Visual Art
The visual art curriculum promotes art as a process of discovery that focuses on the student developing both cognitive and artistic skills. Through concepts, content and skills, students communicate their feelings, ideas and beliefs.
Creative problem solving is encouraged at all grade levels. Students use authentic processes and materials to promote a seriousness of purpose and a mastery of technique. The study of art is presented in its cultural context, both historically and artistically. From the earliest years, students are encouraged to critically analyze and evaluate the visual imagery they produce and that which they study. The result is a student who can effectively communicate through visual means, interpret the artwork of others, and appreciate the contributions of artists in other cultures and other times.
All Lower School students participate in an art enrichment class once a week. Students develop an understanding of art as a visual language—one in which they can share their feelings and experiences and explore the world around them.
In Middle School, the art curriculum encourages students to increase their visual awareness and to discover through the elements of art a sense of personal identity.
The Upper School art curriculum builds on the concepts and skills introduced in the Lower and Middle Schools. Beginning US students experience art in all major media and historical styles. Upper level studio classes help students develop a high level of mastery as well as a personal style that expresses their personal vision. Advanced Placement classes in both Studio and Art History offer college-level instruction for the highly motivated student.
Opportunities to Showcase Work
Student artwork is selected for display at local art exhibitions each school year. Teachers also find a myriad of creative ways to display their work in the hallways across campus. ArtsFest, the spring art show and concert, brings the arts to life across campus, as art installations pop up in a variety of outdoor spaces, adding visual intrigue to the landscape.
Art Club
The Upper School Art Club finds creative ways to blend art into the life of the school in fun ways. For example, students provide face painting at Blue-White Day and host a popular gingerbread house decorating activity for Lower School students each year.