Visual Arts
The art program at Maret serves as vital links within the curriculum throughout all grades. Each class allows students to explore their individual creative talents and to develop their own artistic technique.
The art curriculum is a studio-focused program that seeks to develop within each student an understanding of the visual language of the artist. Student artwork is exhibited regularly throughout the School and bears testament to the strength of our program and the diverse talents of our students.
The rich variety of options and advanced and independent study courses in the arts instill in our students the self-reliance to fully explore their talents.
Lower School Art
The lower school art program is a studio experience. Projects are designed to help children express themselves creatively as they explore a variety of approaches to making art. Drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpting are among the two- and three-dimensional activities to which they are introduced. With each assignment, elements of art and principles of design are integrated to encourage visual literacy. Respect for different modes of expression is validated and reinforced as the students discuss their own work as well as that of artists with varying styles and subject matter. Children are always encouraged to discover and celebrate their own style of expression. The curriculum is also linked to classroom topics and themes to achieve a unity between artistic and academic pursuits. For example, second graders create sand paintings during their study of Native Americans.
Middle School Art
The Middle School Art program builds on the foundation learned in Lower School. Throughout fifth through eighth grade, students enlarge their visual repertoire and skill in two- and three-dimensional art and go further to identify the formal properties of line, shape, value, texture, and color. The program also includes public art segments where students have an opportunity to examine the social impact of their artwork.
Upper School Art
The upper school art program seeks to broaden students’ understanding of the visual arts and ability to think creatively. It promotes concentrated study in specific art disciplines. Students are encouraged to express themselves in their preferred medium and also to take on challenges that extend the breadth and depth of their artistic talent. Instructors respect the students’ unique vision while directing, evaluating, and encouraging their work. The Washington metropolitan area’s rich cultural resources supplement studio work at all levels. Museum and gallery visits help students understand the historical, technical, and aesthetic aspects of artistic expression.
