Jane's Pocket Change: CSW’s Reach and a Museum for the Ages
Over spring break, I spent a few days in Washington, D.C. and had time to visit a number of museums. One of the stops on my list was a return visit to the National Museum of Women in the Arts, a beautiful, stately building that houses some amazing exhibits. On this visit, Sarah Bernhardt’s Après la tempete (After the storm), took me by surprise —I did not know this important actress was also an accomplished sculptor.
While I enjoyed all the museums I visited, the museum at the top of my list for this trip was the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). Securing tickets was a little challenging—it required waking up at 6 a.m. two days in a row to try to order them online—but on the second morning I was successful!
While I enjoyed all the museums I visited, the museum at the top of my list for this trip was the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). Securing tickets was a little challenging—it required waking up at 6 a.m. two days in a row to try to order them online—but on the second morning I was successful!
Over spring break, I spent a few days in Washington, D.C. and had time to visit a number of museums. One of the stops on my list was a return visit to the National Museum of Women in the Arts, a beautiful, stately building that houses some amazing exhibits. On this visit, Sarah Bernhardt’s Après la tempete (After the storm), took me by surprise —I did not know this important actress was also an accomplished sculptor.
While I enjoyed all the museums I visited, the museum at the top of my list for this trip was the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). Securing tickets was a little challenging—it required waking up at 6 a.m. two days in a row to try to order them online—but on the second morning I was successful!
I had some preparation for how best to navigate the building once there—A CSW parent had given me a few hints on how to plan my visit. What I was not prepared for, however, was how hugely compelling the outer layer of the building’s exterior would be. Made from wrought iron with a bronze hue, it looked as intricate and delicate as lace and enveloped the structure like a skin. Lead designer David Adjaye and lead architect Philip Freelon, together with their team from Freelon Adjaye Bond/Smith Group, have created a stunning building. As the museum’s website explains further: “From one perspective, the building’s architecture follows classical Greco-Roman form… the corona is inspired by the three-tiered crowns used in Yoruban art from West Africa. The intricate ironwork that wraps the entire building pays homage to similar work by enslaved African Americans in Louisiana, South Carolina and elsewhere.”
Within the NMAAHC, the exhibits tell a highly complex and, of course, very powerful story. Exhibits feature everything from the arts (visual and performing), literature, science and engineering to civil rights, politics and world affairs—and that’s just what’s covered on the top three floors. Below ground, on three additional floors, one learns of the history of African Americans in the United States from 1400 and slavery through events leading to the Civil War, Reconstruction and into the 20th century. And while we know that one museum could not possibly hold the whole history of African Americans, the NMAAHC is a brilliant statement, encapsulating through visuals and sound and feel, the integral contributions of African Americans to this country.
Worth a visit—yes, without a doubt. Plan to spend the day there. Soak it up; take it in. Alice Walker is quoted in one exhibit: “Hard times require furious dancing.” That really spoke to me during my day at the NMAAHC.
Oh, and what about the reference I made to “CSW's reach” in the title of this week’s posting? Max Bond, CSW alumnus from the class of 1951 and our first African American graduate, was the Bond in that architectural firm’s long name. Sadly, he died in 2009, but not before contributing his skills and talents in design to the NMAAHC as well as to the museum at Ground Zero in New York City (and of course countless other buildings over his long career).
A wonderful reminder of how, even during spring break, CSW is never far from my mind or my heart.
While I enjoyed all the museums I visited, the museum at the top of my list for this trip was the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). Securing tickets was a little challenging—it required waking up at 6 a.m. two days in a row to try to order them online—but on the second morning I was successful!
I had some preparation for how best to navigate the building once there—A CSW parent had given me a few hints on how to plan my visit. What I was not prepared for, however, was how hugely compelling the outer layer of the building’s exterior would be. Made from wrought iron with a bronze hue, it looked as intricate and delicate as lace and enveloped the structure like a skin. Lead designer David Adjaye and lead architect Philip Freelon, together with their team from Freelon Adjaye Bond/Smith Group, have created a stunning building. As the museum’s website explains further: “From one perspective, the building’s architecture follows classical Greco-Roman form… the corona is inspired by the three-tiered crowns used in Yoruban art from West Africa. The intricate ironwork that wraps the entire building pays homage to similar work by enslaved African Americans in Louisiana, South Carolina and elsewhere.”
Within the NMAAHC, the exhibits tell a highly complex and, of course, very powerful story. Exhibits feature everything from the arts (visual and performing), literature, science and engineering to civil rights, politics and world affairs—and that’s just what’s covered on the top three floors. Below ground, on three additional floors, one learns of the history of African Americans in the United States from 1400 and slavery through events leading to the Civil War, Reconstruction and into the 20th century. And while we know that one museum could not possibly hold the whole history of African Americans, the NMAAHC is a brilliant statement, encapsulating through visuals and sound and feel, the integral contributions of African Americans to this country.
Worth a visit—yes, without a doubt. Plan to spend the day there. Soak it up; take it in. Alice Walker is quoted in one exhibit: “Hard times require furious dancing.” That really spoke to me during my day at the NMAAHC.
Oh, and what about the reference I made to “CSW's reach” in the title of this week’s posting? Max Bond, CSW alumnus from the class of 1951 and our first African American graduate, was the Bond in that architectural firm’s long name. Sadly, he died in 2009, but not before contributing his skills and talents in design to the NMAAHC as well as to the museum at Ground Zero in New York City (and of course countless other buildings over his long career).
A wonderful reminder of how, even during spring break, CSW is never far from my mind or my heart.
Campus News
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CSW's DEIB Office Hosts Heritage Fest
Read MoreYesterday, the DEIB Office hosted our annual Heritage Fest with 25 heritages represented! The table displays truly transformed The Fit into a celebration of the rich cultures that make up our CSW community. From delicious food to beautiful artwork and meaningful traditions, each table showcased thoughtfulness, care, and pride. You helped create an atmosphere that was vibrant, welcoming, and inspiring—and the DEIB office couldn’t have done it without you. -
Empty Bowls Event Raises Over $2,500 for Rosie’s Place
Read MoreThank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Empty Bowls event a success! Over the past few months, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families came together at various events to paint more than 100 beautiful ceramic bowls.The evening was filled with warmth and community spirit, featuring exciting raffles, delicious food, and performances by talented student musicians. The vibrant gathering not only brought people together but also raised funds for an important cause.Thanks to the incredible generosity and participation of our community, the event raised over $2,500 in support of Rosies's Place, a multi-service community center that provides emergency shelter, nutritious meals, and a wide array of essential services for women in need. Together, we made a meaningful impact—and we’re already looking forward to next year! -
Former Art Teacher Orlando Leyba Returns to CSW as Guest Speaker and Exhibiting Artist
Read MoreFormer CSW art teacher and accomplished artist Orlando Leyba returned to campus this week as a guest speaker at assembly, sharing stories from his personal and artistic journey as well as his process for creating.Orlando, who is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, taught at CSW for ten years, spoke candidly about his childhood in New Mexico, where he spent summers working the fields with his grandfather. “When I would work these fields, I’d often get distracted because I would be finding pottery shards” he shared. “I would find treasures all the time when I would work the fields with my grandfather.” -
Spring Wilderness Trip Goes to Maine for Sea Kayaking and Camping
Read MoreThis mod break, students embarked on the Spring Wilderness Trip — a sea kayaking and camping adventure in the New Meadow River region off the coast of Brunswick, Maine. The trip was split into two groups and began at Sawyer Park in West Bend, where students learned the basics of sea kayaking and camping before setting out in wetsuits through winds choppy waters. After a full day of paddling, the group reached their island campsites and enjoyed a cozy bonfire. The next day was filled with more exploration by kayak, as students navigated the scenic coastal waterways.
On the final morning, the group woke up at 4 a.m. to catch a breathtaking sunrise through thick coastal fog. After packing up camp, they paddled back to Brunswick, where a well-earned diner breakfast awaited. The trip was a great success — filled with adventure, teamwork, and unforgettable moments. We hope to see even more students join us for the next wilderness experience! -
Dance Chair Nailah Randall-Bellinger to Lead Dance Showcase at Boston Center for the Arts
Dance Department Chair Nailah Randall Bellinger, who is wrapping up her Boston Dancemakers residency at the Boston Center for the Arts, will be leading a showcase examining the life of performing artist Donny Edward Hathaway. The multimodal dance narrative, (just) 33, “utilizes the body of Donny Hathaway’s work and archival documentation… to celebrate the breadth and genius of this inspiring intergenerational artist.”Read More
Meet CSW Students
CSW—a gender-inclusive day and boarding school for grades 9-12—is a national leader in progressive education. We live out our values of inquiry-based learning, student agency, and embracing diverse perspectives in every aspect of our student experience. Young people come to CSW to learn how to learn and then put what they learn into action—essential skills they carry into their futures as doers, makers, innovators, leaders, and exceptional humans who do meaningful work in the world.