Visual Arts

The Visual Arts program at Gilman encourages boys to explore art through various media, encouraging them, at all ages, to appreciate art, to think creatively, to observe the world around them, and, no matter their artistic skill, to understand how artists create illusions of light, space, and emotion in their work. From creating Viking shields and helmets to studying Cezanne to working with a visiting professional artist, boys learn how art is an expression of both the human condition and of self.

The Art Program at Gilman School comprises everything from standard studio offerings in drawing, painting, ceramics and woodworking to work in photography, digital media and architectural design. Orchestrated to complement Gilman's rigorous academic program, the art programs in each division are designed to offer students at those grade levels the opportunity to engage their world in an aesthetically meaningful and challenging manner. At all levels students are introduced to materials and procedures that facilitate an ongoing understanding of art making and it's role in our culture. Whether it is working on a thematic mural in the Lower School, exploring key social issues through art making in the Middle School or developing a portfolio of self directed work for a Thesis exhibition in the Upper School the importance of art in one's life is actively conveyed from start to finish.

Lower School

Art is a personal experience that encourages the student to express himself creatively. Art makes sense to children when they experience it as a basic form of expression and as a response to life. One of the primary goals of the Lower School art curriculum is to foster the creative growth of each individual student. A personal fulfillment through art experiences is the first and foremost purpose of the program. Through systematic instruction, children learn through all four aspects of the art subject: perceiving, performing, appreciating and criticizing. The program is concept-oriented stressing the learning and use of the art elements. Students have the opportunity to think, plan and experiment in the use of line, shape, color, texture, space and pattern.

Another goal of the art curriculum is to introduce material that has direct relationship to other curriculum areas. Art is much more meaningful for children when it is incorporated into the goings-on of their daily work and interests. Vocabulary is interwoven into each lesson. A most meaningful function of the art program is to teach the appreciation of artistic heritage and understanding of the role of art in society. Gaining an understanding of cultures past and present can help students appreciate, gain sensitivity and respect for our diverse Gilman Community. The highlight of the year is the Annual Art Exhibit when student art is proudly displayed.

Middle School

Each grade level in the Middle School focuses on specific themes in Art that challenge and promote critical and creative thinking skills. Assignments draw inspiration from master artists, contemporary artists, art from various cultures around the world as well as images from popular culture. Students are encouraged to document their ideas and drawings in a sketchbook to further their development of artistic habits and foster their confidence in personal expression. For the boys who desire more time in the art studio, an art club exists for each grade level.

Upper School

In conjunction with regular and AP Art History the Upper School Art Department also offers a range of conventional studio art courses in drawing, painting, photography, digital media, architecture and design and woodworking. In this the department offers ample opportunity for students with an abiding interest art-making to explore these practical activities in an intellectually meaningful and challenging manner. Students receive ongoing mechanical training at all levels of engagement and as the courses become more challenging so the student is asked to consider the broader implications of art-making in our culture. In this each course is set up to allow a mix of hand training and personal exploration. Students taking courses sequentially will develop a body of sophisticated personal work in line with the range of portfolio demands by the Studio AP and undergraduate art and architecture departments. Supplemental components to our program include an ongoing visiting artist lecture series, and artist in residence program, senior thesis exhibitions and an active Clock Gallery exhibition program. Students also have the opportunity to join us on our annual overnight trip to New York City.