Learning by Creating
Through Courses and Electives, Rectory students learn to express themselves creatively, think critically, and connect artistic exploration to their academic learning. The Studio Arts program nurtures collaboration, curiosity, and problem-solving—skills that inspire growth far beyond the classroom.
Classes take place in the Collins Family Art Barn, a vibrant, light-filled space dedicated to the visual arts. Inside, students find a clay studio with a separate kiln room for ceramics and sculpture, a drawing studio for 2D work, and a fully equipped darkroom for photography. From sketching and painting to ceramics and mixed media, students experiment with materials, techniques, and ideas as they develop confidence and a personal artistic voice. Supported by professional tools and guidance, each student is encouraged to explore, create, and discover what truly inspires them.
Elementary School Studio Arts
In the Elementary School studio art classes students’ explore their science curriculum through a variety of hands-on and multimedia projects. Students are encouraged to take risks and work through their mistakes.
5th-Grade Art
Throughout the school year, fifth-grade art students create 2D and 3D projects. Along the way students learn two-point perspective, new ceramic building techniques, and create both painting and drawing projects.
6th-Grade Art
Throughout the school year, sixth-grade art students create 2D and 3D projects. Along the way students learn about perspective through creating optical illusions, experiment with new ceramic building techniques, and create both painting and drawing projects.
7th-Grade Art
In the 7th grade, students are introduced to the elements of art. Using these elements as guidelines they produce an array of interesting 2D and 3d projects throughout the term. This course encourages students to experiment with new mediums and express themselves creatively.
8th-Grade Exploring Art
The eighth-grade Exploring Art class focuses on developing prior art and design knowledge and provides new opportunities to explore these skills. This course exposes students to a wide array of 2D and 3D projects and encourages students to challenge themselves along the way.
8th-Grade Ceramics
The Ceramics class uses the hand-building techniques of slab, coil and pinch pot construction to create a variety of decorative or functional ceramic pieces. Students experiment with various sgraffito techniques and colorfully finish their work using paint or glazes. Ceramics terminology and history are also discussed.
8th-Grade Printmaking
The eighth-grade printmaking class builds on previous drawing and painting knowledge to develop a new set of skills. In this course, students will learn the basics of printmaking and create projects using several printmaking techniques.
8th-Grade Woodshop
Woodshop is an introduction to the basics of woodworking. Students focus on safety, the understanding of terminology and techniques, and tools. Students also learn the difference in wood types and their characteristics and uses. They work on a variety of projects throughout the term and produce items that showcase their skills.
9th-Grade Photography
The 9th-grade photography class is designed to introduce students to basic camera operation, film development, and darkroom techniques. Students also work with pinhole cameras, cyanotype printing, and building camera obscures to help them better understand the photographic process. Projects are based on the elements of photography and students are encouraged to develop their own unique photographic eye.
9th-Grade Introduction to Art
The purpose of the ninth-grade visual art class is to provide students with the opportunity to challenge their artistic abilities and build a deeper understanding of how to think creatively. Throughout the year the ninth grade art students explore painting, drawing, printmaking, 3D mobile sculptures, and ceramic construction. No matter the project, students are encouraged to take risks and develop their artistic voice along the way.
Digital Media
This course uses technology to help students express themselves creatively in three disciplines: digital filmmaking, electronic media communications, and graphic design. Essentially, the classroom becomes the center of Communications for Rectory School. Students learn to make their own audiovisual presentations through iMovie, Final Cut Pro, and Adobe Photoshop.