Opening doors to careers in the arts: Introducing PAWS

In the studios of the Patton Visual Arts Center, a student sits at the wheel shaping clay. In the wings of the Frances Bond Davis Theatre, another girl takes a deep breath as she waits to step out into the spotlight. And, in the quiet of the Idanelle McMurry Center’s practice rooms, a musician draws her bow across the strings.

For many Harpeth Hall students, these artistic spaces feel like home and these moments inspire a lifelong artistic journey. Yet, even with artistic interests, it can be hard for students to imagine a career in the arts because they do not know what job opportunities may build on their creative passions.

That is where PAWS comes in.

Director of Performing Arts Brion Kennedy created the vision for PAWS, Harpeth Hall’s new Parent-Artist Workshop Series. His goal was to invite parent-artists from the school community into the classroom to share their talents, insights, and experiences, inspiring students to explore their own creative paths.

The PAWS series launched in September 2025 with five parent guest speakers, who led interactive classroom instruction, studio visits, and lunch-and-learn sessions. The second semester will feature several more learning opportunities. Mr. Kennedy tells us more about PAWS and its purpose:

How do you define a “parent-artist,” and what disciplines are included?

A parent-artist is simply a current parent who has a career in the arts. All disciplines, from visual to performing arts, are included. During the first semester of the 2025-2026 school year, we featured parents working in fields ranging from fine art appraisal to music business, and everything in between.

What have you noticed in students’ reactions during or after PAWS sessions?

The single greatest takeaway the PAWS lunch-and-learn sessions provide is a deeper understanding of a particular career field in the arts. Our parent-artists are providing a unique glimpse into their respective fields, and the students are walking away with exposure to a career they may not have known about prior to the session.

With our classroom visits, the students are benefiting from the instruction of university professors, in the case of Felix Wang, and active practitioners, as was the case with Whitney St. Pierre. When students are afforded the opportunity to work with such talented individuals, the takeaways are lasting. … Based on the students’ engagement and the conversations I've had with students following PAWS sessions, you can tell that the parent-artists are having a real impact on the students.

What is your vision for PAWS in the future?

I am so thrilled with how the inaugural year has been going so far, and I would just love to see PAWS grow and expand in the future.

Are you a current Harpeth Hall parent who would like to share your artistic talents and professional story with our students? Email brion.kennedy@harpethhall.org.

2025 Parent-Artist Workshop Series Presenters

Felix Wang, professor of cello at Vanderbilt University, cellist of the Blair String Quartet, and founding member of the Blakemore Trio, worked with upper school orchestra students in a classroom visit.

Fielding Logan, head of touring at Q Prime South, hosted a lunch-and-learn about the music business.

Whitney St. Pierre, visual artist, visited middle school art classes to talk to students.

Kirsten Smolensky, owner of Minerva Appraisal, LLC, spoke to students about art appraisal.

Mollie Mills Mann ’93, principal at Bond Theatrical Group Taught students about the business of Broadway.