A Celebration of Creativity, Connection, and Purpose

The arts are more than a discipline; they are a catalyst for connection, expression, and impact. That belief came to life in a powerful way during last Friday’s Arts in Action Day, a thoughtfully designed, Lower School experience that immersed students in the transformative power of the arts, and has become an annual springtime tradition.

From the opening moments of the day, it was clear this would not be a typical arts showcase. Instead of a traditional end-of-year performance, students in Kindergarten through Grade 2 participated in a collaborative performance experience led by Ericka Shannon, Early Childhood Performing Arts Faculty, who reimagined what early arts engagement could look like. Through intentional teaching, planning, and conducting, she crafted an opening ceremony that invited young learners not only to perform but also to understand themselves as artists.

“My goal was to shift the focus from performance to experience,” said Ericka Shannon. “When students see themselves as creators, capable of expressing ideas and emotions through music and movement, they begin to understand the arts as a language, not just an event.”

Her vision centered on process over product, giving students the opportunity to explore rhythm, movement, and voice in a way that was both joyful and deeply meaningful.

Beyond the opening, Arts in Action Day unfolded as a Lower School-wide exploration of creativity. Designed and led by Shay Jones, Director, Lower Campus MV Studios, the day brought together a diverse lineup of visiting artists and immersive sessions, exposing students to a wide range of artistic disciplines and perspectives. From visual arts and music to movement and design, each experience was intentionally curated to expand students’ understanding of what art is and what it can do.

“Arts in Action Day was designed to help students experience the breadth and relevance of the arts in real, tangible ways,” Shay shared. “By bringing in practicing artists and creating space for hands-on exploration, we wanted students to see how the arts connect to community, culture, and even future pathways.”

Throughout the day, students engaged with Mount Vernon arts teachers and visiting artists, including:

• Gift of Music (Phil Hannah and Loren Hannah) – Instruments Around the World
• Alliance Theatre – Schools & Educators – “Rhythm and Thread”
• Moving in the Spirit (Twix) – Thriller Dance Workshop
• Jillian McLendon – Hieroglyphics Exploration
• Sterling McClary – Musical Theater Movement
• Scraplanta – Paper Making
• Morgan Harrell – Jazz Dance
• Academy of Kuchipudi Dance – Traditional Indian Dance
• Little Mindful Yogis (Kaitlin) – Yoga and Mindfulness
• Nicole Campbell – Jazz Dance
• Jerry G. White – Oceans of Rhythm
• Maureen Monaghan – Animation (Design/STEAM)
• Whole World Theater – Improv
• Cady Jean Walls – Jazz Dance
• Cheryl Bruno and Amy Lee Starr – Froot Zoo (Animal + Food Drawings)
• Dianne Johnson – Crowns

Each session offered a unique lens into the creative process, allowing students to engage directly with professionals and explore new mediums and ideas.

Behind the scenes, the day required careful orchestration. From securing and coordinating guest artists to designing a schedule that maximized exposure across grade levels, every detail was built to ensure students could engage with multiple forms of artistic expression. The goal was not just participation, but perspective, helping students see how the arts shape culture, tell stories, and drive impact in communities around the world.

Arts in Action Day reflects Mount Vernon’s broader commitment to experiential learning and real-world connection. By elevating the arts as a vehicle for inquiry and innovation, the school continues to create opportunities for students to explore their identities, collaborate with others, and engage with the world in meaningful ways.

Most importantly, the day served as a reminder: when students are given the space to create, they don’t just make art, they make meaning.