Many in the Hill community can attest to the incredible talent and passion of three beloved art instructors – Senior Master of the Arts, Boyer Gallery Coordinator Ellen Nelson, Chair of the Arts Department, Athey Family Master of the Arts Diane Richards, and Oaklawn-Tuttle Director of Vocal Music, Athey Family Master of the Arts, Director of Afternoon Arts Yoon Soo Lim.  Not only are these instructors heavily invested in teaching; they are also frequently involved in interesting creative projects outside of the classroom.

Senior Master of the Arts, Boyer Gallery Coordinator Ellen Nelson

One of Nelson’s series, Body Wisdom, has been in the making for three years. Some students may recall when she showcased pieces from this series two years ago at Hill Forum. Nelson uses biodegradable and sustainable materials to create pieces that allow her to “hone the connection between mind and body.”  In her personal statement about the work, she explains: “I use my art to help me become more attuned to my body, to facilitate listening to it and hearing its’ voice.” She has made garments using oak leaves, sweet gum burrs, porcupine quills, and boiled wool; has eco dyed fabric using oak leaves and black walnuts, and has made sandals of pine with sycamore pod accents. Currently, she is working on Visages of Resilience, a series of portraits made of cut cloth. She chose cloth to symbolize our common humanity. The portraits celebrate fortitude and strength. She draws her inspiration from “people who show resilience in the face of challenges” and the portraits “reflect on how the human spirit prevails despite adverse conditions.” Nelson hopes the series will “inspire and instill hope in those who view the portraits.”

Chair of the Arts Department, Athey Family Master of the Arts Diane Richards 

Two summers ago, Richards traveled to Iceland for an artisan residency. While apprehensive about spending a month in such an isolated area, she was curious to see how the new location would affect her work. “We were on the ocean, but then alongside of us was the mouth of a river that opened up into the sea, and so the tides, and the birds, were just so fascinating, and so everything changed.” Inspired by her environment, Richards “learned how to look and see the land differently.” She took many pictures, but her main project involved working with silk. “I was experimenting with two different processes that I never would have put together unless, I think, I was there and I was able to play and just have fun. I think in that playful time, I was able to just uncover other processes that I really still enjoy doing now.” Her residency turned out to be an unforgettable experience that has had a lasting impact on her work.

Oaklawn-Tuttle Director of Vocal Music, Athey Family Master of the Arts, Director of Afternoon Arts Yoon Soo Lim

Lim has been playing the piano since she was ten. After only two years of lessons, she performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra. After receiving a master’s degree in Choral Conducting, she discovered a passion for teaching. One of Lim’s favorite memories is performing with her mother and daughter on stage. Her mother is a retired opera singer who earned her third master’s degree at age sixty-seven. She had to perform several recitals in order to receive her degree and asked Lim to accompany her during the final one. Lim stated, “ It was truly special to accompany my mom on the piano and sing with her that night. It was also special that my daughter also accompanied her on the guitar. I will never forget that three generations of women in our family stood on that big stage and performed together.” What an incredible experience that must have been! When asked whether she has any dream project, concert, or collaboration, Lim replied, “I would love to conduct a professional choir someday!”