Visual Arts

Our Lower School art courses are designed to nourish the natural creative impulses of young children. Students are given the opportunity to explore and experiment with a variety of media and techniques, including watercolor, tempera, soft pastel, oil pastel, colored pencil, paper mache, weaving, ceramics, and printmaking. A diverse range of artists, artistic styles, and traditions from numerous cultures and time periods are studied in grade levels Pre-K3 through Grade 5. Above all, students are encouraged to think creatively, challenge themselves, and be fearless as they make discoveries and grow.   

Middle School art students learn new ways of seeing, thinking, and creating through the foundations of painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, and sculpture. All courses encourage students to use their creativity, developing talent and intellect as they embark on a more individual artistic vision. Grade 6, 7, and 8 art classes meet three times a week in order to provide students with an opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation, enjoyment, and respect for the practices of making art. All major projects are infused with art history, art vocabulary, problem-solving, and critical thinking, and students are encouraged to research, reflect on, and speak about art.

The St Johns’ Upper School visual arts program develops a student's capacity for expression through a collaboration between the visual arts and awareness of the student’s broader educational environment. This program develops a young artist's technical and conceptual abilities through an integrated curriculum that fosters connections between disciplines and the language of design. Regular individual and group critiques develop and refine the student’s personal vision within a community of peers. The Upper School visual arts program emphasizes the development of each individual’s creative practices, traditional skill-building and craftsmanship, creative problem-solving, positive studio community experiences, and perseverance through a range of experiences that builds a foundation for a deeper understanding of the arts as students prepare for their capstone AP Portfolio experience.

The Visual Art Fellowship provides practical experience and networking in any of a variety of areas, including portfolio development and submission, Photoshop editing, artist statement development, award and publication opportunities, art related volunteer opportunities in galleries, museums or the school studios.   Mentored by our Upper School Arts Teacher Pam Ayres, the Visual Art Fellowship is open to any Upper School student that follows the Upper School Visual Art Curriculum beginning with the Foundations of Art Class and concluding with that course of study with an AP Portfolio Class.  Click here to learn more!