Visual Art
From their earliest years, Maret students explore different materials and concepts in their study of art. More importantly, they discover who they are as individuals and members of their community, and how they can use art to express their thoughts and visions. See what they've been up to!
A highlight of the year is our annual spring All-School Art Show. Each student has the opportunity to display his or her master work in a sprawling gallery-style setting. The event draws visitors from beyond our campus who come to admire the talent and skill of our K-12 artists.
In the lower school studio-based art program, children express themselves creatively as they explore a variety of approaches to making art. Elements of art and principles of design are integrated within each project to encourage visual literacy. Students discuss their own work, as well as the experiences and distinct styles of various artists.
In the lower school studio-based art program, children express themselves creatively as they explore a variety of approaches to making art. Elements of art and principles of design are integrated within each project to encourage visual literacy. Students discuss their own work, as well as the experiences and distinct styles of various artists.
In the lower school studio-based art program, children express themselves creatively as they explore a variety of approaches to making art. Elements of art and principles of design are integrated within each project to encourage visual literacy. Students discuss their own work, as well as the experiences and distinct styles of various artists.
In the lower school studio-based art program, children express themselves creatively as they explore a variety of approaches to making art. Elements of art and principles of design are integrated within each project to encourage visual literacy. Students discuss their own work, as well as the experiences and distinct styles of various artists.
In the lower school studio-based art program, children express themselves creatively as they explore a variety of approaches to making art. Elements of art and principles of design are integrated within each project to encourage visual literacy. Students discuss their own work, as well as the experiences and distinct styles of various artists.
In the lower school studio-based art program, children express themselves creatively as they explore a variety of approaches to making art. Elements of art and principles of design are integrated within each project to encourage visual literacy. Students discuss their own work, as well as the experiences and distinct styles of various artists.
In the lower school studio-based art program, children express themselves creatively as they explore a variety of approaches to making art. Elements of art and principles of design are integrated within each project to encourage visual literacy. Students discuss their own work, as well as the experiences and distinct styles of various artists.
In the lower school studio-based art program, children express themselves creatively as they explore a variety of approaches to making art. Elements of art and principles of design are integrated within each project to encourage visual literacy. Students discuss their own work, as well as the experiences and distinct styles of various artists.
In the lower school studio-based art program, children express themselves creatively as they explore a variety of approaches to making art. Elements of art and principles of design are integrated within each project to encourage visual literacy. Students discuss their own work, as well as the experiences and distinct styles of various artists.
In the lower school studio-based art program, children express themselves creatively as they explore a variety of approaches to making art. Elements of art and principles of design are integrated within each project to encourage visual literacy. Students discuss their own work, as well as the experiences and distinct styles of various artists.
In the lower school studio-based art program, children express themselves creatively as they explore a variety of approaches to making art. Elements of art and principles of design are integrated within each project to encourage visual literacy. Students discuss their own work, as well as the experiences and distinct styles of various artists.
In the lower school studio-based art program, children express themselves creatively as they explore a variety of approaches to making art. Elements of art and principles of design are integrated within each project to encourage visual literacy. Students discuss their own work, as well as the experiences and distinct styles of various artists.
In the lower school studio-based art program, children express themselves creatively as they explore a variety of approaches to making art. Elements of art and principles of design are integrated within each project to encourage visual literacy. Students discuss their own work, as well as the experiences and distinct styles of various artists.
In the lower school studio-based art program, children express themselves creatively as they explore a variety of approaches to making art. Elements of art and principles of design are integrated within each project to encourage visual literacy. Students discuss their own work, as well as the experiences and distinct styles of various artists.
In the lower school studio-based art program, children express themselves creatively as they explore a variety of approaches to making art. Elements of art and principles of design are integrated within each project to encourage visual literacy. Students discuss their own work, as well as the experiences and distinct styles of various artists.
In the lower school studio-based art program, children express themselves creatively as they explore a variety of approaches to making art. Elements of art and principles of design are integrated within each project to encourage visual literacy. Students discuss their own work, as well as the experiences and distinct styles of various artists.
In the lower school studio-based art program, children express themselves creatively as they explore a variety of approaches to making art. Elements of art and principles of design are integrated within each project to encourage visual literacy. Students discuss their own work, as well as the experiences and distinct styles of various artists.
In the lower school studio-based art program, children express themselves creatively as they explore a variety of approaches to making art. Elements of art and principles of design are integrated within each project to encourage visual literacy. Students discuss their own work, as well as the experiences and distinct styles of various artists.
In the lower school studio-based art program, children express themselves creatively as they explore a variety of approaches to making art. Elements of art and principles of design are integrated within each project to encourage visual literacy. Students discuss their own work, as well as the experiences and distinct styles of various artists.
In the lower school studio-based art program, children express themselves creatively as they explore a variety of approaches to making art. Elements of art and principles of design are integrated within each project to encourage visual literacy. Students discuss their own work, as well as the experiences and distinct styles of various artists.
Middle school students experience a progression of visual learning as they advance through the program: from exploring two- and three-dimensional art; to examining the use of line, shape, color, value, and texture; to tackling more complex techniques and concepts. Students build on previous skills and art understandings to create visually compelling artwork.
Middle school students experience a progression of visual learning as they advance through the program: from exploring two- and three-dimensional art; to examining the use of line, shape, color, value, and texture; to tackling more complex techniques and concepts. Students build on previous skills and art understandings to create visually compelling artwork.
Middle school students experience a progression of visual learning as they advance through the program: from exploring two- and three-dimensional art; to examining the use of line, shape, color, value, and texture; to tackling more complex techniques and concepts. Students build on previous skills and art understandings to create visually compelling artwork.
Middle school students experience a progression of visual learning as they advance through the program: from exploring two- and three-dimensional art; to examining the use of line, shape, color, value, and texture; to tackling more complex techniques and concepts. Students build on previous skills and art understandings to create visually compelling artwork.
Middle school students experience a progression of visual learning as they advance through the program: from exploring two- and three-dimensional art; to examining the use of line, shape, color, value, and texture; to tackling more complex techniques and concepts. Students build on previous skills and art understandings to create visually compelling artwork.
Middle school students experience a progression of visual learning as they advance through the program: from exploring two- and three-dimensional art; to examining the use of line, shape, color, value, and texture; to tackling more complex techniques and concepts. Students build on previous skills and art understandings to create visually compelling artwork.
Middle school students experience a progression of visual learning as they advance through the program: from exploring two- and three-dimensional art; to examining the use of line, shape, color, value, and texture; to tackling more complex techniques and concepts. Students build on previous skills and art understandings to create visually compelling artwork.
Middle school students experience a progression of visual learning as they advance through the program: from exploring two- and three-dimensional art; to examining the use of line, shape, color, value, and texture; to tackling more complex techniques and concepts. Students build on previous skills and art understandings to create visually compelling artwork.
Middle school students experience a progression of visual learning as they advance through the program: from exploring two- and three-dimensional art; to examining the use of line, shape, color, value, and texture; to tackling more complex techniques and concepts. Students build on previous skills and art understandings to create visually compelling artwork.
Middle school students experience a progression of visual learning as they advance through the program: from exploring two- and three-dimensional art; to examining the use of line, shape, color, value, and texture; to tackling more complex techniques and concepts. Students build on previous skills and art understandings to create visually compelling artwork.
Middle school students experience a progression of visual learning as they advance through the program: from exploring two- and three-dimensional art; to examining the use of line, shape, color, value, and texture; to tackling more complex techniques and concepts. Students build on previous skills and art understandings to create visually compelling artwork.
Middle school students experience a progression of visual learning as they advance through the program: from exploring two- and three-dimensional art; to examining the use of line, shape, color, value, and texture; to tackling more complex techniques and concepts. Students build on previous skills and art understandings to create visually compelling artwork.
Middle school students experience a progression of visual learning as they advance through the program: from exploring two- and three-dimensional art; to examining the use of line, shape, color, value, and texture; to tackling more complex techniques and concepts. Students build on previous skills and art understandings to create visually compelling artwork.
Middle school students experience a progression of visual learning as they advance through the program: from exploring two- and three-dimensional art; to examining the use of line, shape, color, value, and texture; to tackling more complex techniques and concepts. Students build on previous skills and art understandings to create visually compelling artwork.
Middle school students experience a progression of visual learning as they advance through the program: from exploring two- and three-dimensional art; to examining the use of line, shape, color, value, and texture; to tackling more complex techniques and concepts. Students build on previous skills and art understandings to create visually compelling artwork.
Middle school students experience a progression of visual learning as they advance through the program: from exploring two- and three-dimensional art; to examining the use of line, shape, color, value, and texture; to tackling more complex techniques and concepts. Students build on previous skills and art understandings to create visually compelling artwork.
Middle school students experience a progression of visual learning as they advance through the program: from exploring two- and three-dimensional art; to examining the use of line, shape, color, value, and texture; to tackling more complex techniques and concepts. Students build on previous skills and art understandings to create visually compelling artwork.
Middle school students experience a progression of visual learning as they advance through the program: from exploring two- and three-dimensional art; to examining the use of line, shape, color, value, and texture; to tackling more complex techniques and concepts. Students build on previous skills and art understandings to create visually compelling artwork.
Middle school students experience a progression of visual learning as they advance through the program: from exploring two- and three-dimensional art; to examining the use of line, shape, color, value, and texture; to tackling more complex techniques and concepts. Students build on previous skills and art understandings to create visually compelling artwork.
The Upper School Art program is designed to create visually literate students who understand the role of the artist in society. Students broaden their understanding of visual art and their ability to think creatively and express themselves visually. Teachers emphasize fundamental techniques and guide each student to discover their personal artistic voice.
The Upper School Art program is designed to create visually literate students who understand the role of the artist in society. Students broaden their understanding of visual art and their ability to think creatively and express themselves visually. Teachers emphasize fundamental techniques and guide each student to discover their personal artistic voice.
The Upper School Art program is designed to create visually literate students who understand the role of the artist in society. Students broaden their understanding of visual art and their ability to think creatively and express themselves visually. Teachers emphasize fundamental techniques and guide each student to discover their personal artistic voice.
The Upper School Art program is designed to create visually literate students who understand the role of the artist in society. Students broaden their understanding of visual art and their ability to think creatively and express themselves visually. Teachers emphasize fundamental techniques and guide each student to discover their personal artistic voice.
The Upper School Art program is designed to create visually literate students who understand the role of the artist in society. Students broaden their understanding of visual art and their ability to think creatively and express themselves visually. Teachers emphasize fundamental techniques and guide each student to discover their personal artistic voice.
The Upper School Art program is designed to create visually literate students who understand the role of the artist in society. Students broaden their understanding of visual art and their ability to think creatively and express themselves visually. Teachers emphasize fundamental techniques and guide each student to discover their personal artistic voice.
The Upper School Art program is designed to create visually literate students who understand the role of the artist in society. Students broaden their understanding of visual art and their ability to think creatively and express themselves visually. Teachers emphasize fundamental techniques and guide each student to discover their personal artistic voice.
The Upper School Art program is designed to create visually literate students who understand the role of the artist in society. Students broaden their understanding of visual art and their ability to think creatively and express themselves visually. Teachers emphasize fundamental techniques and guide each student to discover their personal artistic voice.
The Upper School Art program is designed to create visually literate students who understand the role of the artist in society. Students broaden their understanding of visual art and their ability to think creatively and express themselves visually. Teachers emphasize fundamental techniques and guide each student to discover their personal artistic voice.
The Upper School Art program is designed to create visually literate students who understand the role of the artist in society. Students broaden their understanding of visual art and their ability to think creatively and express themselves visually. Teachers emphasize fundamental techniques and guide each student to discover their personal artistic voice.
The Upper School Art program is designed to create visually literate students who understand the role of the artist in society. Students broaden their understanding of visual art and their ability to think creatively and express themselves visually. Teachers emphasize fundamental techniques and guide each student to discover their personal artistic voice.
The Upper School Art program is designed to create visually literate students who understand the role of the artist in society. Students broaden their understanding of visual art and their ability to think creatively and express themselves visually. Teachers emphasize fundamental techniques and guide each student to discover their personal artistic voice.
The Upper School Art program is designed to create visually literate students who understand the role of the artist in society. Students broaden their understanding of visual art and their ability to think creatively and express themselves visually. Teachers emphasize fundamental techniques and guide each student to discover their personal artistic voice.
The Upper School Art program is designed to create visually literate students who understand the role of the artist in society. Students broaden their understanding of visual art and their ability to think creatively and express themselves visually. Teachers emphasize fundamental techniques and guide each student to discover their personal artistic voice.
The Upper School Art program is designed to create visually literate students who understand the role of the artist in society. Students broaden their understanding of visual art and their ability to think creatively and express themselves visually. Teachers emphasize fundamental techniques and guide each student to discover their personal artistic voice.
The Upper School Art program is designed to create visually literate students who understand the role of the artist in society. Students broaden their understanding of visual art and their ability to think creatively and express themselves visually. Teachers emphasize fundamental techniques and guide each student to discover their personal artistic voice.
The Upper School Art program is designed to create visually literate students who understand the role of the artist in society. Students broaden their understanding of visual art and their ability to think creatively and express themselves visually. Teachers emphasize fundamental techniques and guide each student to discover their personal artistic voice.
The Upper School Art program is designed to create visually literate students who understand the role of the artist in society. Students broaden their understanding of visual art and their ability to think creatively and express themselves visually. Teachers emphasize fundamental techniques and guide each student to discover their personal artistic voice.
The Upper School Art program is designed to create visually literate students who understand the role of the artist in society. Students broaden their understanding of visual art and their ability to think creatively and express themselves visually. Teachers emphasize fundamental techniques and guide each student to discover their personal artistic voice.
Every year, scores of Maret students in grades 8–12 are recognized for their excellence by the Scholastic Art Awards regional competition, often earning a total of over 100 awards, from the highest Gold Key, to Silver Key, and Honorable Mention. Artwork receiving Gold Keys advances to the national level of this competition.
Every year, scores of Maret students in grades 8–12 are recognized for their excellence by the Scholastic Art Awards regional competition, often earning a total of over 100 awards, from the highest Gold Key, to Silver Key, and Honorable Mention. Artwork receiving Gold Keys advances to the national level of this competition.
Every year, scores of Maret students in grades 8–12 are recognized for their excellence by the Scholastic Art Awards regional competition, often earning a total of over 100 awards, from the highest Gold Key, to Silver Key, and Honorable Mention. Artwork receiving Gold Keys advances to the national level of this competition.
Every year, scores of Maret students in grades 8–12 are recognized for their excellence by the Scholastic Art Awards regional competition, often earning a total of over 100 awards, from the highest Gold Key, to Silver Key, and Honorable Mention. Artwork receiving Gold Keys advances to the national level of this competition.
Every year, scores of Maret students in grades 8–12 are recognized for their excellence by the Scholastic Art Awards regional competition, often earning a total of over 100 awards, from the highest Gold Key, to Silver Key, and Honorable Mention. Artwork receiving Gold Keys advances to the national level of this competition.
Every year, scores of Maret students in grades 8–12 are recognized for their excellence by the Scholastic Art Awards regional competition, often earning a total of over 100 awards, from the highest Gold Key, to Silver Key, and Honorable Mention. Artwork receiving Gold Keys advances to the national level of this competition.
Every year, scores of Maret students in grades 8–12 are recognized for their excellence by the Scholastic Art Awards regional competition, often earning a total of over 100 awards, from the highest Gold Key, to Silver Key, and Honorable Mention. Artwork receiving Gold Keys advances to the national level of this competition.
Every year, scores of Maret students in grades 8–12 are recognized for their excellence by the Scholastic Art Awards regional competition, often earning a total of over 100 awards, from the highest Gold Key, to Silver Key, and Honorable Mention. Artwork receiving Gold Keys advances to the national level of this competition.
Every year, scores of Maret students in grades 8–12 are recognized for their excellence by the Scholastic Art Awards regional competition, often earning a total of over 100 awards, from the highest Gold Key, to Silver Key, and Honorable Mention. Artwork receiving Gold Keys advances to the national level of this competition.
Every year, scores of Maret students in grades 8–12 are recognized for their excellence by the Scholastic Art Awards regional competition, often earning a total of over 100 awards, from the highest Gold Key, to Silver Key, and Honorable Mention. Artwork receiving Gold Keys advances to the national level of this competition.
Every year, scores of Maret students in grades 8–12 are recognized for their excellence by the Scholastic Art Awards regional competition, often earning a total of over 100 awards, from the highest Gold Key, to Silver Key, and Honorable Mention. Artwork receiving Gold Keys advances to the national level of this competition.
Every year, scores of Maret students in grades 8–12 are recognized for their excellence by the Scholastic Art Awards regional competition, often earning a total of over 100 awards, from the highest Gold Key, to Silver Key, and Honorable Mention. Artwork receiving Gold Keys advances to the national level of this competition.
Every year, scores of Maret students in grades 8–12 are recognized for their excellence by the Scholastic Art Awards regional competition, often earning a total of over 100 awards, from the highest Gold Key, to Silver Key, and Honorable Mention. Artwork receiving Gold Keys advances to the national level of this competition.
Every year, scores of Maret students in grades 8–12 are recognized for their excellence by the Scholastic Art Awards regional competition, often earning a total of over 100 awards, from the highest Gold Key, to Silver Key, and Honorable Mention. Artwork receiving Gold Keys advances to the national level of this competition.
Every year, scores of Maret students in grades 8–12 are recognized for their excellence by the Scholastic Art Awards regional competition, often earning a total of over 100 awards, from the highest Gold Key, to Silver Key, and Honorable Mention. Artwork receiving Gold Keys advances to the national level of this competition.
Every year, scores of Maret students in grades 8–12 are recognized for their excellence by the Scholastic Art Awards regional competition, often earning a total of over 100 awards, from the highest Gold Key, to Silver Key, and Honorable Mention. Artwork receiving Gold Keys advances to the national level of this competition.
Every year, scores of Maret students in grades 8–12 are recognized for their excellence by the Scholastic Art Awards regional competition, often earning a total of over 100 awards, from the highest Gold Key, to Silver Key, and Honorable Mention. Artwork receiving Gold Keys advances to the national level of this competition.
Every year, scores of Maret students in grades 8–12 are recognized for their excellence by the Scholastic Art Awards regional competition, often earning a total of over 100 awards, from the highest Gold Key, to Silver Key, and Honorable Mention. Artwork receiving Gold Keys advances to the national level of this competition.
Program Offerings
Upper School
Upper school art broadens students’ understanding of the visual arts and their ability to think creatively. Students are encouraged to express themselves in their preferred medium and to take on challenges that extend the breadth and depth of their artistic talent. Instructors respect the students’ unique visions 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.
Middle School
Middle school students experiment with various materials and techniques commonly found in the visual arts. They conduct in-depth explorations of the elements of art using both two- and three-dimensional projects that identify the formal properties of line, shape, value, texture, and color. Teachers encourage students to experiment with the materials provided for each assignment in order to find imaginative and creative solutions to visual problem solving. And their critical thinking skills are sharpened by learning how to ask: Does the art piece work and why?
As they work on increasingly complex projects, students are taught to plan and execute the projects in logical steps. As an example, students in seventh grade plan and collaborate on a site-specific public art installation that will become a permanent addition to the school setting. Within this context, students examine the role of public art and how location affects design, subject matter, and the selection of materials. Concept, construction, and good artisanship are emphasized.
Lower School
Lower school art 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, collage, and sculpting are among the two- and three dimensional activities to which they are introduced. The curriculum is also linked to classroom topics and themes to achieve a unity with academic subjects.
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 modes of expression.
Museum visits enhance the enjoyment of art and the children’s understanding through discussions of specific works and artists. By the time students reach fourth grade, they will have visited as many as ten different local museums and participated in virtual museum visits to institutions far outside our region.