By Morgan Kogan, Assistant News Editor

The community gathered on May 7 for the Evening of Fine Arts, which was held virtually for the first time and was hosted by junior Arts council chair Dianna Whaley and junior Katie Lasko. Though the artwork, songs and performances were transmitted via screens, the audience enjoyed the show just as much, if not more, than in years prior. 

Artwork, like this drawing by senior Madeline Hicks, was featured during the virtual Evening of Fine Arts on May 7. (Artwork courtesy of Trinity Hall)

Performances included “Scenes from Quarantine” by various members of the Queen’s Court Company and instrumental and vocal performances by many students. The show also featured artwork and photographs from art teacher Erin Straine’s classes across all grades as well as art from French classes and individual submissions. 

Theater teacher Ellen Phillips was pleased to see students perform at the virtual event who may have not felt comfortable doing so in person had the Evening of Fine Arts been held at school as usual. 

“There is something about the comfort of being home that could have made it easier for some to perform,” Phillips said. “It is my hope that it will give them the confidence to come back next year and try it again.”

Students were not the only audience members tuning into this year’s Evening of Fine Arts. As in years past, many students attended with their families, a tradition that not only continued but was expanded thanks to the virtual format since family members could join no matter where their location. 

This sketch by senior Sophia Gana was one of many art pieces displayed during the virtual Evening of Fine Arts on May 7. (Artwork courtesy of Trinity Hall)

“It really warmed my heart to see how many people watched with their families,” Whaley said. “The Evening of Fine Arts is not only meant to showcase the arts but to bring people together to enjoy them as a unit.”

Given the unprecedented circumstances, the hosts and planners of the show were worried about technical difficulties and internet problems. The show, however, went on without a hitch thanks to Dean for Student Life Melissa Whelan’s assistance with technology.

In some instances, students even felt they were able to do more online as opposed to in person. Sophomore Caroline Cashman put together a video of her playing both the cello and piano for the song “Planetarium” from the film La La Land. “I was able to combine videos of me playing both the piano and cello, which I would not have been able to pull off in real life,” Cashman said.

Whaley and Lasko felt the Evening of Fine Arts was a necessary distraction from the pandemic, and Phillips encouraged them to continue with the show despite the challenges of moving to the virtual format.

“Now more than ever I see so many people turning to art to cope with feelings of separation and fear,” Whaley said. “We need science for survival, but art is what gives life dimension and color.”