This class is an in-depth introduction to the language of drawing and painting, focusing on composition, form, and color. Working primarily from observation, students learn to see in new ways, and to translate three-dimensional reality into two-dimensional space. Students gain experience with charcoal and pencil techniques, and learn to work in color with acrylic and oil paint. Additionally, students are guided through the essentials of perspective, measuring, and shading with still life and portraiture. Later in the term, students tackle complex projects, mining their imaginations and exploring abstraction. Group critiques and studying ancient to contemporary artists round out the curriculum.

This course offers an innovative, experimental environment for exploring a variety of both traditional and non-traditional art forms. Students will examine the relationships between form, space, materials, and meaning as they relate to sculpture and will become familiar with the tools and materials they need to manifest their ideas visually. Projects are accompanied by group critiques and field trips when possible. This class is an excellent foundation for further studies in 3-D art and as preparation for the AP Studio Art program.

Students are introduced to working on the wheel, glazing, and firing, and learning how to make simple, functional forms such as bowls and cups as they explore the relationship of the interior space and the exterior shape to create balance. As each student gains proficiency, more complex forms are assigned, challenging them to grapple with more complex design concepts.

This course emphasizes fundamental image-making concepts through the mediums of analog and digital photography. Exploring the photographic process through various shooting assignments and personal projects, students will gain valuable experience using manual, DSLR film, and smartphone cameras, black and white film processing and darkroom printing techniques, and studio lighting tools.

This class provides an introduction to the concepts of three-dimensional composition with an emphasis on problem-solving and composing in the round. Projects will allow students to create work in clay using traditional hand-building methods. Other projects will introduce a variety of traditional and non-traditional materials and techniques. Projects are accompanied by group critiques and field trips when possible. This class is an excellent foundation for further studies in 3-D art and as preparation for the AP Studio Art program.

Students address fundamental 2D design issues and techniques through various image-making processes that utilize traditional, alternative, and digital media. Brief, 2D design exercises encourage students to experiment with a combination of materials and techniques. Because of its variety and flexibility, this course provides excellent preparation for students considering AP Studio Art in their senior year.

This course focuses on two dimensional-composition through the media of printmaking. Students explore various printmaking techniques, including monoprints, embossed prints, block prints, collagraphs, and engravings.

How do artists synthesize their experiences in the world? Whether inspired by another work of art, literature, or a current or historical event, artists always make connections, find entry and inspiration points to chart their own individual explorations. Using a single source material, the class will generate opinions, ideas, gather information, and deconstruct to create a shared trove of resource material. Individually, each student will be challenged not to produce a literal translation of what we have collectively explored but challenged to think as artists, historians, and storytellers. How can they use the source material as a point of reference, entry, and inspiration to chart their own individual course? The result is an artwork that synthesizes personal connections, experience, interests, conflict, or embracing the original source material. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the artwork produced in this class can explore various hybrid forms of art-making, combining performance, creative writing, 2-D and 3-D art forms, and digital media. The semester will culminate in an exhibition presented by students in the 7th-floor gallery.

This class meets six times per week, allowing for deep exploration and development of personal artistic voice. Students create a portfolio focusing on either two-dimensional or three-dimensional art, with some room for cross-over in between.
Students develop two bodies of work - one exploring a a range of approaches and subject matter. The other, and in-depth examination of a theme, branching into various media and stylistic choices.

This course requires a great deal of time and energy, balancing assigned projects with independent work. Students create approximately 24 pieces for the completed portfolio. It's very helpful that AAP students have built their skills and documented their artwork from 9th to 11th grade. The Visual Arts Department is no longer submitting to the College Board, but portfolios will be critiqued by a panel of teachers and shared with the Upper School at a May Assembly.

This semester long course centers on the individual interests and goals of each student. Focused work in any of our regularly offered disciplines is possible: Ceramics, Photography, Sculpture, Printmaking, Painting and Drawing, as well as the opportunity for cross-disciplinary work in multiple studios with instructor-guided projects.

The Art Scholars Program allows students who have a strong interest in Visual Arts to expand and deepen their experience in art-making through unique experiences with the opportunity for multidisciplinary or cross-curricular work. Classes meet once a week with the addition of full-day Saturday studio classes scheduled throughout the year. Student participate in studio visits, workshops, museum and gallery trips, and programs from visiting artists.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into this program is through an application process.