Dear Families and Friends,
For weeks now, I have been reminding people that it is the work of the artist that helps people pull through tough times. Some art gives us joy, and some art inspires us to take action. Some art reminds us that we’re not alone in our anger or our despair and some art just takes us somewhere else for a while. (And these days, wouldn’t we all like to go somewhere else for a little while?)
Now, more than ever, we need to work of the artist. While the end of the school year at The Academy isn’t at all what we thought it would be just three months ago, I am happy to report that our community is rising to the challenge all organizations are facing right now.
When the COVID-19 crisis broke in Chicago, the faculty and staff pivoted to remote teaching and learning in a matter of days. Like schools everywhere, our academic courses began meeting virtually. Excitingly, however, our arts departments took on the challenge as well: private lessons are being taught on Zoom, dance classes are being livestreamed, and workshops and remote collaborations continue across the departments. Performances and exhibits haven’t ceased either: each Friday night though May 15 we’re livestreaming coffeehouse performances featuring students, faculty, and alums (see below for the links to watch), and work from across the school will be presented virtually throughout the next month.
We hope that you were able to attend our Art Matters Virtual Benefit last week. While we couldn’t have an in-person Gala this year, we’re deeply thankful so many of you tuned in to our virtual event and supported The Academy. See below for more Gala highlights.
On behalf of the entire Chicago Academy for the Arts community, I’m wishing you health and comfort in the weeks ahead. Click below for the full newsletter.
Jason Patera
Head of School