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Visual Arts

The arts are important for all of our students, not just those who are innately talented. It's a different way of seeing and experiencing the world, a way that allows them to think differently, to problem solve, to fail in a safe place, and to reflect on their own journeys. 

- Robin Russell, Fine Arts Teacher

Students develop foundational skills in drawing, painting, ceramics, and other media, using these tools to explore and express original artistic ideas. Through hands-on projects and guided instruction, they gain confidence in visual critiques and build a deeper understanding of art history and artistic theory. The program encourages creative risk-taking and thoughtful engagement in conversations about art, meaning, and the reasons we create.

 

Creativity

"Art, to me, is the ability to transform a source of inspiration into a visual representation uniquely my own. The ability to create allows me to share my perspective of the world around me." - Joe Harrison '27

Art Portrait

 

See the World

Photography teaches students to slow down and truly observe their surroundings. Through hands-on experience in capturing and editing images, students learn to tell visual stories. At Prep, photography is both an art and a discipline, explored through coursework, including select AP offerings.

Photography

 

Critical Thinking

"Art showed me the beauty in adversity; that no problem is too great or so bad that it can’t be fixed in multiple ways." - GP student

art sketch

 

Be Bold

Boldness in art means pushing boundaries through color, composition, or concept. Prep artists are taught to trust their instincts, take creative leaps, and share their vision with confidence.

Musical notes on a staff are illuminated by a spotlight against a swirling, abstract background of blues, purples, and greens.

 

Take Risks

Great art doesn’t come from playing it safe. Prep students are encouraged to explore unfamiliar styles, tackle challenging subjects, and embrace the unexpected, because every risk taken leads to growth

Art lung and strawberry

 

Smile

"The world always seems brighter when you’ve just made something that wasn’t there before." - GP student

ceramic animals

 

Visual Arts

Classes

All freshmen take Freshman Art, an introductory half-year course to help build a foundation in visual and cultural literacy. Freshmen can also take a full year of Foundations of Studio Art. Classes such as Global Art and History, Arts Exploration, Ceramics, AP Art and Design, AP Art History are offered with departmental approval. Some classes have the opportunity to build a portfolio and undertake further exploratory work.

Student doing art
artwork
artwork
Concert Hall Painting
Ceramics
Ceramics
Visual Art Book
artwork

Visiting Artist

Pottery

Mr. Herb Weaver visited Georgetown Prep to assist our art students. Mr. Weaver brought the heat—literally! He led our art students through a day of raku firings, an exciting and unpredictable ceramic process. It was great to see the guys step out of their comfort zones and embrace the creative challenge.

Joaquin Espiritu ’28 Honored in Art Competition
Joaquin

Joaquin Espiritu ’28 has been honored for his artistic talent by Congressman Jamie Raskin. Joaquin is one of 62 local high school students whose work was selected for the 10th Annual Congressional Art Competition hosted by Rep. Raskin. 

Joaquin submitted an ink drawing entitled Audrina: Making a Splash, showing his little sister swimming the breaststroke. But if you look closely, you’ll see Audrina’s name on more than just her swim cap. The piece is what’s called a calligram, where words or letters are used to create a visual image. In this case, Joaquin used his sister's name and nickname  – Audrina and ‘Auds’ – in tiny print to create the larger portrait. 

Of the 62 pieces, 35 were chosen as runners-up including Joaquin’s. Visit the virtual gallery.

Joaquin Espiritu art

 

Matthew Balbach '25 – AP 3D Art Portfolio: "Weather"

Art Sculpture

Matthew Balbach’s AP 3D Art project explores the form, motion, and natural beauty of flowing water. As part of his portfolio centered on the theme of weather, Matthew focused on capturing the dynamic shapes and movement found in streams, waves, and rain as they interact with the environment.

The piece featured here shows Matthew shaping the rough form of his sculpture using a hot knife on foam, a foundational step in bringing the fluid energy of water into three-dimensional form. His work reflects a careful study of texture, curvature, and the way natural forces shape the world around us.