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Visual Arts

Students in ceramics class work on projects

The Visual Arts Department offers mentored learning experiences in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography and video. Each day, our faculty of practicing, exhibiting artists guides students through an inventive curriculum designed to foster breakthrough moments while emphasizing concept development, visualization and artisanship.

Introductory-level projects excite the imagination and provide a foundation of design strategies and “making” skills. Middle school students bring monsters to life in clay while learning the basics of hand building, or mastermind imaginary cities in axonometric perspective. Photography projects begin with handmade pinhole cameras and the magic of developing images in the darkroom.  

Such experiences give students the freedom to explore multiple interpretations of their world while discovering the empowering aspects of manual competence. In a sequence of classes, students build sophisticated technical, aesthetic and analytic skills, giving them a range of tools that can be applied to the challenges of creative self-expression.

The art studios on Prep’s lower campus also serve as a community destination. Fully stocked with supplies and both analog and digital tools, these spaces provide a welcoming oasis where students can create, visit with friends, and be inspired by rotating exhibits of finished work.

Ceramics Courses

Drawing and Painting Courses

Photography Courses

World Languages Faculty

David Earle

David Earle

Visual Arts Faculty
Melissa Manfull

Melissa Manfull

Visual Arts Faculty
Biliana Popova

Biliana Popova

Visual Arts Faculty
Ricardo Rodríguez

Ricardo Rodríguez

Visual Arts Department Chair