, US Art & Design Teacher Paul Edwards facilitated a Live Art Battle for which student artists were asked to paint, draw, or sculpt what they think the soul of D-E looks like. The winner, by anonymous vote, was Lilah Carroll ’27 (see artwork above) and second place went to Maleah Liao ’27.
Throughout the assembly, several of our young artists made brief presentations on the inspiration behind their lines of inquiry (LOI), which they use as the basis of their final portfolios. We congratulate all our talented artists who’ve made an incredible mark at D-E and continue to do so! Read more about the event here.
The assembly included slideshows and a series of videos capturing students working on their 2D and 3D art—drawings, paintings, printmaking, ceramics, digital and film photography, and more. Meanwhile, backstage, US Art & Design Teacher Paul Edwards facilitated a Live Art Battle for which student artists were asked to paint, draw, or sculpt what they think the soul of D-E looks like. The winner, by anonymous vote, was Lilah Carroll ’27 (see artwork above) and second place went to Maleah Liao ’27.
Throughout the assembly, several of our young artists made brief presentations on the inspiration behind their lines of inquiry (LOI), which they use as the basis of their final portfolios. We congratulate all our talented artists who’ve made an incredible mark at D-E and continue to do so! Read more about the event here.
A Look Back: Lower School Music Concert Featuring Grades 2-4
In addition to Gaelic folk tunes from Ireland and Gershwin favorites ("I Got Rhythm"), the audience enjoyed compositions by Raffi and folk songs from Japan and Puerto Rico, to name just a few. Our young musicians also showed off their skills playing recorders and Orff instruments!
A Look Back: The 2025 Upper School Winter Musical
On Wednesdays we wear pink... BRAVO to the cast and crew of D-E Performing Arts' Upper School production of Mean Girls: High School Version! This amazing performance took place from Feb. 27 to March 1 and featured TWO incredible casts, nicknamed "PINK" and "FETCH."
A Look Back: Swartley Art Gallery Series: AP Studio Art "Gallery Walk"
“Not every school has an art gallery,” says Casey, “so this was a great experience [to have your work exhibited] if you want to be an artist in the real world.” Her watercolor painting addresses environmental anxieties, and the accompanying 3D sculpture represents “how I’m connected to my environment,” she says.
For this exhibit, members of the D-E Writers (DEW) displayed QR codes that link to a web page presenting the art and a piece of writing inspired by it. Several writers, including Oriana Huang ’26, Grace Tomin ’26, and Asha Harker ’27, also read their poems aloud as part of the gallery reception. “This type of writing, based on artwork, is a Greek tradition,” says Oriana.
Congratulations to all our AP Studio Art student artists!
A Look Back: Jan/Feb Choral Concerts
And then on Feb. 3, 2025, for the Upper School Chorus, Stage Band & Jazz Workshop Concert, our student musicians played classic and contemporary hits, including "Take Five," "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin,'" and "Magic." Bravo to all our performers, crew, and ensemble directors!
A Look Back: The Swartley Art Gallery Series: Sophia Seriale ’22
“Until Now,” an art exhibit by Sophia Seriale ’22, was on view at the Swartley Gallery from Dec. 4, 2024, through Thursday, Dec. 19, with an artist reception on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Sophia is a junior at Marist College studying media studies, with a concentration in film and television and a minor in fine arts. During her time at D-E, she was heavily involved with the arts, including the theater program, learning to design and construct sets for shows, which she continues to pursue in college.
This exhibit is a compilation of numerous pieces she has completed over the last few years. “I tend to work with paints, including oil and acrylic, which are featured throughout this installation, and I focus heavily on the idea of realism,” says Sophia. “Each one of these pieces and the process of creating them has been an incredible learning experience, while also being a strong outlet for my creative passion.”
This exhibit is a compilation of numerous pieces she has completed over the last few years. “I tend to work with paints, including oil and acrylic, which are featured throughout this installation, and I focus heavily on the idea of realism,” says Sophia. “Each one of these pieces and the process of creating them has been an incredible learning experience, while also being a strong outlet for my creative passion.”
A Look Back: Winter Concerts '24
Middle & Upper School Orchestra Concert: Wednesday, Dec. 11, 7:00 PM
Handbells & Choral Concert: Thursday, Dec. 12, 7:00 PM
A week before winter break 2024, the D-E community enjoyed two live winter music concerts, an annual D-E tradition! On Dec. 11, at 7:00 PM, in Schenck Auditorium, the Middle & Upper School Orchestra Concert featured the MS Percussion Ensemble, the MS Orchestra, String Jam, and the US Orchestra, directed by Diego Garcia, Annaliesa Place, and Kevin Norton.
And then on Dec. 12, at 7:00 PM, music played on at the Winter Choral and Handbells Concert in Hajjar Auditorium, when voices sang and bells chimed in tune with holiday classics and modern jingles.
Click here to read about how D-E 360°’s Private Music Lessons Program prepares D-E Students for concert performances such as these.
A week before winter break 2024, the D-E community enjoyed two live winter music concerts, an annual D-E tradition! On Dec. 11, at 7:00 PM, in Schenck Auditorium, the Middle & Upper School Orchestra Concert featured the MS Percussion Ensemble, the MS Orchestra, String Jam, and the US Orchestra, directed by Diego Garcia, Annaliesa Place, and Kevin Norton.
And then on Dec. 12, at 7:00 PM, music played on at the Winter Choral and Handbells Concert in Hajjar Auditorium, when voices sang and bells chimed in tune with holiday classics and modern jingles.
Click here to read about how D-E 360°’s Private Music Lessons Program prepares D-E Students for concert performances such as these.
A Look Back: Swartley Art Gallery Series: Paul Edwards
The Swartley Gallery Series’ latest exhibit highlights the work of D-E’s own Paul Edwards, who has taught art at the School for seven years. “Artworks From Now and Then” covers Mr. Edwards’ street-inspired illustrations from the ’90s to his most recent caricatures. His philosophy on teaching art is to “give it your best effort.” He is not convinced that you need a “gift” for art. “People who really want it, go after it…I’m here to encourage that [desire] and get the best out of you.” The gallery hosted an artist reception on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2024.
A Look Back: Jazz Brunch Concert '24
A Look Back: 2024 Leggett-Umpleby Lecture Series
A Look Back: D-E Performing Arts Department's Fall Play
ANTIGONE
The Upper School Fall Play
Thursday, Nov. 7 - Saturday, Nov. 9
Thursday, Nov. 7 - Saturday, Nov. 9
Hajjar Auditorium (2nd Floor, Campus Center)
Check it out: Read about D-E's production of Antigone—from the director's perspective—on D-E Today!
Check it out: Read about D-E's production of Antigone—from the director's perspective—on D-E Today!
A Look Back: Swartley Art Gallery Series: Soyoung Stephanie Moon ’13
D-E's Swartley Gallery was excited to welcome alumna artist Soyoung Stephanie Moon ’13 for her "Alchemy" exhibit!
Soyoung Stephanie Moon, D-E class of 2013, is a contemporary painter who specializes in optical art, exploring the dance of kinetic movement within the framework of the grid. American born, she is based in New York with strong ties to her Korean heritage. Moon received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the School of Visual Arts and additionally studied at The Art Students League of New York. Combining her background of graphic art, trained skill of painting, and her fascination for geometry, her works reflect a unique lens—where the grid becomes a portal to a symphony of motion, bending dimensions.
Soyoung Stephanie Moon, D-E class of 2013, is a contemporary painter who specializes in optical art, exploring the dance of kinetic movement within the framework of the grid. American born, she is based in New York with strong ties to her Korean heritage. Moon received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the School of Visual Arts and additionally studied at The Art Students League of New York. Combining her background of graphic art, trained skill of painting, and her fascination for geometry, her works reflect a unique lens—where the grid becomes a portal to a symphony of motion, bending dimensions.
A Look Back: Swartley Art Gallery Series: Haley Algrant '21
Haley, a Harvard College senior, is completing a thesis in both Studio Art and Classics. In “A VHS Love Story,” Haley curated past works that fit the theme of her thesis show. Through painting disfigured characters, she focuses on how characters in pop culture have changed in response to conservative social policies under the early Roman Empire and during the conservative revolution in the United States after the Vietnam War. Specifically, this includes escapist genres, such as Roman elegy, teen television, romance novels, and reality television. The actions of characters reflect social anxieties about the confines of the political regime in place.
A Look Back: "Sixth Night"! A Senior One Act
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A Look Back: All-Choral & African Drumming Concert
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A Look Back: Cabaret Night 2024!
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A Look Back: "The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition" Middle School Musical
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A Look Back: Senior Spotlight Show 2024
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A Look Back: Orchestra Extravaganza Concert 2024
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A Look Back: Jazz Rock Spring Concert 2024
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NEW! The D-E Performing Arts Spotlight eNewsletter
Check out the latest in D-E Performing Arts news, from our students, faculty and staff!
A Look Back: Stage Band, US Chorus & Jazz Workshop Winter Concert 2024
Bravo to our Stage Band, US Chorus and Jazz Workshop musicians for a lively and wonderful Winter Concert! The ensembles performed to a highly appreciative audience, opening with a spirited rendition of “The Flintstones”. Individual musicians showed off their improvisational skills during numbers including “Lucky Seven” and “Afternoon in Paris”, and our vocalists’ blended voices in “Lullabye” and “Funny Valentine” were truly D-Elightful. The concert finale – Benny Goodman’s jazz classic “Sing Sing Sing” – then featured a drumming battle! Cheers to all our Performing Arts Department musicians, directors, and supporting crew!
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A Look Back: Alumni Artist Ambrose Proctor '21 Shares "Three of Hearts" Exhibit
This exhibit explored the history of playing cards and visualizes how relationships with others can change. Ambrose is currently a student at Union College and is studying Anthropology and Visual Arts as they continue to pursue their artistic creativity. Ambrose’s work has covered many mediums, from embroidery and painting to printmaking and sculpture. In their art, they explore themes of intimacy, attachment, and their relationship to nature. Thank you Ambrose for sharing your work and perspectives with us!
Bravo to our Middle/Upper Schools Orchestral Ensembles!
Bravo to our Middle and Upper School musicians for their exceptional Winter Orchestral Concert this past Friday. Selections from the concert included, “O Mio Babbino Caro” by the Middle School Strings Ensemble, “Farandole from L’arlesienne Suite No. 2”, and a Cello Concierto with soloist (and D-E Concerto Competition winner) Giana Kim ’24! Again, cheers to our incredible student-musicians and faculty!
A Look Back: Stage Band Jazz Brunch D-Elights Audience
Bravo to our Stage Band!
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!
Swartley Gallery Presents: Transpessimism by Coco Klockner '10
The exhibit will be open from October 20-November 20, 2023.
The Swartley Gallery Presents "A Study of Lascaux & Paleolithic Mark-Making," A Lower School Exhibit
Curated by LS Art Teacher Christine Maloney, K-5 students took inspiration from this historical finding. Cheers to our Lower School Artists! The exhibit was open in the Swartley Gallery from October 10 to October 13.
A Look Back..."Dabbling" Exhibit by Tara Weinstein
Welcome!
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.
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.