The Arts have a long, proud history at Pomfret. Today, a hub of the Pomfret arts program is Cole Studio, home to current Artist-in-Residence JP Jacquet. Located on the second floor of Centennial Academic and Arts Center, the bright, open studio is accessible to students around the clock. Student artwork spanning decades covers the walls and ceiling, spilling out into the hallway and staircases, inviting visitors into the space.

Long before JP Jacquet and Cole Studio, the second floor of the School Building housed Pomfret’s painting and drawing studio, where an entirely different generation of artists found inspiration under the guidance of longtime art teacher Chick Cole. Today, that space is known as The Jahn Reading Room. In 1998, famed architect and past parent Helmut Jahn and his wife, Deborah, made a contribution to transform the space into a place where students and faculty could gather to share ideas and listen to outside speakers.

Now, after more than thirty years, art is returning to The Jahn. Thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Edwin S. Webster Foundation, Pomfret opened The Gallery at Jahn Reading Room earlier this fall. The new display space offers students the opportunity to curate exhibits and working artists the chance to share professional art with the school community. The Gallery will also host private collections, including works by alumni and faculty.

“Having a dedicated gallery on campus gives students the chance to see their work in a professional context,” says Jacquet, who also serves as the gallerist. “It bridges the gap between learning and sharing — between creating and curating art.”

The Webster Foundation grant funded renovations to the space, including flexible lighting and new portable display walls. The Gallery opened its doors during Family Weekend with ’Til Now, a student exhibition showcasing works in progress from painting, drawing, ceramics, photography, and graphic design classes.

Next, The Gallery will host two shows simultaneously. Mnemosyne: A Sixty-Year Review is an exhibition featuring Seaver Leslie ’65, a modern and contemporary artist whose connection to the Hilltop runs deep. As a student, Leslie roomed with John Irick ’65, Pomfret’s first African American graduate. Leslie’s portrait of Irick, previously on display at Northfield Mount Hermon, is now on loan to Pomfret and will be featured in the show. Leslie's exhibition will include works by their former roommates, award-winning architect Buzz Yudell ’65 and sculptor Bill Whipple ’65. The second exhibit, Observations, will feature new works by Pomfret students. Both shows will be on display through December 2025.

During the week of November 10, Leslie and Irick will return to campus as visiting artists. Leslie will paint a new portrait of Irick as students observe and create their own interpretations. Members of the local community are invited to attend an Artist Mixer on Monday, November 10, at 7:00 p.m., and a Gallery Opening Reception on Thursday, November 13, at 6:00 p.m., where both Leslie and Irick will be in attendance.

The grant for the creation of The Gallery is the second grant Pomfret has received from the Webster Foundation in recent years. In 2022, funding from the Foundation enhanced the music department by purchasing digital pianos and guitars, renovating practice spaces, and establishing a digital music production program.

“We are grateful for the partnership from the Webster Foundation,” said Director of Annual Giving and Constituent Programs Emily Morrison. “These grants have funded meaningful additions to Pomfret’s Arts Department, benefitting students and the campus community.”

The arts remain a cornerstone of the Pomfret Experience. All ninth graders complete an arts immersion course, gaining a broad introduction to creative expression. As they advance, students explore specialized classes in painting and drawing, photography, ceramics, sculpture, and digital and performing arts. Pomfret’s goal is to meet every artist where they are — and ensure they leave the Hilltop transformed by the creative process

Read More Stories