Visual Arts

Lower School art teacher Mrs. T. describes her room as a lab where students learn to have confidence in themselves as creative beings. In addition to learning fundamental skills in painting, drawing, and building, emphasis is placed on making creative decisions and recognizing that there are many ways to approach every art project. We encourage students to “play,” find joy in creating, and begin to discover their voice in talking about art. Projects are grounded in art history and cultural context, and students are also asked to develop a “sketchbook habit” to help them grow as observers of the world—training that is applicable to many other disciplines.

During Middle School, students dive deeper into two- and three-dimensional art by engaging with both traditional and digital media. In 7th grade, students study concepts such as line, space, perspective, and proportions in drawing, painting, and photography. They learn the basics of Photoshop and complete sketchbook assignments designed to foster imagination and build observational skills. In 8th grade, students explore sculpture, developing an understanding of form and scale and connecting these principles to the structures they see in their daily lives.

In Upper School, our students develop visual literacy, hand skills, and an appreciation for art—culturally, historically, and personally. Our curriculum and faculty of professional working artists challenge students to think conceptually as they grow and refine their voices. Upper School students are required to complete two years of visual or performing art courses, and we provide a wide range of courses for students with varying degrees of skill and levels of interest.