News & Events

Global Affairs Fellows have collaborated with veteran artists to create the newest Perrel Gallery exhibits.

Titled What She Wore, What She Bore: Threads of Strength & Struggle and The REDress Project, these companion shows are co-curated by Art Teacher Betsy DiJulio with three Norfolk Academy juniors and ODU professor Dr. Jennifer Natalie Fish. They represent the struggles of marginalized women through clothing.

The NA students' passion for this project is palpable. As Fellows visiting a Crow Reservation last summer in Montana, they were impacted by The REDress Project. Ongoing since 2010, the Project's artist, Jamie Black, allowed them to mount a version of the project here at NA. Dresses are on display both in the gallery and in courtyards around the Upper School.

The exhibits have enjoyed quite an opening. During school on March 12, the students - Adaline '26, Ella '26, and Livi '27 - spoke at an assembly about that summer trip and how it inspired them. Fish then taught about her career as a photographer, focusing on her work with refugees. Addie '25 also sang during this powerful presentation.

That night, the students and Fish spoke again at a gallery reception that was open to the entire public. 

The gallery is open to students, teachers, and classes each day during school hours. It is open to the general public on March 22-23 and 29-30, from noon to 4 PM each day.