Visual art students at the Middle School level study basic design, art appreciation, and beginning skills for various media. Cultural and aesthetic awareness are achieved through interdisciplinary studies with the humanities and science departments. Students become aware of their own abilities and preferences and learn to appreciate the distinctive styles and talents of their peers. In addition, seventh graders learn to make claymation films; eighth graders take on Quaker-themed digital film projects for entry in the International Bridge Film Festival. By the time students enter the Upper School visual arts program, they have acquired the skills necessary to pursue more intense study in various media. Art courses are available as one-term electives focusing on a particular medium. This system allows us to offer an extensive array of classes. Any given class incorporates all Upper School grades and abilities. This diversity enables students to aspire, to experiment, to create, and to learn from one another. Opportunities for advanced individual work abound.
Visual Arts electives (not all are offered every semester) may include:
Digital Photography
Drawing
Painting
Carving
Publications/Communications
Ceramics
Studio Art Foundations
Printmaking
Mixed Media
Sculpture
Fiber Arts
Stained Glass
Jewelry Making
Student Artwork: Great Works of Art Reimagined by Middle Schoolers
Tandem Friends School is a co-ed Quaker day school for grades 5-12 in Charlottesville, Virginia.