Arts

Visual Arts

Students also develop the ability to communicate personal ideas through art vocabulary, technical skills, and artistic expression.

Lower School

List of 1 items.

  • Pre-K to 5th Grade

    Our goal in lower school art is to foster children’s creativity through problem solving, skill development, and the exploration of a variety of materials. Art history is introduced, and projects may be linked to what is being taught in the classroom.

    A broad spectrum of projects enable students to become more aware of their environment, to express themselves visually with more confidence, and to develop into flexible and creative human beings. Periodic art discussions enhance students’ reasoning powers and critical thinking. Sketchbook work provides students with accurate records of their visual development through the years.

Middle School

List of 3 items.

  • 6th Grade

    Students will review the elements and principles of art and design through a study of varying styles and visual art disciples, including drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture.  Students will have the opportunity to explore and learn about a variety of media as well as become familiar with pivotal moments in Art History. 6th graders will study the stylistic choices of famous artists to help inspire them to develop their own ideas and artistic voice. Each student will work with the artist/teacher in a studio environment.
  • 7th Grade

    Students continue to explore the fine arts in depth with a focus on specialized courses in ceramics, metals, photography, and woodworking. Each student will work with the artist/teacher of the specific discipline in the studio environment on a rotating semester format. Individualized instruction is emphasized. Students are taught best studio practices while creating, presenting, responding and connecting through their art form.
  • 8th Grade

    Students continue to explore the fine arts in depth with a focus on specialized courses in ceramics, metals, photography, and woodworking. Each student will work with the artist/teacher of the specific discipline in the studio environment on a rotating semester format. Individualized instruction is emphasized. Students are taught best studio practices while creating, presenting, responding and connecting through their art form.

Upper School

List of 9 items.

  • AP Studio Art 2D & 3D

    AP Studio is a unique course of study in the sense that the culminating assessment is based on a student portfolio rather than an exam. Students are required to submit a portfolio of work that includes Drawing, 2-D Design (painting, computer graphics, photography), and 3-D Design (sculpture or ceramics). Students are graded on both the technique and content of their work. Students need to have the approval of the instructor in order to pursue the AP studio art curriculum.
  • Ceramics

    This course explores three-dimensional principles of form and function through basic hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. Students will experiment with various surface treatments for clay vessels and sculptures. Glaze applications and firing techniques will be introduced. 
  • Graphic Design

    Graphic Design is communication through images, words, and forms, and shares the same visual vocabulary as studio art. Over the course of this semester, students will learn techniques and tools to communicate ideas and meaning for themselves and client projects. Students are strongly recommended to enroll in a full year (two semesters). During the first semester, they will master the elements of art and principles of design through design-based projects. Through the second semester, students will work on more self-directed design projects, allowing them to explore their areas of interest and develop their own forms of self-expression.
  • Studio Art

    These semester-long courses offer students the opportunity to develop their skills in two different mediums. Students may choose from courses that include Painting, Drawing, Ceramics, Photography, Metals, and Woodworking. Students learn to assess their artwork for balanced portfolios and learn to reproduce and submit their work digitally. Class demonstrations and critiques are based on individual needs. Students create timelines and visions for their spring Country Day art gallery exhibit.
  • Woodworking

    This course focuses on working with hand and power tools with an emphasis on safety. Students work with a variety of woods and develop their own projects based on their interests and capabilities.
  • Painting & Drawing

    In the Drawing portion of this course, students will learn the fundamental structures and techniques of drawing and experience the expansive qualities and characteristics of sketchbook work and various projects. Students can be expected to learn foundational drawing techniques, such as contour and gesture drawing, as well as skill-building exercises, such as still life and portraiture. Students will also master more developed techniques and applications of value, contrast, and detail to enhance their work. In the Painting portion, students will explore and utilize color properties, theory, texture, and composition in the process of painting. Students will be introduced to a variety of paint media, including watercolor, acrylic, and oil paints. Students will learn to recognize the properties of each medium and be able to make individual art.  


  • Honors Art

    This course is designed for upper school students who show considerable talent, dedication, and enthusiasm in the visual arts. Students are recommended by instructors based on excellent artwork and attitude. Department approval is required; students may need to submit a portfolio of their work for review by the Department Chair or be recommended by former art instructors. Students determine the curriculum with the teacher serving as coach. Written proposals are submitted near the beginning of the semester. Group and individual critiques are periodically used for assessment. Consistent, creative work and experimentation with ideas and appropriate mediums are central to successful projects and course completion. Building a portfolio for submission to art schools or colleges is a major goal in this cumulative course. Students are given information and tips on what is needed to create a body of artwork that expresses individual abilities and ideas and is suitable for admission committees.
  • Metals

    This course will teach basic metal techniques, working with brass, copper, and silver on constructed and cast pieces. Advanced students can pursue cloisonné enameling. Students will make both pieces of jewelry and small metal sculptures with a priority placed on design principles. Credit will be earned through the completion of several projects. 
  • Photography

    Learn about Visual Literacy, Visual Storytelling, and the History of Photography while learning the basic skills of photography. You will learn how to use composition, focus, color, digital filters, point of view, and depth of field to communicate a message to your viewer and to express yourself artistically. You will also learn how to manipulate the functions of a camera and how to use Photoshop to post-process images.

    You will have a variety of shooting exercises and assignments, both in class and at home. Be prepared to devote time at home and off campus to taking photos. You will also need to edit your photos, but you will be given time during class to do so. If you use your time wisely, you will be able to accomplish most, if not all, editing and post-processing during the class period.

Upcoming Events

List of 10 members.

  • Photo of Katherine Antis

    Katherine Antis 

    Arts Department Chair, Band & Orchestra Director
    (504) 849-3126
  • Photo of Michelle Haysley

    Michelle Haysley 

    Middle and Upper School Visual Arts Teacher
    (504) 840-3986
  • Photo of Lisette Overby

    Lisette Overby 

    Lower School Visual Arts Teacher
    (504) 849-3125
  • Photo of Steven Donnelly

    Steven Donnelly 

    Metal Arts Teacher
    (504) 840-3981
  • Photo of Lauren Lemmler

    Lauren Lemmler 

    Lower School Music Teacher
    (504) 849-3128
  • Photo of Sean Patterson

    Sean Patterson 

    Middle and Upper School Drama Specialist, Middle School DEI Co-Facilitator
    (504) 840-3989
  • Photo of Pam Skehan

    Pam Skehan 

    Middle & Upper School Arts Teacher
    (504) 840-3987
  • Photo of Meredith Hotard

    Meredith Hotard 

    Middle & Upper School Choir Director
    (504) 840-3992
  • Photo of Linda Reno

    Linda Reno 

    Middle & Upper School Photography Teacher, Yearbook Advisor
    (504) 838-3320
  • Photo of Ross Turner

    Ross Turner 

    Woodworking Instructor
    (504) 620-5648