ceramic pieces
Visual Arts

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.

watercolor portraits
Arts High School

Plan your Visit

Are you thinking Perpich Arts High School might be the place for you? We would welcome a visit from you to learn more! Check our schedule for Information Sessions or contact Admissions to plan a shadow day.

“Perpich is the best school for me because it provides a diverse student population, artistic environment, and academic opportunities that can't be found anywhere else in the state.”

Literary Arts Student from Plymouth

“My teachers encourage me to push myself outside of my comfort zone and to always strive to better my art, never settling for good enough.”

Theater Student from Sartell

"For 17 years I’d carried the bulk of my children’s education myself. Sending the two oldest away to Perpich was a huge step of faith and I have not been disappointed. The teachers, in particular, have been fabulous!"

Perpich Arts High School Parent

"[Perpich] was a hugely formative experience for me and I think gave me many of the tools to get to this point of doing meaningful work that I love."

Andrew Edman (Visual Arts 2005)

“From the moment I came to Perpich, it was like a college campus, with an emphasis on independence and finding your own self, with training in academics and becoming an artist.”

Trent Ramert (Theater 2020)

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