The years of Sophie-Anne '17 at American School of The Hague (ASH) were filled with musical performances, sports, and international experiences. Now immersed in the art world, Sophie-Anne works at Lisson Gallery in New York City. In this interview, she shares how ASH shaped her journey and the lasting impact it has had on her career and life.

 

I went to ASH from 2009 until 2014 for Grade 5 to Grade 9. Both my younger brothers also attended ASH. One of whom, Julius, graduated from ASH back in 2020. During my time at ASH, I took part in the annual musical, and was also part of the European Girls Honour Choir where a small group of us traveled to Austria for a choir festival, which was such an amazing experience. I was also part of the Middle School Cross Country team and Track in 9th Grade.

 

After ASH, I moved to Accra, Ghana where I finished High School. I then went to London and got my BA in Comparative Literature and Film Studies at King's College London. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, so I decided to get my MA in History of Art & Archeology at SOAS, University of London to expand my chances of creative opportunities.

 

I was really drawn in particular to the network of reactions that form between an artist's concept and the public's reception of an artwork. Being half-Dutch half-American, I decided to start this new chapter in the US, as I never really had a chance yet to explore that side of my nationality before. I moved to New York City and began working at the Franklin Parrasch Gallery as a Gallery Assistant before I started taking on the responsibilities of a Registrar, which meant I managed the shipping and delivery of artworks for exhibitions, clients, and art fairs all over the world. I then moved to Lisson Gallery where I've had the chance to expand my passion for the arts further. My role focuses on client services as well as overseeing Art Fair logistics for the Americas. Lisson is based out of London, but has locations in New York, Los Angeles, Beijing, and Shanghai, which has made my environment feel incredibly global. I love that I can get up close to the art every day and not only marvel at its qualities, but work with others to determine how best to get it where it needs to be. I've enjoyed building relationships with artists and important members of the fine art world, while still growing my personal interest in exploring how artworks function both conceptually and physically in the public space.

 

How to build a community, but also be a part of a community. There was a lot of rebuilding I had to do every time I started at a new school. ASH provided tools to allow us kids to grow within new communities; within friend groups, class, or after school activities – but there was also space to learn how to listen better, have empathy and support one another. Initiatives like Student Ambassadors were incredibly helpful.

 

A standout moment for me was definitely being a part of the cast for Fiddler on the Roof, the High School Musical in 2013. There was something so incredibly special about that experience. I am still very close with so many of the people who were a part of the project, even my closest friends to date were made during the run of rehearsals. We had truly become a big family during that period. I believe this was also one of the last musicals teacher Gary Cramer directed, so it was a very special time for a lot of us. Mr. David Jimenez, who was part of the Music Department at ASH and would play piano during the annual musical, was truly an inspiration to me; he is an incredibly kind person.

 

The Arts Department (Music/Theatre/Art) was incredibly formative to me. I feel incredibly grateful I was exposed to such a welcoming and immersive department. The fact we had a theater with theater seats and stage wings was just a dream come true. I really felt happy when I was performing there.

 

ASH also fostered such an amazing community that I still keep in touch with to this day. Even though we may be spread out all over the world, whenever we cross paths - whether intentional or by happy coincidence - I'm always reminded it's never a goodbye, but rather "see you later"!