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Friends of the Arts

Friends of the Arts (FOTA) is a dedicated volunteer parent organization that supports Country Day’s fine arts program across all divisions. By inspiring and organizing volunteers, FOTA plays an integral role in enhancing the arts experience for students—helping behind the scenes at drama productions, sewing costumes, assisting with school exhibitions and concerts, and contributing to the success of arts-related events throughout the year.

FOTA Special Events

Create to Donate Pottery Event

FOTA supports the annual Create to Donate Pottery Workshop, a beloved tradition since 2006. In partnership with the Upper School visual arts department, students, families, and faculty gather in the ceramics studio to create handmade bowls benefiting VIA Health Partners. Proceeds support compassionate care programs, making each piece a meaningful way to give back.

Country Day Art Sale

FOTA proudly sponsors and hosts the annual Country Day Art Sale—a beloved tradition and signature event spanning more than 40 years. Open to the public, this vibrant fundraiser features original art, jewelry, and artisan pieces from talented local and regional artists. Proceeds support County Day's visual, performing, and musical arts programs and is a must-visit event for anyone who appreciates the arts.

Volunteer Opportunities

Sign Up to Volunteer in 2026–27!

Country Day Art Sale
Assist the Art Sale co-chairs in the planning, setup, execution, and teardown of the sale and corresponding preview night. Sale setup occurs Monday through Wednesday before Big Saturday, and the preview night takes place Wednesday evening. The sale runs from Thursday through Big Saturday. Tear down occurs immediately following Big Saturday through the following Sunday. Parents can choose to volunteer for various roles that occur throughout the year as part of the planning process, or during the week of the Art Sale itself. 

Lower School Visual Arts
Volunteers assist the LS Visual Arts chair with hanging LS student art in various areas on campus throughout the year. Volunteers should be flexible with scheduling. Commitment is September–May.

Middle School Visual Arts/Music
Volunteers assist the MS Visual Arts/Music chair as needed throughout the year. This includes coordinating receptions for the music department’s winter and spring concerts, and Fine Arts Night in May. Volunteers also support the art department by preparing and hanging selected art for display as needed. Commitment is September–May.

Upper School Music
Volunteers assist the US Music chair with organizing breakfast for band/orchestra participants in the LS Halloween Parade, planning receptions for the semi-annual concerts in December and May, and coordinating and chaperoning periodic off-site music competitions throughout the year. Various opportunities are available throughout the year to volunteer as your schedule allows. 

Upper School Visual Arts
Volunteers assist the US Visual Arts chair with planning and executing events throughout the year, including the fall and spring Student Art receptions, IB Arts reception, Faculty/Staff Art Show, All-Student Art Show, Fine Arts Honor Society Induction Ceremony, and the Arts Experience Showcase. Various opportunities are available throughout the year to volunteer as your schedule allows. 

"Create to Donate" Pottery Workshop
Volunteers assist the "Create to Donate" chair at the pottery workshop. Duties may include preparing clay, checking in participants, assisting with glazing, and packing the finished pottery for participant/charitable distribution. No experience is necessary. Commitment is in September/October.

2026-27 Board Members

Chair: Anne Warren
Past Chair: Jessica Blinde
Secretary: Leni Wilson
Art Sale: Kendra Connolly and Katherine Melvin 
LS FOTA Rep: Laura Perese
MS FOTA Rep: Kaitlin Vandura
US FOTA Rep: Cissy Brantley
US FOTA Rep: Sara Linn
Create to Donate: Kellie Lecka

A Glimpse into the Arts

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