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Upper School Visual Arts

Our unique and traditional visual arts courses accommodate artists of all levels and interests.

Upper School Visual Arts

Imagination, creativity and personal expression are nurtured and celebrated in our upper school visual arts program. While some students are honing their skills for a career in the arts, others just love the opportunity to explore new ways of expression.

Unique course offerings, such as 3D Art: Glass and filmmaking, are taught by passionate teachers, many of whom are working artists. Annual art exhibitions allow the entire student body to celebrate our artists. Visiting artists and lecturers – including our annual artist-in-residence program - as well as trips to museums, galleries and artist studios enhance the students’ understanding of art. A vast array of equipment is available to students, including flatbed printing press, laser cutter and ceramic wheels, kilns and a fleet of cameras.

Rotating exhibits can be found throughout the school, and annual art exhibitions allow the entire student body to celebrate our artists and their creative accomplishments. The Shah Gallery is a permanent art gallery that holds shows curated by the Art Club as well as the shows for each Honors Directed Portfolio student.

Visual Arts Courses

All students must complete one full year of an artistic class, normally in the freshman year. Our Our upper school art electives – many with advanced levels – will stimulate and challenge artists no matter their level of experience.

Required Courses

Visual Arts Electives

Special Topics (in 2D, 3D and media arts)

Special Topics (in 2D, 3D and media arts) is designed as an investigation outside of typical art electives, focusing on an exciting medium not typically offered. Open to all levels, these courses emphasize idea generation through a relationship with materials.

AP Offerings

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Dickinson Visual Arts Endowment

The Dickinson Visual Arts Endowment was launched in 2021. It recognizes the school’s impressive K-12 visual arts department by providing resources to inspire and enhance the educational experience of Harker’s visual art students. “This endowment will strengthen the school’s connection to the global art community by facilitating the expansion of our artist residency program,” said Joshua Martinez, visual arts department chair. “Our students will be able to work with a diverse group of artists who will open them up to new and exciting perspectives.”

The endowment’s inaugural event was the residence in January 2022 of Britta Clausnitzer, an artist, curator and museum educator living and working in Berlin.

Leah Rosenberg: 2022-23 Artist in Residence

Britta Clausnitzer: 2021-22 Artist in Residence

Student Artwork & Achievements

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