Visual Arts | Heathwood Hall

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Visual Arts

From joyful exploration in Early Childhood to advanced portfolio development in Upper School, Heathwood’s Visual Arts program nurtures creativity, technical skill, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Across all divisions, students engage in hands-on experiences that build confidence, critical thinking, and artistic expression.

 

Early Childhood

Our youngest artists begin their journey in a dedicated Early Childhood art studio. Students in EC 2s, 3s, and 4s attend weekly studio art classes in small groups, allowing for personalized, age-appropriate instruction.

  • Emphasis on process over product
  • Introduction to basic techniques and materials
  • Projects that align with classroom themes and developmental milestones
Lower School (Grades K–4)

Lower School students attend weekly 40-minute art classes throughout the year. The curriculum emphasizes:

  • Elements of design and principles of art
  • Art history and artist studies
  • Exploration of 2D and 3D media
  • Cross-curricular integration with classroom units

Student work is regularly exhibited on and off campus, including participation in:

  • SC State Fair Student Art Show
  • SCISA Student Art Exhibit
  • Lower School Art Club (Grades 1–4, after school)

 
Middle School (Grades 5–8)

Middle School students dive deeper into technique, concept, and interdisciplinary work:

  • 5th Grade: Weekly classes throughout the year
  • Grades 6–8: Art classes meet three times a week for nine weeks

Students explore a wide range of media and typically complete 3–5 finished works per term. They also:

  • Participate in juried art shows and statewide competitions, including National Youth Art Month
  • Collaborate on integrated art/science or humanities projects, often with input from local artists and businesses
  • Visit the Columbia Museum of Art to connect classroom learning with professional exhibits and hands-on studio experiences

 
Upper School (Grades 9–12)

The Upper School art program offers both a strong foundation and diverse elective opportunities. Students can explore:

  • Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics, Environmental Art, Photography, and Studio Art
  • Courses include historical context, technical skill-building, and conceptual exploration
  • Studio Art seniors create a cohesive solo exhibition as a capstone project

For students seeking advanced distinction, Heathwood offers a Visual Art Concentration (VAC) — a rigorous diploma program for those pursuing excellence in the visual arts.