
VISUAL ARTS
Students in the visual arts program become thinking artists and learn to use a variety of media and communications—written, visual, and verbal.
The curriculum encourages community building and prepares students for arts careers and higher education in visual arts. The visual arts department is respected by arts colleges and liberal arts programs across the country.
Exploring students’ personal voices through media, critical thinking, and decision-making are the cornerstones of the program. Students expand their creativity, knowledge, and discipline through production of artwork, discussion, critique, and observation.
Curriculum in the first year gives students a common language and builds a supportive atmosphere. All first-year students share this communal experience of core learning—studying painting, drawing, graphic design, printmaking, documentation, portfolio development, and art history.
Electives frame the experience for seniors. Choices—including paper making, oil painting, advanced drawing, stop-motion animation, ceramics, sculpture, digital imaging, public art, sculpture, jewelry, mono-type printmaking, screen printing, and portfolio development—prepare students for their next steps.
Senior classes are designed to hone skills, develop independence, and explore post secondary options. Both years are grounded in critique, making connections, and discovering a broader and deeper understanding of how the visual arts relate to a variety of disciplines.