Visual Arts

The visual arts department values each student as they discover their unique expression and interest in art. Every course is taught by experienced and talented professionals in the arts who, by their enthusiasm and expertise, not only inspire their students, but also nurture lifelong creativity and innovation.

Bishop’s Visual Arts Department provides student-centered, hands-on curriculum. The School offers opportunities for drawing, painting, printmaking, stained glass, photography, silk screening, ceramics, mixed media, airbrush, textiles, 3D printing, laser cutting, film making, animation, virtual reality, web-design, graphic design, illustration and interdisciplinary approaches to art.

Bishop’s partners with local art museums and galleries to provide in-person and virtual exposure to visual art. Student art is displayed and shown both on- and off-campus in exhibitions, publications and competitions. Art clubs are held after school, which provide open studio time, skill tutoring and a social atmosphere for art making. Eye on Visual Arts (EVA) is a student-run art publication for art to be seen and ideas to be shared. Visiting artists join classes to connect making art to professional careers. Alumni also join us in the studios to share their experiences and how Bishop’s art education impacted their lives.

Ceramics

Make pieces with intent, whether for personal expression or to enhance something mundane.

Introductory level classes foster a basic understanding of ceramic materials with a hands-on approach. Students learn clay construction techniques that utilize handbuilding, molds and the potter’s wheel.

Intermediate and advanced classes build on this foundation and allow students to perfect techniques and develop a more individual approach to ceramics.

Drawing, Painting, Mixed Media

The foundation courses offer training in the fundamental concepts of drawing, painting and 2D design. Guided lessons provide structure in developing artistic practice and the ability to draw. Students are asked to think about their relationship to art and to connect to their work both intellectually and personally.

The intermediate courses allow students creative freedom and support to develop their own expression in visual art. Students create their personal artistic goals and discover ways to achieve them. Collaboration, innovation and experimentation are key concepts in these courses.

Photography

Photography courses introduce students to the creative world of photography and remind them that there is more to photography than simply pushing a button.

Students explore elements of digital photo, how it has developed as a tool to use from defined works of art to everyday use, and receive an overview and introduction to digital photo editing tools and learn ways to manipulate images in digital media. Intermediate and advanced level classes expand the student’s knowledge base of photography as they learn to express their creative ideas with bold visual images.

Time-Based Digital Media

Exhibitions

Students in any art class are given many opportunities to exhibit their work both on and off campus. There are a variety of art shows on view throughout campus, from the Manchester Library and Learning Center to the front desk in Gilman Hall. The department believes that students of all ability and expression should experience "putting their work out there." Significant learning happens on both ends of art making and viewing.

Middle school students share their work often in group settings within the curricular reflection of their art class. Upper school students begin to curate and install both group and solo shows. Seniors who have assembled an art portfolio are supported to be a featured artist in the Manchester Library and Learning Center.