Visual Arts

The Art Department nurtures students at every stage of their creative journey, offering a strong foundation within a supportive, thoughtfully structured environment. In the Lower School, our Saints explore a wide range of materials and techniques through projects that spark curiosity and invite imaginative thinking. As they move into Middle and Upper School, they draw inspiration from artists past and present, sharpening their observational skills, refining their craft, and developing a deeper sense of personal expression and visual understanding.

Seen and Celebrated

Student artwork is displayed throughout our school, turning hallways and shared spaces into vibrant galleries that celebrate creativity at every level. Knowing that their work will be displayed for an audience can motivate students to take greater risks in their art, pushing their boundaries and exploring new mediums and concepts. They are more likely to challenge themselves and experiment when they know their creative voice has a place to be seen and celebrated.

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Lower School

The Lower School visual arts program centers on hands-on creativity and the joy of art making. Our youngest Saints dive into projects using paints, clay, papier-mâché, wood, and found objects, engaging fully with the tactile process of art. Through open-ended, project-based experiences, students are encouraged to explore, question, imagine, and express themselves freely. As their skills grow, they begin to weave observation, storytelling, collaboration, and inventive thinking into their work. With the freedom to experiment and play, students discover how to bring their ideas to life in meaningful and imaginative ways.

Middle School

At the Middle School, art students deepen their artistic abilities while exploring new media and creative processes. Building on the foundation laid in Lower School, students are encouraged to experiment, think critically, and approach art making with curiosity and confidence. They’re challenged to explore multiple ideas and solutions, make thoughtful artistic choices, and recognize the role of art and design in everyday life. As they grow in skill and self-expression, students continue to see themselves as capable artists—and discover the arts as a powerful language for exploration, reflection, and inspiration.

Upper School

In the Peterson Family Art Center at the Upper School, students make their creations in purpose-built art studios for 2D, 3D, and digital lab classes. The Visual Arts program is designed to give them exposure to more advanced techniques and materials. Emphasis is placed on observational and technical skills, problem solving, personal style, and conceptual thinking. Upper School artists are exposed to a wide range of medias, including drawing, painting, mixed media, pastel, charcoal, ink, printmaking, sculpture, welding, metal, stained glass, jewelry, plaster, and more. They can choose to take graphic design classes in which they will acquire industry-relevant technical skills, including digital photography, Adobe design software, and editing tools. Instruction emphasizes design, composition, creativity, originality, and technical competence.