Renovations on the Memorial Building and Reed Arts Center are tentatively set to begin in fall of 2013.
“We have a tremendously strong arts program and will finally have a facility that is commensurate with the quality of the department,” said Fine Arts Department Chair and dance teacher Jennifer Whitcomb.
Head of School Margarita Curtis added, “This is one of the more ambitious projects Deerfield has taken on. We have involved every single member of the arts faculty and some of the staff in the project.”
One of the main goals of the project is to attract Deerfield students to the arts. “Our hope is to make the arts program more visible, and [the building] a place where people want to be,” commented Academic Dean and fine arts teacher Peter Warsaw.
Another focus of the renovations will be the large auditorium.
“We are changing the large auditorium and expanding the capacity,” said fine arts teacher and Theatre Director Catriona Hynds.
The Memorial Building also needs structural updates. “The auditorium hasn’t been renovated for over 50 years, and [the renovation] is long overdue, especially regarding the infrastructure of the building,” Dr. Curtis said.
Other additions to the building include a new Chamber Music Hall and an art gallery showcasing Deerfield’s Russell Collection of Fine Art, which will resemble the Hilson Gallery.
“We want a greater balance between athletics and the arts,” Dr. Curtis said.