Elaine Loft, Staff Writer
Joe Acone, chair of the Arts & Design Department at Derryfield, commenced his presentation at the September 2 Community Meeting by challenging the audience to consider “What is the last creative thing you made?” then noted, “Whatever it was, that act of making is what connects us.”
In his talk, Acone drew a connection between the two 2025-26 Derryfield core values, individuality and community, and the study of art and design.
“We practice individuality by telling our own stories, taking risks and experimenting. But if you stop to think about it, community also runs through everything. It’s not just about what happens in the classroom, it’s about the moments when we come together as a school.
Think about the plays and musicals, where students collaborate on stage and behind the scenes to create something bigger than any one person could do alone. Think about the concerts, where choral and instrumental groups turn individual practice into a collective sound.
In terms of design, consider the robotics competitions, where iteration, engineering, and teamwork come together under the lights of a regional arena. Each of these moments brings out the best of both individuality and community—your unique contributions woven into a shared experience.”
In arts and design classes and activities, we practice individuality—by telling our own stories, taking risks, and experimenting. And it’s also how we practice community—by listening to each other, supporting each other, and making something bigger than ourselves together.”
Art and design at Derryfield is both a department and a collaboration of visual arts, music, drama, and STEAM. By combining these disciplines under one roof, DS is acknowledging that each one is simply a different pathway toward the same goal: giving people the tools to express themselves, connect with others, and bring new ideas into reality. Whether through painting, performing, coding, or composing, every practice is rooted in creative self-expression and design thinking.
Acone concluded his presentation with a challenge,
“What’s the next thing you’ll make, and how will you share it with others?”
