Celebrating senior artists at Fine Arts College Day

The moment she stepped onto the stage, senior Eve Hickman knew she had found her calling. Ever since, she has thrown herself into theatre, both on and off the stage, and loved every minute of it. 

“Being a part of a performance brings me so much joy, fills me up in a unique way, and allows me to feel like I am making an impact on people, however small it may be,” Eve said. “Theatre is what made my transition to Harpeth Hall so much easier than I expected, and that community is something I want to keep in my life.”

Since becoming a Honeybear two years ago, Eve has jumped at every opportunity to gain experience at Harpeth Hall, MBA, and within Nashville’s professional arts community. During her junior year, she completed a Winterim internship with Studio Tenn, where she learned the ins and outs of running a theatre in the lead up to the production of “Crimes of the Heart.” 

As she embarks on a new journey as a musical theatre major at American University, Eve is ready to embrace a life surrounded by the arts.

“I am excited to be able to give more of my time to what I love,” she said.

On May 13, the Harpeth Hall community gathered at Fine Arts College Day to recognize Eve and the six additional seniors who are continuing to follow their arts passions after graduation. The ceremony honored performing and visual artists who are going on to pursue the arts at the collegiate level. 

“Fine Arts College Day accomplishes two things, it honors the work of our dedicated young artists and serves to inspire our younger students. Moreover, it provides our graduating seniors with some added momentum and support as they launch into an exciting future in the arts,” Director of Performing Arts Brion Kennedy said. 

Senior Violet Wolter understands the dedication it takes to follow her dreams. Since discovering a love of songwriting at age 12, she has written more than 100 songs.

“I've always loved music and literature, but as I got older, I grew a deeper faith, and in return, deeper thinking,” Violet, who will study commercial music at Samford University, said. “Songwriting, for me, has become a fusion of questions and truths, and an outpouring of who I am. It only feels natural to pursue this calling and share these lyrics with others.”

A three-year member of Harpeth Hall’s modern band, Violet has shared her talent at events across Nashville and gained hands-on experience through an internship at Blackbird Studios.

Like Eve and Violet, the other Harpeth Hall students pursuing arts careers gained professional experience during Winterim. Caroline Thomas interned at NYC Bond Theatrical, Margaret Moore at Alexanders Interiors, Katherine Luttrull at Nashville Public Television, and Myla Anglin at the Oak Hill School art department, while Lily Kapanka completed an independent artistic study. Through the opportunities provided real-world experience that will help them succeed in the future.

From interior design to motion picture production, Harpeth Hall recognizes the talent, dedication, and hard work of the seven students pursuing the fine arts in college and beyond.

Myla Anglin
Centre College | Studio Art

“A gifted artist, Myla possesses a mastery of drawings, painting, and mixed media compositions that often incorporate 3D elements. She has pushed the boundaries of these mediums, exploring character-driven worlds through vivid colors and intricate details for AP portfolio. …. Myla lives in a world of imaginations, always dreaming up original creations and bringing them to life. …At Centre, I hope you can continue to immerse yourself into ideas and inspire others with your artistic gifts, genuine warmth, and imagination.”
– Susie Elder, art teacher and visual arts department chair

Eve Hickman
American University | Musical Theatre

“You never confine yourself to any clique, but instead, you lend your hand to anyone and everyone, effortlessly fitting in everywhere you go, remaining true to your authentic self. And this generosity of spirit makes you the strong actor that you are. You approach a script with honesty and each musical line with nuance. You recognize the importance of words, and you imbue each word with the emotional weight it deserves. …You're always engaged in the classroom discussion, excited and prepared for rehearsal, and willing to help create the magic.”
- Lauren Bromfield, theatre director

Lilly Kapanka
Lafayette College | Studio Art

“Whether in the studios upstairs, the lobby outside of the Richards Room during Winterim, or in the AP Art History classroom, your presence is palpable and welcomed. Lafayette College is extraordinarily lucky to have a student that cares so deeply about the study of art, but also art making and the power that the creative process can have.. …You have left quite the legacy, and as you continue your art making at Lafayette, continue to be true to yourself in your work.”
- Robert Womack, AP Art History teacher

Katherine Luttrull
Belmont University | Motion Picture Production

“Being a director requires a vast assortment of skills, and whether you realized it or not at the start, your selflessness and curiosity in this department of the past four years has given you the foundation you need for this field. …And because of your range of talent and experiences, you are curating a director's vision. …Watching you grow into the artist and the director that you are today has been a privilege.”
- Lauren Bromfield, theatre director

Margaret Moore
Samford University | Interior Design

“Since middle school, Margaret has been asked to reimagine the art studio spaces, whether it's to add more desks or to rearrange the art foundation studio to put another drawing rack in. Even in the AP art studio, Margaret keeps us organized and on track. …I've witnessed her growth in skill and concept, but most importantly, I've witnessed her warmth, her generosity, her integrity, and her authenticity.”
– Susie Elder, art teacher and visual arts department chair

Caroline Thomas
University of Michigan | Theatre Arts (Production & Management)

“I could not picture a more fitting choice of study for you than theater and performing arts management at the University of Michigan. You have gifted us with storytelling, music, and above all, a passion for theater. You always know what you want or what others need, and you work hard to make it happen. And this mission will make you both a strong actor and a formidable theater producer.”
- Lauren Bromfield, theatre director

Violet Wolter
Samford University | Commercial Music (Songwriting)

“Over the past three years, I've witnessed Violet blossom into a committed and confident young musician and songwriter. …Those of you who have the pleasure of knowing Violet, know her to be a kind, compassionate, and quiet leader. Someone you can depend on. Someone who will always support you and cheer you on, no matter what. It is these character traits, along with her immense talent, that will take this young woman so far in life.”
- Brion Kennedy, director of performing arts