Explore our Curriculum

Visual Arts

The visual arts program at Groton provides students with various learning opportunities and experiences to acquire the skills necessary to understand and appreciate the arts. A studio-based learning approach lies at the core of Groton’s arts curriculum, emphasizing the importance of student inquiry, individual and collaborative work ethic, and experiential learning. Teachers aim to teach socially conscious and culturally relevant lessons that promote and prioritize personal narrative and voice, student agency, and self-expression. Projects are designed to enable students to address important issues through their work, challenge student thinking, and encourage students to see things from multiple perspectives. Students can expect to study and analyze historical and contemporary artists’ works from different cultural backgrounds and ethnicities. The visiting artist program allows students to work and learn alongside professional artists from various artistic disciplines. In the Art Center, students can immerse themselves in a wide range of classes such as photography, video, design, ceramics, sculpture, drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed-media art, woodworking, and advanced studio art. The visual arts program prepares students to be worldly, empathetic, and thoughtful citizens and provides them with the knowledge necessary to strive in our global society.

All Second Formers spend three terms exploring different art forms: visual arts, drama, and music. Third Formers may select from various disciplines such as Choir, Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, Art and Design, Theater, or half-credit music lessons as their required half-credit arts course. In Upper School, all students take a minimum of three credits of art in any discipline(s) to fulfill their art requirements.
  • Art and Design (Y)

    This is a Third Form year-long course that incorporates a broad range of technical and conceptual skills necessary for visual communication. A wide variety of materials and artistic methods will be introduced, and emphasis will be placed on exploratory thinking and visual problem-solving. Through hands-on experiences with a variety of art materials, students will learn the basic vocabulary of two- and three-dimensional design, and color theory. Discussions, various media, critiques, and a culturally and ethnically diverse community of visiting artists will complement studio activity to help students understand the historical, cultural, and contemporary context in which art is created.
  • Art Exploration (F)

    This is a Second Form visual arts course, exposing students to the elements and principles of design through various materials and techniques. We will refer to “master” artists from art history and contemporary BIPOC artists in the 21st century to create a framework for personalized projects. Students will use drawing materials, paint, clay, and sculpture to create individual and collaborative works. Our class discussions will stress ways to look at, analyze, and discuss art of others and ourselves. Artists will walk away with an appreciation for visual art preparation for the Third Form course, Art and Design.
  • Ceramics 1 (W)

    Open to Sixth, Fifth, and Fourth Formers. This course provides a hands-on, comprehensive study of clay, and the ability to work three-dimensionally to create basic tableware forms. Students will practice studio safety and establish independent workstations within the classroom. Methods of hand-building and techniques will be emphasized to give visual form to ideas. Students can expect to create five works including a tile, draped tray, slab mug, and teapot set. This course can be taken in continuation in the spring (Ceramics 2) for a directed study on wheel throwing to create a substantial exploration of tableware and abstract forms. Enrollment is limited to ten students.
  • Ceramics 2 (S)

    Open to Sixth, Fifth, and Fourth Formers. Prerequisite: Ceramics 1. This course introduces students to creating ceramic forms using the potter’s wheel. A range of techniques will be demonstrated as starting points for using the wheel to create forms. Handbuilding skills are required as students develop their skill of centering and evenly distributing clay on the wheel to make cups, bowls, and plates. The design, function, artistic voice, and presentation of the thrown forms will be emphasized through course assignments. Gaining control of these skills further prepares each student for more advanced techniques. In addition to using the potter’s wheel, students will learn about several different finishing surfaces that can be applied to ceramics, how to make clay, and how to load, unload, and fire an electric kiln. Using the potter’s wheel is a skill that must be learned through practice, patience, perseverance, and the ability to make mistakes and learn from them. This course will prepare students for the AP 3D Portfolio.
  • Comics, Editorial Cartoons, and Graphic Novel (W)

    Open to Sixth, Fifth, and Fourth Formers. Artists will develop original characters and creative storylines utilizing the many techniques of comic panel illustration and text. Students will study the history of comics as a visual dialogue through artists Stan Lee, Liza Donnelly, Will Eisner, and Osamu Tezuka. Comic study will be a combination of the development of an original character and a multi-paneled piece while studying the drawing and inking techniques of panel-shots. A one-shot editorial cartoon will incorporate the artist's opinion on a current event with pen and ink. Graphic Novels will introduce storyline and character development through a multi-page floppy with splash page cover art.
  • Digital Illustration (F)

    Open to Sixth, Fifth, and Fourth Formers. This is an introductory course that provides a wide variety of basic skills including digital painting, drawing, and short animations in the form of GIFs. We will explore various artistic styles through a diverse range of projects such as creating manga characters, illustrating book covers, designing self-portraits, social justice posters, creating patterns and textures, and many more exciting projects. Students can look forward to learning about design principles such as color theory and composition. We will draw from personal imagery as a source of inspiration and reference contemporary illustrators such as Andrea Pippins, Tomi Um, So Lazo, Randy Bishop, and Minna Sundberg.
  • Digital Photography (F)

    Open to Sixth, Fifth, and Fourth Formers. Prerequisite: Photo 1. This class covers the basics of Adobe Photoshop, digital camera usage, and printing. The focus is on the creation of expressive, original artwork, with an emphasis on artistic quality. Some assignments are given; some are self-generated. Enrollment is limited to eight students.
  • Drawing (F)

    Open to Sixth, Fifth, and Fourth Formers. This course is designed to teach the technical skills of drawing. The art of drawing is studied through the formal elements of values, perspective, and composition. Focusing on mark-making techniques we will use a variety of media: graphite, charcoal, conte pastel, and pen and ink. Academic pieces support technical and observational skills. Final pieces will be inspired by artists from different cultures and different art movements. Students will have artistic license to pursue their own vision and emerging artistic voice. Safe studio practices and care of tools and materials will be demonstrated and utilized. This course can be taken in continuation in the spring term.
  • Framing Faces: Portrait Photography (F)

    Open to Sixth, Fifth, and Fourth Formers. Prerequisite: Photo 1, Digital Photo, permission of instructor. In this hands-on course, students will learn the essentials of portrait photography. They will be introduced to the vocabulary of portraiture, best camera settings, and posing fundamentals. Through technical exercises, students learn the tools needed to control and manipulate natural and artificial light to achieve both practical and artistic effects. The coursework includes: lab time, studio and location shooting assignments, and photo presentations. By the end of the course, students develop a body of work and an accompanying artist’s statement. 
  • Graffiti and Street Art (S)

    Open to Sixth, Fifth, and Fourth Formers. Humans have been leaving their mark on walls since the beginning of time. Learn the techniques of Graffiti and Street Art through an exploration of airbrushes, stencils, paint markers, and spray paint. We will look at street art and its impact on social and political justice throughout the world. Shepard Fairey, Banksy, and local artists have used public spaces to display their art, bypassing the art gallery culture thus making art accessible to everyone. We will study how graffiti culture intersects with Hip-Hop music, skateboard culture, and political and social change. Artists will learn and utilize safe studio practices for the media covered in class.
  • Graphic Design (W)

    Open to Sixth, Fifth, and Fourth Formers. This design course explores digital marketing content and discovers how graphic design can transform our lives. By examining current trends, advertisements, consumer products, political campaigns, and analytics, provides insight into the power and ethics of visual communication. We will uncover the use of color psychology, typography, and specific visual elements to manipulate decisions for a specific objective or outcome. Students will design vision boards, logos, package designs, and advertisement posters using Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and Procreate. The term will culminate in a branding suite designed for a consumer of the student’s choice.
  • Oil Painting (W)

    Open to Sixth, Fifth, and Fourth Formers. This course is designed to introduce students to the technical skills of oil painting while expressing originality and their emerging artistic voice. Through a variety of subjects, we will explore the language of mixing colors, brushstrokes, mediums, and canvas preparation. Students will learn and utilize safe studio practices and care of oil painting materials. Outside of class time, students will be required to paint in the studio. Group critiques will model how to use a vocabulary of art terms to discuss the various aspects of the piece including composition, technical elements, and artistic choices. This course can be taken in continuation in the spring term.
  • Painting (F)

    Open to Sixth, Fifth, and Fourth Formers. This course is designed to teach the technical skills of painting using water-based media. The art of painting is studied through color theory, values, perspective, and composition. Focusing on water-based painting techniques we will use a variety of media: watercolor, gouache, and acrylic. Academic pieces support technical and observational skills. Final pieces will be inspired by artists from different cultures and different art movements. Students will have artistic license to pursue their own vision and emerging artistic voice. Safe studio practices and care of tools and materials will be demonstrated and utilized. This course can be taken in continuation in the winter term.
  • Photo 1 (F)

    Open to Sixth, Fifth and Fourth Formers. This course introduces students to basic techniques of shooting, developing, and printing pictures. Using black-and-white film, students will work on short term projects designed to develop their abilities to create vital and effective visual images. Enrollment limited to ten students.
     
  • Photo 2 (F)

    Open to Sixth, Fifth and Fourth Formers. Prerequisite:  Photo 1. This course builds upon the photographic knowledge from Photo 1, expanding students’ understanding of the descriptive powers of photography and honing technical skills. Enrollment limited to ten students.
  • Photography Workshop (F)

    Open to Sixth and Fifth Formers. This is a term-by-term offering designed for students who have completed Photo 1 and 2 or Digital Photo and wish to continue photography at a more advanced level. Students will work with the instructor to design a syllabus suited to the student’s individual experiences and interests. On rare occasions, a student who has not completed the prerequisites may take Photo Workshop to undertake a specific project, with the permission of the instructor.
  • Printmaking: The Power of Print Media (F)

    Open to Sixth, Fifth, and Fourth Formers. This is an introductory course to basic printmaking methods. Techniques include linocut, drypoint etching, and silk screening. Prints are created by reversing their images through scratching, carving, or drawing on a surface and then printed onto paper by hand or through our printing press. Printmaking is appealing to artists searching for a mixed media outlet, as one might combine their love for drawing, painting, and sculpture to create duplicate prints. We will learn about how famous artists such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Frida Kahlo, all used printmaking to make a living, and their influence on modern printmaking techniques. Students will use personal imagery as photo references and will utilize Adobe Illustrator to create designs for printing onto t-shirts or other fabrics.
  • Sculpture (F)

    Open to Sixth, Fifth, and Fourth Formers. This course is designed to teach the technical skills of three-dimensional art through additive, subtractive, and casting sculptures. The art of sculpture focuses on the formal elements of art: space, light, shape, composition, and the relationship of form and function. Students will build and engineer armatures for addictive sculpture utilizing many different materials. Subtractive sculpture will focus on positive and negative space and carving tools and techniques. Casting and mold-making will allow students to explore serial art forms. Students will be inspired by sculptors from many different cultures and artistic movements while having artistic license to pursue their own vision and emerging artistic voice. Safe studio practices and care of tools and materials will be demonstrated and utilized.
  • Third Form Shop (Y)

    Third Formers will make a small piece of furniture. Students may do work which involves dovetailing, turning, mortise and tenon construction, cutting, planing and hand finishing. Because many of the basic processes in cabinetmaking are learned, this course provides a solid introduction to further, more ambitious work in the Upper School.
  • Upper School Shop (Y)

    Open to Sixth, Fifth, and Fourth Formers. Each student in this course will undertake the construction of a significant piece of furniture. Examples of work done in past years include desks, lowboys, tables, grandfather clock cases, beds, chairs and cupboards. The exact project is chosen by the student with the advice and consent of the teacher.

    No previous woodworking experience is required. Students will be taught what they need to know in the shop.

    This is a full course of four scheduled classes and four preparations each week. Students taking Upper School Shop for the first time must take it for any three consecutive terms. Others may negotiate individual arrangements, including a term course or one for half credit that would require only half the time commitment stated above. Please consult Mr. Brown before signing up for such a variation on the regular full course.
  • Video (S)

    (not offered in 2023-24)
    Open to Sixth Formers. In this course, students will explore cinematic production. Using the medium of video and digital editing, they will produce a few short films. The emphasis is on creating a strong and expressive product, using the narrative flow of cinematic imagery and sound. Enrollment is limited to nine students.

Our Faculty

  • Photo of Monika Andersson
    Monika Andersson
    Visual Arts Department Head, Director de Menil Gallery
    978-448-7636
    Bio
  • Photo of Peter Benedict
    Peter Benedict
    978-549-6034
    Bio
  • Photo of Kristen Donovan
    Kristen Donovan
    978-448-7312
    Bio
  • Photo of Catrin Evans
    Catrin Evans
    Assistant Technical Director
  • Photo of Jennifer Fitch Dion
    Jennifer Fitch Dion
    Photography
    978-448-7386
    Bio
  • Photo of Jennifer Ho
    Jennifer Ho
    Visual Arts Faculty; Director, Christopher Brodigan Gallery, Dorm Head
    978-448-7415
    Bio