Visual Arts

Primary School Art classes are designed to introduce students to the basic elements and principles of design in art. Students in Early Learners, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten visit the art room twice a week. Emphasis is placed on cognitive, sensory, and motor development and the development of visual problem-solving skills.

Throughout their time in the Primary School, students use an increasing variety of materials, skills, and techniques. They learn to identify and use colors, textures, lines, shapes, and patterns. Students use papier mache, pastels, ink, colored markers, watercolor, tempera, acrylic paint, wood, fabric, collage materials, and clay to complete projects in painting, drawing, paper works, printmaking, and sculpture. Students also study artists from different time periods and cultures. They learn to observe, describe, and respond to works of art. Each February the Primary School students exhibit their talents in the annual Primary School Art Show.

Art in the Lower School presents a joyful and age-appropriate curriculum that emphasizes building confidence while developing technical skills. Student artists are exposed to both two- and three-dimensional art forms and encouraged to experiment and express their own ideas. All Lower School students are guided through the planning, preparation, and process necessary to complete artwork while gaining self-esteem and nurturing imagination in a relaxed atmosphere.

Students study painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, and fiber arts while discovering line, shape, texture, color, and space. We place an emphasis on art history and take time to contextualize our work by examining different styles used by various artists of note. Students are taught step-by-step, instructor-driven lessons, but also enjoy open studio time in which they brainstorm to create a student-led project of their choice. Projects are completed both collaboratively and individually.

Upper School students may choose from a variety of specialized studio classes that promote the development of artistic and perceptual skills. Visual Arts classes are taught to industry standards so students are prepared for college and a career in the arts. Each course includes the history of the discipline, creative use of materials, and relevant vocabulary. Students are not only engaged in learning techniques but also in thinking conceptually and critically about art. We encourage students to take risks as they seek to convey original visual interpretive responses to a variety of issues. Whether their artistic journey is just beginning or becoming more focused, Upper School art students are challenged to creatively explore the world around them. In addition to the varied visual art curriculum, Walker also offers AP Studio for college credit, portfolio, and college preparation. US students have been awarded local, state, and national awards in the visual arts.

Walker’s Art Club and National Art Honor Society provide students with a passion or interest in visual arts the opportunity to come together, create, and discover. The club engages students and the entire campus through a variety of visual arts activities. Students share ideas, learn new techniques, create artwork, work on collaborative projects, public art, and visual displays. Art Club members are encouraged to participate in art shows and service projects, and visit artist studios, art galleries, and museums. Art Club and NAHS enjoy field trips and visiting artists to experience art “outside the classroom” and participate in community events like Chalktoberfest.