Tapping the inner life

Celebration of the arts has been a hallmark of Holy Names education since the Congregation’s first school opened in 1843. Because of the connection between the creative spirit and its expression in art, education in the arts, promotion of the arts and performance of the arts are integral to the full development of the human person. Moreover, studies show that the arts develop in students perseverance and hard work leading to a strong, positive relationship between the arts and academic success. St. Mary’s Academy is committed to nurturing a passion for the arts in its students.

Visual Arts
The present art classroom, built in 1963, is too small and lacks the amenities to support the current visual arts program and high demand for enrollment in it. Students who are denied admission into these courses are left disappointed. A new, larger visual arts studio is planned for the space currently occupied by the library.

Visual Arts expansion plans include:

• Capacity for 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional work
• Computers for graphic art and art history
• Increased capacity, a kiln and pottery wheels, drying, storage and clean-up
• Area to display student work

Dramatic Arts
Alumnae Hall is, in many respects, the “heart” of the school. It is in use daily for the extensive dramatic arts academic program and drama productions. As well, it is the gathering place for most of the school’s community building activities: assemblies, liturgies, and meetings. It is now forty-four years old and in need of upgrades to adequately support the dramatic arts programs and to meet code requirements.

Dramatic Arts expansion plans include an addition for theatre production:

• classroom/rehearsal space
• costume and make-up labs
• sets and props workshop and storage
• upgrades to improve forty year-old sound and lighting systems
• sacristy space
• space for musicians during liturgies and drama productions
• extension of the foyer and accessible washrooms on the 1st floor