Battle Ground Academy News

Our Office of Equity and Inclusion recently hosted an Upper School field experience at the Frist Art Museum in downtown Nashville. Led by Director of Equity and Inclusion Dr. Michelle Arnold, Head of Upper School Josh Montgomery, and Upper School DEI Coordinator Myles Thrash, thirty-three Upper School students spent the day exploring South African-based artist Mary Sibande’s recently installed “Blue Purple Red” exhibit. 

The exhibit “deconstructs the roles of women in South Africa as both individuals and in terms of race, gender, and class inequity,” using blue, purple, and red to lead viewers through the central character’s journey.

For some students, it was their first time visiting the Frist, and for others, it re-awakened their interest in art.

“I really enjoyed going to the Frist … and checking out the different artwork,” said senior Sean Williams. “I even wrote down some artwork to look at later.”

The excursion similarly moved senior Annie Conrady. “The exhibit at the Frist gave me a wonderful opportunity to explore the history and culture of many different perspectives around the world. It was engaging and hands-on, and I left feeling like I had truly learned something,” said Annie. “I also had the opportunity to spend time with different peers than those who are in my academic classes, which created another indirect way to learn through conversation. “