Visual Arts

The art program introduces young children to a variety of techniques, emphasizing basic art concepts through the study of the Elements and Principles of Design. The classes help students develop sensory awareness and build confidence in their skills. In each grade, lower school students work together, sharing responsibilities in the studio and discovering how to apply the skills they have learned to execute their own ideas. Every child practices life drawing beginning as early as Class 1, and dedicated sculpture courses broaden our students’ understanding of working in three-dimensions. Discussions of historical and contemporary artists help students understand the contextual framework of their projects as the art teacher strives to make art creation and art appreciation accessible, exciting, and fulfilling.

Visual art opportunities in the Lower School include: 

• Rotating hallway displays
• Gallery exhibitions (PreK show, lower school group show, school-wide thematic exhibitions)
• Special art projects exploring issues of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Docent-led field trips to the Museum of Fine Arts
• Collaborative “mural” paintings for the public speaking program

Students continue to develop foundational skills as they refine their abilities as visual communicators in a studio environment.  Examining techniques, materials, and both 2D and 3D art processes, classes explore the possibilities of the creative process. Student participation in many different artistic disciplines is crucial to the development of a sophisticated visual vocabulary. Experiences with drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and site-specific installation help students better understand possible avenues for their emerging talents. They become proficient in understanding the elements and principles of design as they explore observation, abstraction, invention, and expression. Students in Class 6 take 2D and 3D courses that switch each quarter. Classes 7 and 8 choose between sculpture, woodworking, and 2D art classes, which each last one semester. 

Visual art opportunities in the Middle School include: 

• Rotating hallway displays
• Gallery exhibitions
• Arts Assembly
• Special art projects exploring issues of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Docent-led field trips to the Museum of Fine Arts
• Scholastic Art and Writing Awards (Classes 7-8)
• SISAL Juried Art Exhibition (Classes 6-8)

All Upper School students take a foundational Art 1 course to establish a common vocabulary and set of skills in a supportive and respectful studio atmosphere. Students are encouraged to take more advanced electives such as sculpture, printmaking, digital photography, and AP Studio Art. Beyond the process of making artwork in the studio, students take advantage of the Art Center courtyard and Playscape, making drawings and paintings en plein air when weather permits. Weekly critiques provide students opportunities for self-reflection and constructive criticism from their peers. They learn to talk with one another about their artwork and the work process and develop empathy for others through ongoing engagement with diverse thinking. Students are taught to evaluate artwork in the context of current art practice and the history of art. Dedicated art students may enroll in honors and AP courses to become more sophisticated practitioners of their craft and explore the possibilities available beyond high school. The arts requirement can be fulfilled through a combination of enrollment in studio classes or three semesters in the Student Docent Program.

Visual art opportunities in the Upper School include: 

• Rotating Hallway Displays
• Gallery Shows 
• Senior Exhibition and Opening
• Arts Assembly
• Special art projects exploring issues of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Docent Program at the Museum of Fine Arts (open to students in Classes 10-12)
• Scholastic Art and Writing Awards 
• SISAL Juried Art Exhibition
• Submissions to The Drumlin Art and Literature Magazine 

Each year, the Art Department reviews the exceptional artwork our students have created to select some for submission to two prestigious local exhibitions. The Scholastic Art Awards was founded in 1923 and is one of the country's oldest organizations supporting the achievement of young artists and writers. The program is administered by the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, which collects thousands of entries from students across the state. Over the years, many of our students have earned honorable mention, silver, and gold keys for their outstanding work. 

In the spring of 2021, 13 Dexter Southfield students were recognized for their outstanding artwork in the Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards competition, earning a total of 26 awards. Class 10 student Blake O'Grady's monotype, "City Shadows," earned the Best in Category distinction among all printmaking submissions in the state! Following the national judging period, Amelia Tucker (Class 12) was named a National Medalist earning three Silver Medals for her drawings. Only 2,000 of the nearly 230,000 works of art and writing received a national medial.

The winning artwork can be viewed here.