FWCD offers visual arts classes for all levels, K-12. Children in
kindergarten and Lower School experience a variety of artistic media in a studio setting, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking and art history. Learning about artists and artistic processes are integral parts of the program.
In
Middle School, students learn about the variety of visual arts experiences in our culture and explore their own artistic style. This artistic development is fostered through the application of design concepts and art principles and the development of techniques through sketchbooks, art history, drawing, painting, printmaking and clay formation through individual and group projects.
Upper School visual arts include courses in art history, painting and drawing, ceramics, photography, and yearbook and newspaper. Beginning with Art Fundamentals in ninth grade, students gain a strong sense of design. As sophomores, students pick one of three avenues: ceramics, photography, or painting and drawing. Junior and senior students may take courses in their chosen medium up to the AP level. All senior visual art students highlight their accomplishments in a show each spring. Students are encouraged to develop impressive portfolios for presentation to college programs, and their works are consistently recognized in both regional and national competitions. Art History and AP Art History classes expose students to ancient and contemporary works from around the world. Journalism courses are offered for grades 9-12, including courses for print, online and video journalism, as well as yearbook.
SOAR after-school and summer enrichment programs, as well as art clubs, are offered for Lower and Middle School students. Art honor societies in Middle and Upper School offer extra visual arts experience for students.