![Experience the Magic of "Frozen" with Upper School Theatre]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1767904719/charlottecds/zx1iivrqs2ovtb65ab5a/FRZN_KeyArt_SQ.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1767904719/charlottecds/zx1iivrqs2ovtb65ab5a/FRZN_KeyArt_SQ.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1767904719/charlottecds/zx1iivrqs2ovtb65ab5a/FRZN_KeyArt_SQ.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1767904719/charlottecds/zx1iivrqs2ovtb65ab5a/FRZN_KeyArt_SQ.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1767904719/charlottecds/zx1iivrqs2ovtb65ab5a/FRZN_KeyArt_SQ.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1767904719/charlottecds/zx1iivrqs2ovtb65ab5a/FRZN_KeyArt_SQ.jpg","width":2200}])
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.
Country Day Art Pop-Up Sale
FOTA proudly sponsors and hosts the annual Country Day Art Pop-Up Sale—a beloved tradition spanning more than 40 years. Open to the public, this vibrant three-day fundraiser draws art lovers from across the region and features a stunning variety of work, including paintings, photography, ceramics, handmade jewelry, textiles, candles, succulents, and more. Showcasing the creativity of local and regional artists, the sale is held in conjunction with Big Saturday—Country Day’s largest annual fundraiser and carnival-style celebration each April. It’s a highlight of the spring season and a must-visit event for anyone who appreciates the arts.
"Create to Donate" Pottery Workshop
FOTA also supports the annual "Create to Donate" Pottery Workshop, a cherished tradition since 2006. This hands-on community gathering invites students, parents, faculty, and friends into the ceramics studio to craft handcrafted bowls for a meaningful cause. Held in partnership with the Upper School visual arts department, the event benefits VIA Health Partners (formerly Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region), with proceeds from the finished bowls directly supporting their compassionate care programs. Participants of all ages enjoy learning basic pottery techniques while creating beautiful, functional pieces that give back.
Volunteer Opportunities
Big Saturday Art Sale
Assist the Art Sale co-chairs in the planning, setup, execution, and tear down 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.
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 Drama
Volunteers assist the MS Drama chair with the fall play, spring musical, and Fine Arts night in May. Duties may include audition assistance, drama communications, decorations, performance day volunteering, and backstage assistance. Commitment is September–May with heavy time commitment during performances.
Middle School Visual Arts/Music
Volunteers assist the MS Visual Arts/Music chair as needed throughout the year. This includes 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. Commitment is September–May.
Upper School Drama
Volunteers assist the US Drama chair with the fall One Act play and winter musical. Duties may include decorations, prop procurement, meal coordination/delivery, cast party coordination, ticket and concession sales, performance day volunteering, costume steaming, and backstage/set assistance. Commitment is September–May with heavy time commitment during performances.
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. Commitment is September–May.
Upper School Visual Arts
Volunteers assist the US Visual Arts chair with planning the fall and spring Student Art receptions and the IB Arts reception. Commitment is September–May.
"Create to Donate" Pottery Workshop
Volunteers assist with the Pottery Workshop held in the fall. 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.
Special Events
Volunteers assist the Special Events chair as needed at Fine Arts events throughout the year. Events include the Faculty/Staff Art Show, All-Student Art Show, Fine Arts Honor Society Induction Ceremony, Visiting Artist Reception and the Arts Experience Showcase. Commitment is September–May.
2025-26 Board Members
Chair: Jessica Blinde
Past Chair: Alicia Harris
Secretary: Nancy Moller
Art Sale: Anne Warren, Cindy Costa
Lower School Visual Arts: Christine Silver
Middle School Drama: Anne Mellman
Middle School Visual Arts: Kelli Telling
Upper School Visual Arts: Rebecca Watson
Upper School Drama: Erin and Chad Cook
Upper School Music: Stefhanie Howe, Holly Cagle
Pottery Workshop Coordinator: Tara Marcel
Special Events Coordinator: Courtney Salton
A Glimpse into the Arts
![National Art Honor Society Partners with Roof Above Neighbors]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1768508147/lkeobpnjnooywjscet94/USStudentsatRoofAbove_thumbnail.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1768508147/lkeobpnjnooywjscet94/USStudentsatRoofAbove_thumbnail.jpg","width":480}])
![Lower School Buccaneer Voices Choir]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1768413904/dkdnqmn4um9prhvu4ws4/CCDSChoirWinterConcert2025-LSandChambersquare.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1768413904/dkdnqmn4um9prhvu4ws4/CCDSChoirWinterConcert2025-LSandChambersquare.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1768413904/dkdnqmn4um9prhvu4ws4/CCDSChoirWinterConcert2025-LSandChambersquare.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1768413904/dkdnqmn4um9prhvu4ws4/CCDSChoirWinterConcert2025-LSandChambersquare.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1768413904/dkdnqmn4um9prhvu4ws4/CCDSChoirWinterConcert2025-LSandChambersquare.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1768413904/dkdnqmn4um9prhvu4ws4/CCDSChoirWinterConcert2025-LSandChambersquare.jpg","width":2200}])
![Celebrating Excellence in Upper School Theater and Choir]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1763044943/charlottecds/chgbkcepqdearuwtzrpd/MarsHillChoralFestivalstudents.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1763044943/charlottecds/chgbkcepqdearuwtzrpd/MarsHillChoralFestivalstudents.jpg","width":480}])