Visual Arts

By studying different artistic traditions, students become aware of the cultural contexts that inform perception and imagination and begin to see their own work in context. Artists, movements, and cultures that are relevant to studio projects and interdisciplinary themes are studied. Museum trips and visits by artists are scheduled when appropriate.

Skills in design, drawing, creative process, problem solving, special techniques, and cultural research are structured to enable students to direct their imaginative efforts and learn from tradition. Students respond to class projects and interdisciplinary themes with different strategies and personal inspiration. Work is done individually, in small groups, and occasionally as a class. Students maintain portfolios and sketchbooks to help them retain knowledge and techniques learned and become aware of their choices and interests. Digital portfolios assist teachers in assessing students' progress during the course and at the end of each semester.

Instructors

Visual Arts Department

Visual Arts Department

Junior School

JS Curriculum

JS Curriculum

Junior School Visual Art: The Junior School Art program is designed to stimulate visual awareness, to provide a variety of experiences with materials and tools and to introduce the language of art making to young children. It assumes that young artists gain the confidence to express themselves naturally when given the opportunity to investigate, practice skills, and explore new ideas in a supportive environment. For the early years, the emphasis in teaching is placed on building a broad foundation that will provide each child with the meaningful experiences needed to make informed decisions in creative work.

MS Curriculum

MS Visual Art: The Middle School Art program utilizes a holistic approach to building concepts, skills, and techniques. The program aims to increase students’ visual literacy skills by developing their ability to analyze and interpret constructed, highly- mediated visual content. Students develop observation and technical skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, 2-D/3-D and other art mediums. A variety of materials and processes are explored using literacy to help shape and define student understanding of art. The art curriculum provides learning opportunities intended to motivate and encourage students in their artmaking and question both global and local issues such as environment, inequality, and social justice.

Sample MS Visual Arts/Theatre Sequencing

Tutorial House

TH Currriculum

Expanded Field of Drawing (T1/T2) is an introduction to contemporary and traditional approaches to drawing. Emphasis is on observation, experimentation and expression. Students are taught to explore drawing and how it intersects with digital media & printmaking. Every student develops a process portfolio to record and reflect their discoveries. Students learn about international artists as they explore NYC museums and galleries.

Art Making and Process (T1/T2) is a mixed media course that explores different artistic mediums and materials, i.e. collage, drawing, painting, sculpture and photography. Each unit of study allows students to experiment with and experience a variety of analog and digital formats. New York City gallery and museum visits are scheduled throughout the year.

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Instructors

Visual Arts Department

Junior School

JS Curriculum

Middle School

MS Curriculum

Sample MS Visual Arts/Theatre Sequencing

Tutorial House

TH Currriculum

International Baccalaureate (IB) Visual Art

Sample TH Visual Art Sequencing

Co-Curricular Activities

Arts Awards and Competitions

Gallery Exhibits

New York City Experiences

Celebration of Student Work