The award-winning visual arts program is committed to developing visual skills and creative expression in Early Childhood through grade 12.
Lower School students are exposed to the visual arts through the fine arts curriculum that emphasizes media exploration, skill development, and creative interpretation. Younger students are exposed to two- and three-dimensional visual arts in their classrooms with a variety of materials. Formal studio art instruction begins in Kindergarten/Montessori Kindergarten and includes the study of art from different cultures and eras.
Middle School students have numerous opportunities to participate in the visual arts through formal instruction or after school programs. Middle School classes emphasize skill foundations, art appreciation, studio applications, and the development of a creative “voice.” In addition to traditional studio classes, students in grades 6 and 7 have the opportunity to take an art/technology class called CyberArts, and 8th graders can take the innovative class called @rt.edu.
Upper School visual art students compete successfully in local, regional, and national exhibitions. Students excel in arts competitions, work side-by-side with artists in residence, host internationally recognized visiting artists, and participate in projects committed to social awareness. Some recent projects and awards have included the following:
- Summerfair Show Case, 2011
- Xavier High School Competition, 2011
- Arts Wave Teen Art Council, 2011
- Selections, Mt. St. Joseph, 2010
- Scholastics Gold and Silver Key Awards, 2004 thru 2011
- Scholastic American Visions Awar,d 2010
- Governor’s Award Regional, 2010
- Governor’s Award State Competition, 2010
- Congressional Art Competition, 2010
- Scholastic Gold Key Portfolios 2009, 2011
- EXPOSURE Photography Grant, 2006-2009
- Scholastic National Art and Writing Awards, Silver Key, 2008
- Ohio Arts Council Artist in Residency Grants, 2006-2008
- Scholastic Regional Art and Writing Awards, Gold and Silver Keys, 2004-2011
- Photo Imaging Educators Association (PIEA), numerous awards, 2004-2011
- Regional and State Governor’s Awards, 2004-2006
- Scholastic National Art and Writing Awards, Gold Key, 2006, 2011
- National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts (NFAA) scholarship, 2005
Students are also exposed to the arts through an interdisciplinary course in Humanities, a year-long program that closely integrates studio art skills with 9th grade history and English courses. As they progress through their visual arts experience, students experience course offerings such as Art I, II, III; Clay; Photography I, II, III; and Honors/AP Portfolio in Two-Dimensional Design and Drawing.