Visual Arts at Fieldston Upper

The visual arts department is designed for students of all skill levels and is based on the idea of hands-on learning. Many students take art courses throughout their time at Fieldston, considering their study in the arts to be a very important part of their high school years. The 7th, 8th, and 9th grade courses are all designed to introduce students to the many disciplines, materials, and visual thinking which will be encountered throughout the curriculum. As students move up through the grades, their work in the visual arts can grow in depth and accomplishment.

For students in the 10th grade and beyond who wish to pursue an intensive course of study, we offer an art major which consists of six hours of studio work each week: four hours spent with the art majors class, and an additional two hours in one of the department’s elective classes. The time in the major class is spent on many projects involving painting, drawing, printmaking, and other 2-dimensional work. The extended time allows for the projects to be explored in greater depth than is possible in the two- hour electives. Every other year we offer a 3D art major section that provides an in-depth study of sculpture.

A series of electives is offered for students in the upper grades who wish to study art, but cannot make the time commitment to enroll as a major. In any elective class, students find a range of skills and experiences, something which we see as a great strength in the department. With the interactive nature of the classes, the more advanced students get a chance to exercise their talents by helping newer students, and the less advanced have a very positive model in their fellow classmates. There are a number of electives to choose from including Ceramics, Architecture, Sculpture, Life Drawing, Photography, Painting, Printmaking and Drawing. We are planning to add Video Editing next year.

Whatever the time commitment students wishes to make in the arts, and whatever the area of study they wish to pursue, there will be a place for them in one of our many visual arts classes.