Visual Arts
As a bridge between the Lower and Upper Divisions, the Middle Division visual arts program addresses a broadened understanding of how art reflects and creates culture, as well as the emerging adolescent's increased visual discernment and manual dexterity. Students learn foundational ideas such as conceptualizing in preliminary sketches, and the use of visual symbols and the elements of design to communicate visually.
Important aspects of the program include providing historical and cultural contexts for art-making, addressing social and self-identity issues, and developing critical thinking skills through writing and talking about art. In-class art assignments are often linked to other Middle Division course curricula, art history, current events and the students' own experiences. A variety of art media are introduced, and techniques for using them are demonstrated and practiced in the art studio. There is ample time in every art class for individual work time with one-on-one teacher guidance, as well as time allotted to look at and reflect upon finished projects individually, and as a class. Middle Division art students collaborate and participate in exhibitions in the East Campus Gallery and theater lobby, often with their Upper Division counterparts, as well as during the All School Art Show on the West Campus, each April.
Sculpture and Drawing, and Design II, are elective courses, which students may take once they have successfully completed Art and Culture.
The Art and Culture visual arts course is required for all Middle Division students. It introduces visual literacy and concepts of how artist's respond to their world.
