Visual Arts

The Upper School visual arts program focuses on individual skill development. All classes encourage, through direct personal expression, imagination, conceptual thinking, and powers of observation and analysis. As practical skills and theoretical studies develop, the courses lead to a fuller understanding of the role played by visual arts, including design and crafts, in our world. Students who have taken art class in their junior and senior year are encouraged to send a portfolio of slides with their college application.

The Computer Graphics program is designed to expose students to today's electronic imaging programs: Adobe PhotoShop, Illustrator, PageMaker, and PageMill (web page design). The computer serves as a digital darkroom, design platform, and a publication layout environment. Our goal is to instill a sense of confidence in their creative abilities while allowing them the freedom to explore new technologies.

The fifth grade Visual Arts program is a further emphasis on exploration, manipulation, and enjoyment of art materials. Concepts covered include color and shape identification, perspective, composition and a sense of balance.

In the sixth grade, students focus on developing a better understanding and working knowledge of the seven Elements of Art (Line, Color, Shape, Value, Form, Texture, Space). The elements, or visual guidelines, serve as the basic language of the arts and are an important step in understanding the process of creating a successful work of art.

The seventh grade program develops a greater understanding of the eight Principles of Design (Harmony, Rhythm, Gradation, Variety, Unity, Balance, Proportion, Movement). The Principles of Design are general visual guidelines and can be created by combining various groups of elements. The concepts are abstract, and students face the challenge of organizing these groups of elements in an orderly and harmonious way.

Lastly, in the eighth grade, students seek to weave together the elements and principles of art and design. Five substantial projects cover a broad range of materials and themes. More is expected of the eighth grade students in craftsmanship, creativity, originality and final product. The goal of the eighth grade program is to prepare students for the rigors and focus of the Upper School art program - a highly individualized and developmentally-based curriculum.

The Pre & Lower School art program is a skill developing, confidence building, creative curriculum. As an introduction to the Visual Arts, boys learn to draw and paint through sequentially developed skills based upon the individual students' abilities. Emphasis is placed on creative risk-taking. All of the boys participate in an art appreciation program, an annual art exhibit, and displays of numerous art projects mounted throughout the year. There is a balanced element of process and product worthy of display.

Students also have the option to practice their public speaking and acting skills through annualdrama presentations. Students participate in class presentations that include anything from simply the reading of a script to more elaborate, memorized productions of plays and musicals.