The visual arts program at Episcopal emphasizes creative problem-solving through the production of artwork using various media. Faculty strive to foster new ways of seeing, competence in production, and an awareness of the context of art in our environment. On each campus, art studio facilities are equipped to provide instruction in many disciplines, including drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, and ceramics. The Berg Gallery in the Munnerlyn Center for Worship and Fine Arts provides gallery space for rotating student, faculty, and alumni exhibits.
The Visual Arts Department on the Munnerlyn Campus begins in sixth grade to emphasize creative problem-solving through the production of artwork using various media. 6th and 7th graders can choose to take 2D art classes as a part of their exploratory arts rotation curriculum. 8th grade 2D visual arts can be taken for a semester to provide a deeper dive into the medium and allow students the opportunity to gain a greater sense of what being an upper school visual artist would be like. Students learn about the elements of design and various artists’ styles through several media and present their own works in the annual Middle School art exhibit. All middle school students are presented with opportunities to enter various art competitions throughout the year.
Draw, Paint & Print 1 and Draw, Paint & Print 2 are offered to begin the Fine Arts track in Upper School. These classes include a variety of mediums including traditional materials such as graphite, charcoal, various paints, and relief as well as intaglio printmaking techniques. In Honors Draw, Paint & Print Students spend Semester 1 creating capstone projects, demonstrating mastery in drawing, painting, and printmaking. In Semester 2 they have an independent study in the medium of their choice with guided instruction tailored to their interest. Advanced Placement Draw, Paint & Print is offered to students by teacher recommendation as a full-year elective course to be evaluated for college credit on the national level. Art history is also offered as a field of study at the college preparatory level and the AP level.
