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Visual Art

Welcome to the Visual Arts Department at Groton School

Our facilities begin in the Dillon Art Center, where you can find our darkroom photography lab and multiple painting, drawing, printmaking, and ceramic studios. The art center is a bustling place where many of our eager students learn foundational skills and techniques in drawing and painting and go on to explore their passions through a wide variety of offerings. Our large, light-filled classrooms provide an atmosphere of inspiration and discovery, ample space to spread out for any size project, and endless materials and opportunities to explore and create. 

A few steps away in the Schoolhouse is our woodworking shop. Students enjoy the challenge of a sophisticated, hands-on program and learn to use the basic hand tools and power tools needed for cabinetmaking. Projects emphasize good design and craftsmanship; they range from simple boxes to—for advanced students—period pieces such as grandfather clocks and secretaries.

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A student in an apron holds a large palette while working on painting a canvas

Ceramics & Sculpture

A light yellow ceramic pitcher with a figure 8 handle
A sculpture of a tree in red, yellow, black and white, people are part of the tree, and tags hang from the branches with words such as %22status%22 , %22growth%22, %22success%22 and %22knowledge%22
A set of thrown ceramic cups and bowls, all glazed yellow
A ceramic cup: it is half white and half green, the green glaze drips from the top
A sign reads: %22Additive Tree Sculpture- Magic Tree Houses%22 next to three tree sculptures made of brown paper and yarn
Three thrown ceramic vessels of varying heights
A sculpture of a head made out of clay with various technological wires coming out of the neck, eyes and mouth

Photography

A wall of 8 black and white darkroom prints including double exposures
A black and white photograph of a cat sitting outside framed by barn doors
A black and white darkroom photograph of a portrait partially developed with splatters
Student Abby poses with her photograph and people's choice award
A student and teacher look at photo negatives on a lightbox

Drawing & Painting

A water color painting with dripping grey ink, finches are painted within the blank spaces
A pencil drawing of a Greek Statue with a snake around its arm
A wide cropped rainbow painting of a close-up profile of a person's eye
A painting of an elk skeleton spread over three canvases
A bold, colorful student painting of two kids jumping off a lifeguard chair on the beach
A black and white painting of a woman in a striped bathing suit
An ink drawing of a girl covered in roses reflected in mirrors
Painting of an urban street with crosswalks and telephone poles

Printmaking

A sign reading %22Pacific Northwest First Nation Art%22 is posted next to student artwork prints
A multi-color print of a dock during a lake sunset
A print of a boy holding a large lizard on his shoulder
A triptych of black and white prints depicting two people, a landscape, and an archer
A print of the chapel with the words %22Groton School Library%22
A print on yellow paper of a cartoon person on a bed with the words %22Lay it all down%22

Woodworking

A nightstand and side table
The woodshop full of students in focus behind a bandsaw
A wide angle of the woodshop with the teacher and students
A teacher helps a student carve a furniture leg in the woodshop
Student work of a dark wood nightstand displayed near a wall
A student focuses as he uses wood-working machinery

Mixed Media

A wall of student paintings, the closest one to a camera is a portrait of a girl with opalescent fabric accents
A painting of an astronaut amongst flowers, the astronauts helmet is made of plastic wrap and debris
A mixed media art piece of a girl painted in pink and blue hues. The image is divided into pieces and held together with yarn.
A ceramic sculpture of partial turquoise face surrounded by rhododendron leaves
A colorful painting of a girl with her head on a surface, colors melt off the canvas continuing into a puddle of paper
A student with a laptop sits with a teacher in the visual arts studio

"What I like most about the visual arts program at Groton is the variety and inclusivity of the courses provided. You can always find a class that fits your interests and comfort level and learn to express yourself in an encouraging community.

The Dillon Art Center is like a second home to me, and I’ve spent countless afternoons painting with friends, making ceramic pieces, and simply creating my heart away. The welcoming environment invites everyone to explore their inner artist."

- Paopao, Sixth Form

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Galleries

People gather in a gallery looking at large paintings

DE MENIL GALLERY

The de Menil Gallery, in the Dillon Art Center, is a cultural resource to the town of Groton and the region. During each academic year, the de Menil Gallery hosts three exhibitions; they showcase a variety of media, including photographs, paintings, prints, and decorative arts.

Hours
Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., closed Wednesdays
Saturday–Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Parking is available behind the Dillon Art Center (a silver-roofed building) or at the Athletic Center, a short walk away. The de Menil Gallery is free and open to the public.

The artist speaks to guests in the gallery where paintings are hung

CHRISTOPHER BRODIGAN GALLERY

The Christopher Brodigan Gallery, on the ground floor of the Dining Hall, features contemporary artists who often conduct master classes and workshops while their exhibits are on display.

Apply to be a visiting artist.

Hours
Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Parking is available at the Dining Hall. The Brodigan Gallery is free and open to the public.

 

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