The arts have never been more valued at USM, as evident during the fifth-annual Arts Live on May 1. This year’s theme was Illuminate the Arts, and during the school-wide, all-day celebration, students were able to shine a light—sometimes literally—on art in all its many forms at USM. “It was so exciting to see students from all three divisions come together in one day, under one roof, to celebrate the arts,” said Sarah Markwald, Middle School art teacher, Fine Arts Department co-chair, and chair of Arts Live.

Middle School Spanish Teacher and Guitar Teacher Todd Schlenker (far left) and Middle School students on a student-led docent tour.

From left Andy Werner ’26, Charlie Afsari ’26, Nicholas Freitag ’26, and Nikhil Lazzaro ’26 created “Art in the Dark” with glow-in-the-dark bricks.

Emery Endres ’23 helped lead a workshop for part of a collaboration mural, which was recently installed in the Lower School/Middle School dining room.

From left Kaitlyn Paullin ’26, Anastasia Marich ’26, and Skyler Kruse ’26 saw things in a new light in the “Art in the Dark” display.

Elizabeth Schoon ’22 (left) and Amelia Ackles ’22 performed skits as part of their musical theatre class.

Deven Sharma ’27 participated in an improv theatre workshop.

Nora Sellars ’28 sampled the tuba during the “Petting Zoo” session sponsored by Brass Bell Music Store.

Members of the Upper School Jazz Band performed while Hannah Hakami ’18 painted on stage.

Katya Ilyasova ’29 practiced her culinary creativity with this healthy snack.

From left Eden Jordan ’29, Sonja Klos ’29, and Viraj Kamath ’29 danced with members of the Limanya Drum and Dance Ensemble, which performs traditional music from Guinea, West Africa.

Ethan Stone ’20 (left) and Rohan Anne ’21 played percussion during the Upper School band, orchestra, and choir curricular concert.

From left Sarah Bentley ’23, Zachary Sardas-Trevorrow ’23, and Sofia Lew ’23 made clay suns.