Rhodes Arts Center Grand Opening
On Saturday, May 2, nearly 250 guests converged at the Rhodes Art Center to mark the grand opening of the $29 million 63,000 square foot facility that opened to NMH students in September 2008 (view photos). In celebration of the generosity of donors to the arts center and to recognize the impact of the arts program at NMH, the event included a variety of activities and student performances, culminating with dinner in Alumni Hall. Tours of the center were ongoing throughout the day, featuring open visual arts studios, a performance of Love Letters by NMH actors, and an exhibit of works from the private collection of NMH Trustee Ann Tenenbaum '79 and Thomas H. Lee in the professional gallery.
As the formal program began, Head of School Sturtevant thanked the donors, paying special tribute to lead donor William R. Rhodes '52, whose newly-painted portrait was simultaneously unveiled. Referencing the school's work job program (enjoy NMH Work Program video) and strong focus on community, Sturtevant also expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the successful completion of the state-of-the-art, LEEDS-certified building: architects, builders, trustees, key staff members, and arts faculty. Of the latter he said: "I dare say that this stunning facility could not have come to being without the inspiration and wisdom of our arts faculty. Perhaps more than in other parts of our program, education for the head, heart, and hand takes place all at once through the arts."
Before turning the program over to student emcees Nicole Dancel '09 and Will Baker '10, both active and talented artists, Sturtevant continued: "When considering the ways we might thank and recognize our donors who made this building possible for our students and our program, we knew that the most satisfying appreciation would be derived from the witness of talented and empowered students, who grow deeply through their engagement in the arts. This evening's program is meant to offer that sort of thanks to all of you who have supported NMH and the Rhodes Arts Center." The audience then enjoyed performances by solo vocalist Emily Quinn-Bell '09, a violin quartet from the Chamber Orchestra, and the NMH Dance Company. Later at dinner, music was provided by the Jazz Ensemble and NMH Singers.
Also in attendance for the events were the NMH Board of Trustees; members of the Arts Advisory Council, members of the Alumni Council; former NMH Heads of School Richard P. Unsworth '45 and Jacqueline Smethurst; architects CBT, Inc. of Boston, MA; landscape architects Sasaki, Inc. of Boston, MA; and builders Daniel O'Connell's Sons of Holyoke, MA. Honorary chair of the NMH Arts Advisory Council and award-winning actress Laura Linney '82 sent a videotaped greeting from New York City.