This October, the Dana Hall Art Gallery opened its first faculty art show in the newly renovated space, celebrating the gallery’s 50th anniversary and showcasing the incredible talents of the faculty.
From intricate pottery to a color-changing lamp, the exhibit features over 30 works by faculty and staff, showcasing their talents across diverse mediums, including fabric arts, tech-inspired creations, dance, poetry, photography, and ceramics.
“Visitors can see the teachers they know in a different light—as multidimensional human beings,” says Michael Frassinelli, the gallery coordinator and head of the art department.
The closing reception this Friday from 11:00 to 1:20 is a chance to experience the work firsthand, meet some of the artists, and hear the stories behind their creations.
When Art and Profession Align
For some faculty members, their art is closely tied to their day-to-day work. Art teacher Kassie Teng contributed her pottery and ceramic pieces, while Mary Ann McQuillan showcased her documentary film, Free Table. Brian Murphy from the technology department shared a show-stopping color-changing flower lamp, blending engineering with creativity. Dance teacher Devon Fitchett took a different approach, presenting choreography that uses movement to tell a story and evoke emotion.
Math teacher Matt Enlow brought in his Contorted Line Paper series, created using Mathematica. The patterns, born from equations, highlight where math and art cross paths–problem-solving. “The creative process—having an idea, encountering problems, and figuring out solutions—mirrors what I teach in math,” he says. He believes “getting stuck” is an essential part of learning, even if it’s often misunderstood.
Mr. Frasinelli’s painting, Cabinets of Curiosity reimagines the Renaissance tradition of collecting and displaying objects to inspire curiosity. Created during his sabbatical, the piece consists entirely of upcycled piano parts—both the objects and the cabinet itself. “I’ve made all the little sculptures, and I’ve made the cabinet itself out of piano wood,” he explains.
Julia Bucci, an English teacher, created the microfilm The Ghosts during her sabbatical as a love letter to her on-campus home and the spirits she believes inhabit it. “Some of the homes and buildings on campus are said to have ghosts,” she explains. “We don’t realize how many spirits are around us all the time. And they can have different needs and personalities.” Reflecting on her inspirations, she adds, “So many of my favorite pieces of writing started as an in-class exercise with my students. I’m inspired by my own assignments, and more importantly, my students.”
Surprising Talents
While some faculty showcased art tied to their professional lives, others revealed unexpected creative sides. Fred Lindstrom, an English teacher, crafted an electric guitar from upcycled materials, including a gasoline can as the body. Inspired by 19th-century cigar-box instruments, the piece reflects his fascination with functionality in art. It also marks a milestone in his shift from crafting visual art to curating his blog on East Asian literature: “What can I create that truly serves a purpose?”
Middle school librarian Amelia Herring brought crocheted beanies with intricate designs, while sixth-grade teacher science Elizabeth Kenney shared two crocheted stuffed animals. Leah Henry Macdonald from the tech office contributed a charcoal drawing of an antique candle holder alongside a portrait of a mystical fairy. Upper school math teacher Melissa Palmer added a calming touch to the show with her serene watercolor landscapes.
Marking the 50th anniversary, the 2024 faculty art show is a chance to see another side of the teachers and staff we interact with every day. Whether it’s through clay, film, paint, or yarn, each piece tells a story that invites us to see the world—and each other—in a new light.