Arts

Visual Arts

Visual art introduces students to a variety of media and techniques such as graphic art, photography, ceramics, etching, shading, pencil drawing, charcoal and more. Artworks are linked to artists and art history movements in order to help students gradually develop an appreciation for art.

Our Curriculum

List of 14 items.

  • Lower School

    All Canterbury Lower School students enjoy a variety of media to explore the elements and principles of art – balance, emphasis and contrast – through the use of color, shape, line and texture. Student artwork brightens hallways in the Lower School. It is common to see students of all ages, faculty and staff members, and visitors enjoying the colorful and intricate artwork created by Pre-K through fourth grade students.
  • Visual Art 5

    The goal of 5th grade Art education is to develop and sustain the natural curiosity, expressiveness, and creativity that children
    often display. Students review their basic knowledge of art and use their skills to synthesize information which allows them
    to produce and respond to works of art. Artworks are linked to artists and art-history movements in order to help students
    gradually develop an appreciation for art. Students explore the elements of art and are introduced to a variety of media and
    techniques such as drawing from observation, silk, watercolor and acrylic painting, clay masks, fashion design along with
    face and body proportions, tessellations, and art history.
  • Visual Art 6

    6th grade Art education begins with a foundation that emphasizes exploration, experimentation, engagement of the senses,
    and discussion as paths to understanding. Artworks are linked to artists and art-history movements in order to help students
    gradually develop an appreciation for art. Students continue to learn about the Elements and Principles of Design, and these
    are incorporated into all class projects. They explore various media, concepts, and techniques to discover how they can best
    express themselves. These include drawing using one-point perspective, painting, printmaking, soft pastel, compass design,
    ceramics, and computer art.
  • Visual Art 7 & 8

    The foundations of visual art are introduced to middle school students through a variety of media and techniques. The elements of art and the principles of design are essential components of the class. Artworks are linked to artists and art history movements in order to help students gradually develop an appreciation for art.
  • Ceramics I & II (9-12)

    In this course, students explore a range of creative ceramic possibilities through hand-building in clay. The projects include a range of functional, sculptural, and decorative designs. Students explore a variety of methods for painting, glazing, and/or staining their work. The study of the elements of art and the principles of design are essential components of the class.
  • Collage I & II (9-12)

    In this course, students produce a variety of projects incorporating collage techniques. The students develop artwork based on
    themes, creating pieces that are both two and three dimensional. Emphasis is placed on achieving unity in each work of art while
    coordinating the use of a wide range of materials.
  • Communication Design (9-12)

    In this course, students develop written and visual communication skills by creatively combining text and images. Emphasis is
    placed on journalistic writing, reporting, style, layout, design, and editing. Students in Communication Design work collaboratively
    to produce our school’s yearbook, The Lair, which tells the story of one full school year at Canterbury School.
  • Computer Art I (9-12)

    Graphic art is a large area for students to explore in today's fast paced world. Art students who wish to pursue commercial art must be able to produce their creations on a computer. This course uses Adobe Photoshop to incorporate photography, text, drawing, and painting into an electronic form for reproduction. The elements of art and the principles of design are essential components of the class. Projects are linked to the study of specific artists, art movements, products, brands and formats, such as CD cover art and packaging design.
  • Computer Art II (9-12)

    The purpose of this course is to enable students to further develop knowledge of visual communication concepts and graphic design
    techniques via Adobe Photoshop. Final presentations must reflect knowledge of the elements of art and principles of design.
    Prerequisite: semester grade of B or higher in Computer Art I.
  • Digital Photography I (9-12)

    The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop fundamental skills and creative approaches in photographic imagery, processes, and techniques. The content includes, but is not limited to, the following:

    • use of all types of digital cameras
    • types and functions of cameras
    • elements of art and principles of design
    • art and photography vocabulary
    • use of light, exposure, and composition
    • digital processing using Adobe Photoshop
    • presentation techniques
    • technological, historical, and cultural perspectives
    • critical thinking and analysis
    • connections between photography and other subject areas
    • personal and social benefits
    • collaborative skills
    • legal and ethical issues
    • career opportunities
  • Digital Photography II (9-12)

    The purpose of this course is to enable students to further develop their creative approaches in photographic imagery, and explore more advanced Adobe Photoshop techniques. The topics covered will be the same as those covered in Digital Photography I, but at a more advanced level.
  • Drawing I & II (9-12)

    In this course, students explore drawing through a range of techniques including blocking, contour drawing, and shading.
    Assignments in this class transition from nonobjective projects to drawings created in a representational manner including still
    life, portraiture, and figure drawing. Media include pencil, color pencil, oil and soft chalk pastels, conté crayon, and ink. The study
    of the elements of art and the principles of design are essential components of the class.
  • Painting I & II (9-12)

    In this course, students explore watercolor, acrylic, and oil painting on paper, canvas board, and/or stretched canvas. The basics of
    color mixing and painting techniques will be included in this class. The study of the elements of art and the principles of design are
    essential components of the class.
  • AP Art and Design (11-12)

    The students in Advanced Placement Art and Design develop a body of artwork from one of the following three tracks: AP Two
    Dimensional Design, AP Three Dimensional Design, or AP Drawing. Each student submits five selected works (actual physical
    artwork) in May to the College Board for judging. Additionally, each student creates and develops a sustained investigation (a
    series of artworks) based on a theme of their own choosing. The sustained investigation includes writing about each piece in the
    student’s portfolio, describing their work process and the meaning of their artwork, all of which is submitted digitally to the College
    Board for judging in May.

    This course requires significant student commitment and is designed for highly motivated students who are seriously interested in
    creating their own body of work. Students in this course spend a great deal of time outside of their scheduled AP Art and Design
    class sessions developing their portfolios. Over the course of the year, students develop a fully-rounded portfolio to reflect their
    fundamental competence and range of understanding in visual concerns and methods. Entrance into the course is by departmental
    invitation only.

Fall 2020 Art Showcase - Upper School

Visual Arts Faculty

List of 4 members.

  • Photo of Nicholas Grey

    Nicholas Grey 

    US Art Teacher
    (239) 481-4313 x708
  • Photo of Amy Hoefling

    Amy Hoefling 

    MS/US Art Teacher
  • Photo of Daniel Percivall

    Daniel Percivall 

    US/MS Art Teacher
    (239) 481-4313 x720
  • Photo of Namita Singh

    Namita Singh 

    LS Art Teacher
    (239) 333-3280 x226

Arts Calendar

List of 4 events.

View All Events