Visual Arts
Our Visual Arts curriculum is a studio-based model where faculty are facilitators and demonstrators, guiding students to generate and pursue ideas through 2D, 3D, and digital art. This includes sculpture, photography, video, drawing, painting, and new media.
We encourage creativity, exploration, and innovation while fostering the technical skills and knowledge that serve as the building blocks of art making. Critiques, documentation, and presentations are essential elements of the program, emphasizing both process and product.
Students experiment and gain confidence with a wide range of materials and techniques. We embolden them to draw from their interests and experiences when developing content for their art and also use art as a form of research to discover new worlds.
Requirements
All students must complete 20 full credits within the arts department (performing and/or visual) for graduation. This requirement may be met by taking two full years of a given field of study or by sampling a variety of disciplines within the departmental electives.
Honors
Only Senior Studio is offered for honors.
Visual Arts Level I Courses
Introduction to Visual Arts
Introduction to Visual Arts
Learn how to find ideas by experimenting with materials, tools, and artistic thought. This class will give you a foundation to explore a range of mediums like drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and digital arts. We will also focus on building community and developing the possibilities of what art can be. Open to 9th graders
Intro to 2D
Intro to 2D
This course is an introduction to the materials and methods used by two-dimensional artists. We will explore the techniques needed for drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, and digital art and learn how artists develop ideas for their work. Working with a wide range of subject matter, by the end of the term, you will have a […]
Intro to 3D
Intro to 3D
Learn the foundational process to explore your ideas in three dimensions. Instruction will cover a range of materials, tools, and techniques in the intersection of design, craft, and building things that you can use. This includes introductions to ceramics, plaster casting, resin, woodworking, and 3D printing. Regular discussion of The World of Art and Art […]
Intro to Photography
Intro to Photography
This course spans photographic processes from the first camera to the darkroom, to the DSLR, to digital post-production Adobe Tools. As photographers, students will learn to observe and notice light, color, and form to understand visual composition, to make a photograph. Reflecting, discussing, and thinking critically about these photographs and photographs made by artists will […]
Visual Arts Level II Courses
Ceramics
Ceramics
This course is dedicated to the exploration of how a ball of clay can lead us toward complex ideas and functional objects. Based on hand-building techniques and wheel throwing students will focus on form, structure, making mistakes, and idea development. By exploring the cultural connections of food and community and the rituals they were created […]
Digital Art
Digital Art
Identify your artistic interests, build on past creative experiences, and develop the technical skills you need to make your ideas visible. Instruction will cover a range of tools including Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate, and experiments in Augmented Reality. Critiques, documentation, and presentation will be essential elements of the class, with an emphasis on both process and […]
Drawing + Painting
Drawing + Painting
Building on your prior knowledge of drawing and painting, you will expand your technical skills and work with new materials in this course. Concepts and subject matter for your work will come from your interests, and you will have the opportunity to design your own studio practice at the end of the term. Regular discussion […]
Graphic Design
Graphic Design
How does design impact how we think, learn and interact? In this course we will investigate these questions as we explore how graphic communication is woven into our daily lives. Students will gain insight into a range of graphic design applications such as branding and advertising, illustration, typography, information design, and editorial publication. Working primarily […]
Installation Art
Installation Art
How does place affect and define our sense of being? How can we intentionally and artistically alter these places? This course pulls from a history of artists changing our surroundings indoors/outdoors and in physical community space and virtual spaces. You’ll work collaboratively to create these installations/interventions and collaborate with the participants/audience. Regular discussion of The […]
Mixed Media
Mixed Media
Find. Cut. Glue. Spray. Transfer. Draw. Repeat. How do we create meaning through layering? Combining what we find and collect, we will develop innovative ways to build two-dimensional works of art. Rubber stamps, spray paint, wax, and Xerox transfer are just some of the techniques we will explore. We will also look at contemporary artists […]
Photo: Alternative Processes
Photo: Alternative Processes
Unlock the potential of photography by delving into the realm of alternative processes. This course is designed for students who seek to break away from traditional photographic techniques and embrace a more experimental and hands-on approach to image creation. Blending and manipulating images using traditional techniques through the lens of the contemporary artist. Regular discussion […]
Sculpture
Sculpture
Go deeper into the how and why humans have made things throughout time. We will investigate objects that were designed for functional uses as well as objects that were made to solely function as art. You’ll have options to build with your hands and/or software, including processes like woodworking, ceramics, plaster, resin, and 3D modeling. […]
Video Production: Narrative Images
Video Production: Narrative Images
Students will observe and create using video-based media. Topics may include cinematography, lighting, script writing, acting, directing, sound recording, composition, and editing to tell a story. Themes of storytelling and narrative through images will be the focus of this course. What is mise-en-scène? Is there a difference between narrative and plot? Regular screening and analysis […]
Visual Arts Level III Courses
Advanced Ceramics
Advanced Ceramics
This course builds off the foundational skills from Ceramics and provides the opportunity to expand on hand-building and wheel-throwing practices. You will explore your point of view as a ceramicist by creating a portfolio inspired by a theme or chosen process. Research into how and why artists have and continue to use clay as a […]
Advanced Digital Art
Advanced Digital Art
This course builds off your technical skills and interests in Digital Art. You will enhance your understanding of digital art-making tools while developing your point of view as a digital artist. Researching contemporary digital practices will support your self-directed process and help you explore how to display your work on campus. Prerequisites: Digital Art and […]
Advanced Drawing + Painting
Advanced Drawing + Painting
This course builds off your interests and success from Sculpture 1 and provides the opportunity to improve in technique. You will deepen your understanding of a chosen process through rigor and self-direction. Exhibiting completed artworks with intention and concept is required. Prerequisites: Sculpture and recommendation from the Visual Art Department Head.
Advanced Mixed Media
Advanced Mixed Media
If you are committed to Mixed Media and ready to go deeper, this class is for you. Working with materials you already know and love, you will develop a portfolio of works about a particular theme. Research into how and why artists have used layering and alternative materials in their art will support your studio […]
Studio Practice
Studio Practice
This class creates the community, structure, and space for the most serious artists to pursue their work. Students taking this class have shown to be independent, dedicated artists prepared to bring their interests to the class. Group critiques, research in contemporary art, readings, and documentation of the creative process will be major elements of the […]
Advanced Studio Practice
Advanced Studio Practice
For Seniors who have built their skills and developed personal concepts for their artwork. How will you continue to build your creative voice after graduation? Pablo Picasso said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist when we grow up.” This course will explore creative strategies to keep art in […]
Senior Studio (Honors)
Senior Studio (Honors)
Culminating with the annual Senior Show, this 2-term class creates the community, structure, and space for the most serious artists to pursue their own work. Students taking this class have shown to be independent, dedicated artists who are prepared to bring their own personal interests to the class. No projects are assigned. Group critiques, research […]
Examples from the Visual Arts classroom
On Display: Students capture photos with pinhole cameras
