Visual Arts

Lower School students create a variety of art, including drawing and painting from life, ceramics, printmaking, cut-paper collage, and various sculptural techniques based on various classroom units as well as the cultures studied in their social studies classes. Art history and appreciation are explored through the study of famous artists in varied media and time periods.

Students use elements of art to develop visual literacy by viewing the works of a particular artist, artistic period, or culture, and using art as inspiration. Artists include Georgia O’Keefe, Henri Matisse, Wassily Kandinsky, and Sam Rodia.

Students use elements of art to develop visual literacy by viewing the works of a particular artist, artistic period, or culture, and by using art as inspiration. Throughout the Middle School years, hands-on activities are supplemented with class discussions, presentations, visits form local artists, and visits to museums and galleries.

Deriving inspiration from master artists, sixth graders draw, paint, print, sculpt, and work in collage. Seventh graders further their creative endeavors and create two- and three-dimensional work in a wide variety of media. Eighth graders become more independent as they create two- and three- dimensional artwork in a variety of media such as: painting, drawing, sculpture, and assemblage.

From Photography and Metalsmithing to Intro to African Art and AP Art History, students can choose from a range of courses designed to develop their understanding of the visual language of master artists and the vocabulary, skills, and attitudes necessary for self-expression in a variety of media. Upper School students can participate in studio courses, which guide students to develop their own visual language through increasingly complex projects. Various options are available for students who wish to pursue more advanced work in their chosen media.

Upper School students are routinely recognized in the Pittsburgh Regional Scholastic Art Awards. Founded in 1923, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the nation's longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. View samples of their winning work below.