By Nadine Brandes

June 4, 2025: Bronxville art history students are no strangers to mosaics—one of the world’s oldest and most enduring art forms—where countless tiny pieces come together to create a unified image. That metaphor took center stage at the 4th Annual Bronxville Arts Festival with its flagship piece, a collaborative mosaic titled “BXV in Tesserae.” Based on a drawing of the school’s facade by senior Stella Woolery and the design and construction by artist Lyndal Vermette, architect Tom Dordevic and gallery owner Justine McEnerney, students from every grade worked together, carefully placing colored tiles to bring the image—and the spirit—of Bronxville to life.

Over the course of two sunny days, students, alumni, teachers, administrators, parents, and friends strolled around the Bronxville School lawn and inside the corridors of the school, soaking in the creative energy. Inside the auditorium lobby, AP Art & Design students presented thought-provoking work that explored themes such as isolation, human connection, individual identity, family, vulnerability, and even death. Their personal investigations were expressed through impressive drawings, paintings, sculptures, and photographs. 

Guests who wandered further into the school had the opportunity to enjoy Bronxville’s annual art show that featured works by Elementary, Middle and High School students, displayed by parent volunteers. The Bronxville School Fine Arts teachers inspired creativity and supported the students every step of the way – Ms. Merin and Ms. Vining in the Elementary School, Ms. D’Arco in the Middle School and Ms. Alan and Ms. Briggs in the High School.

The celebration of the arts continued with live performances. Monday’s events included performances by several orchestra students, led by Orchestra teacher Matt Dell. 

On Tuesday, the Bronxville High School Jazz Band, led by Uma Karkala, performed a standout set featuring solos by seniors Madeleine Brandes (vocals), Alessa Johnson (saxophone), and Wyatt Gravier (drums). Middle school students delighted the audience with two songs from their recent production of The Little Mermaid, directed by Hannah Geiling, showcasing the strength of Bronxville’s younger performers.

The evening’s Open Mic, hosted by the HS Arts Society, brought even more talent to the stage. Twenty-two high school students performed a total of fifteen songs. Senior student band Crow’s Nest—featuring Madeleine Brandes (vocals), Miles Jernigan (lead guitar), Jack Toal (rhythm guitar), Austin Waggoner (keyboards), and Wyatt Gravier (drums)—played renditions of songs by Coldplay, Mt. Joy, and Chris Stapleton.

Other performance highlights included senior Will Sousa and junior Katie Fezza’s rendition of a Jeff Buckley song, as well as a dynamic performance from brothers Manny and Chris Rivera, who brought the energy of Hamilton to the stage. 

None of this would have been possible without the vision, hard work, and creativity of the Bronxville PTA Arts Council, led by Kelly Fezza, Jenny Jaquette, and Michelle Horvers, in collaboration with Bronxville Fine Arts teacher Courtney Alan. Ms. Alan said, “Thanks to this collaboration, the Arts Festival flourishes annually, becoming a truly incredible celebration of both the arts and our talented arts students. This year, the energy was palpable as the community explored the K-12 Art Show and enjoyed the outside activities. As a department, we believe the arts are integral to education, and this evening solidified our community's shared commitment to that vision.”

This year’s Arts Society’s co-presidents, seniors Stella Woolery and Madeleine Brandes, were instrumental in fostering a sense of connection to the arts among the kids and to the broader community. They now pass the baton to next year’s co-presidents, Louise Jacobs and Katie Fezza, who are already inspired to continue building on the club’s legacy.  Katie and Louise said, “We’re so excited to take on this role and keep the spirit of the Arts Society alive. Arts Society has shown us how powerful art can be in bringing people together, and we can’t wait to keep that energy going next year.”

Anyone who attended this year’s K-12 Art Show and enjoyed the outdoor Arts Festival activities would agree that the performing and visual arts are thriving at the Bronxville School. We were reminded that while art brings beauty to life, it also builds bridges between people. Like the tiles of a mosaic, our community came together—E pluribus unum—Out of Many, One.

Below are some photos from the event!  Photos by D. Fenner.

Photo below provided by Mayor Mary Marvin