Visual Arts

Our JK through first grade students build their powers of observation and their fine motor skills through projects that are directly related to one of the Elements of Design.

Junior Kindergarten

Students are introduced to the Elements of Design and explore them through a variety of materials. 

Kindergarten

Exploration continues with various tools and techniques, followed by projects based on works by particular artists, from Durer to Matisse.

First Grade

Students continue exploration of the elements of design by incorporating science and nature study, along with studies in Virginia history.

In second through sixth grades, the art curriculum is specifically designed to complement and enhance the students' historical studies. Students explore the Elements of Design through a wide variety of projects in different media that are inspired by art of a particular era. 

Second Grade

Works from ancient cultures, including art from the caves of Lascaux, ancient Egypt, China, and Africa.

Third Grade

Art from ancient Greece and Rome.

Fourth Grade

Art from the Byzantine era and medieval eras, including a large assignment exploring the illuminated manuscript and heraldry and a look at Leonardo DaVinci.

Fifth Grade

Assignments explore South America and early American art (such as the limner artists), along with an exploration of design and various forms of symmetry.

Sixth Grade

Assignments explore the Arts and Crafts era of mass production and civil war artists like Winslow Homer. Students apply concepts such as linear perspective, incorporating research on many 19th and 20th century artists. The year concludes with a painting and a research paper about a favorite artist, exploring his or her style and technique.

Students in grades 7 and 8 meet two times per week for art. They continue the history-based approach from 2nd - 6th grade, with additional focus given to skill development as preparation for the more rhetorical approach of high school art.

7th Grade

Students focus on the art of non-western cultures (”Beyond the Silk Road”). There is a specific geographic focus for each trimester, and students investigate the design qualities and art contributions of various major world cultures (sub-Saharan Africa, India, China/Japan/Korea, Russia and the Middle East) in many forms. 

8th Grade

Students will begin their year by studying the art of the ancient world (Mesopotamian art, followed by an introduction to classical elements of Greek art). They then progress to the western hemisphere to discover Meso-America, investigating art forms from Native America/First Nations.

As students progress into high school, there is more room for self-expression, and they are better prepared to make educated choices, having practiced with additional materials and methods. Beginning in 9th grade, self-expression is integrated into the art lessons as a discipline or as a skill set.

Students in 9th through 12th Grades typically take the following courses, with some possible variation in order. 

Art Foundations 

Art Foundations is a student's first high school art class, and it provides an overview of design, drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture techniques, as well as selected periods of art history.​

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Intermediate Art - Drawing & Painting 

In tenth or eleventh grade, students develop and expand the basic skills from Art Foundations and will explore color, line, shape, texture, design, space, form, unity/harmony and composition. ​ These elements of art are studied in the context of the works of great masters, and students will practice making well-informed, imaginative and inventive artistic decisions with each project assigned. Students are encouraged to experiment with original thematic ideas as they improve technical competence in drawing and painting.

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Intermediate Art - Ceramics

In tenth or eleventh grade, students spend a year in our Ceramics studio working in 3D. The ceramics course begins with hand building and moves into wheel throwing. After taking this class, access to the Ceramics Studio is granted to students who show independence, responsibility, and a level of mastery.​

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Advanced Art ​

During their senior year, students continue skill development and personal style, using a more advanced level of materials and concepts. They also assemble works that can be used in a college application portfolio. Areas of exploration include drawing, acrylic painting, printmaking and sculpture.​

Elective Art Classes

The art faculty offer a variety of year-long elective art classes that changes from year to year. Past art electives have included:

• Advanced Art Studio
• Digital Photography
• Drawing and Painting
• Mural Painting
• Printmaking
• Textiles
• 3D Art