With Chapin’s classes and activities moving to a distance-learning format, finding ways to come together – albeit virtually – has become even more important.
Heartened by an abundance of arts-focused videos making the rounds online, Sarah Bellantoni, Head of Lower School Arts and Integration, decided to launch the Chapin Instagram challenge, #stayinspired.
With her colleagues June Anderson, Head of Middle School Arts and Integration, and Sarah Rutledge, Head of Upper School Arts and Integration, they reached out to the Chapin community. “Art is clearly an important part of keeping us all connected to each other,” their e-mail stated. “We want you to help us keep our community connected and inspired.”
Thus, students in each division, as well as their teachers, were asked to send in videos or photographs of their recent home-based artistic pursuits. “Whatever you're doing to keep your creativity and spirit going, we’d love to see it!” they appealed.
Unsurprisingly, the Chapin community answered this call with much eagerness, offering a dizzying array of imaginative projects – encompassing music, dance, poetry, visual arts, animation, woodworking, basket-weaving and other mediums – that beautifully represent and celebrate Chapin’s amazing artists and their undeniable energy and optimism.
Since #stayinspired went live at the beginning of our March break, more than 60 posts have been published, with more added every day. Chapin thanks all the participants for sharing their creativity and imaginations with us and for uniting the community during these unprecedented times.
“The overwhelmingly enthusiastic response we received confirms how true it is that many of us tap into our artistic side in times of trouble, when words alone simply cannot encompass all that we feel or want to express,” noted Ms. Rutledge.
If you’re feeling inspired, submit a video or photograph of your own creative efforts to Ms. Bellantoni at sbellantoni@chapin.edu. And don’t forget follow the #stayinspired challenge on Instagram at @ChapinArtsNYC.
