Angelica Tang ‘26 is a dedicated member of The Baldwin School’s arts program, excelling in both visual and performing arts. She has been playing the piano since she was three years old and picked up the cello in sixth grade. But as for her favorite instrument, Tang said, “Does the recorder count?” before adding, “Probably the cello.”
In the visual arts, Tang focuses on painting and drawing under the guidance of Ms. Rachel Van Wylen, Baldwin’s painting and drawing teacher. Last year, Tang completed an independent study with Van Wylen, creating her favorite piece: a painting of a turtle that has been on display in the Art Gallery since the beginning of the school year.
“Whether it’s a scene of a beach she recently traveled to, a turtle she encountered, or any other piece, Angelica’s paintings are full of memories that are important to her,” Shayla Bergen ‘26, Tang’s close friend, said.
Tang’s choice to pursue painting and drawing happened almost by accident.
“In my sophomore year, I really wanted to do ceramics, but it didn’t fit into my schedule,” Tang said. “So I took painting and drawing instead, and then I realized that it was something I really enjoyed. Also, Ms. Van Wylen let me branch out a bit. I would come in with an idea, and she would let me do it.”
Her older sister Amelia Tang ‘25, a Baldwin alumna currently at Tufts, admires Anjelica’s commitment.
“I suppose this shows she’ll make time for things she’s passionate about, because I think she genuinely enjoys painting,” Amelia Tang said.
Despite her busy schedule, Anjelica Tang makes time for her artistic pursuits.
“I usually do art during my free time at school, and then music after school, or whenever I don’t feel like studying,” Tang said.
Currently, Tang is completing another independent study overseen by Van Wylen.
“Being able to do an independent study during my free time was kind of a de-stresser, since I usually worked during Community Period,” Tang said. “It was like a break in the middle of my day.”
Tang also uses her talents to support her friends and inspire those around her. For example, when Bergen once forgot her guitar at school before a big performance, Tang rushed to drop it off for her at the train station – with a small surprise.
“Later that night, before the run-through, I opened my guitar case to find a small card with a painting of my guitar on it,” Bergen said. “Attached was a note that said, ‘You’re going to be great.’ I still have the note and the painting, which still make me tear up when I see them.”
Evidently, Tang’s passion for the arts is more than an outlet for self-expression: she uses it to make a genuine impact on people’s lives.
“I want to make something that people can enjoy, and I want something that, when I’m finished, I can say, ‘Wow, I did that,’ and be proud of my work,” Tang said.
In the Art Gallery, Tang’s work always catches the attention of passersby. Even after she graduates, her artistic accomplishments will undoubtedly be remembered by the Baldwin community.
