Visual & Performing Arts Academy
Visual Arts
Bringing Ideas to Life Through Creativity and Design
The Visual Arts program helps students develop their artistic voice through drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media, and portfolio development. Students learn how to observe, analyze, experiment, and communicate ideas visually while building the technical and creative skills needed for advanced art study.
Through studio projects, critiques, exhibitions, and AP portfolio preparation, students learn how to take creative risks, develop original concepts, and use art as a powerful form of self-expression.
Course Sequence
Students progress through a four-year sequence that builds both technical skills and business knowledge.
9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
Certifications
Students build advanced artistic knowledge and portfolio experience throughout the program.
Currently, this strand does not offer industry certifications.
Students instead develop college-level portfolio experience through AP College Board courses, studio projects, exhibitions, and portfolio development for AP and college admissions.
“My watercolor piece was entered into a competition, and it was really cool to have my work seen.”
- Kayanna Mullings (12th grade)
Competitions and Achievements
Students in the Visual Arts program regularly submit work to exhibitions and competitions that showcase their creativity and technical growth.
Achievements include:
- Scholastic Art Honorable Mention 2024
- The Dalí Museum Student Surrealist Art Exhibit selections in 2023, 2024, and 2025
- 2nd Place Congressional Art Exhibition 2025
Career Pathways
The Visual Arts program prepares students for careers in studio art, art education, exhibitions, and creative industries.
Possible pathways include:
- Professional Artist
- Gallery Artist
- Museum Exhibitions Assistant
- Art Instructor
- Art Educator
- Art Therapist
Students pursuing higher education may continue into degree programs such as:
- Studio Art
- Painting
- Drawing
- Sculpture
- Printmaking
- Ceramics
- Interdisciplinary Arts
Students also develop transferable skills including creative problem-solving, visual communication, critical thinking, research, reflection, and presentation.
Student Voices
Learning Through Real Experience
Students regularly complete studio projects, portfolio pieces, exhibitions, and creative design assignments that challenge them to grow as artists.
Through hands-on artmaking and critique, students learn patience, planning, experimentation, and the importance of revising their work over time.
“The 3D cardboard sculpture was the hardest. I learned to plan ahead and be patient.”
- Sophia Fresco (11th grade)
“In AP, completing multiple pieces and process work is challenging, but it teaches you time management.”
- Sophia Dominguez (12th grade)
Teacher Perspective
Ms. Milagros Gonzalez
“My goal is to help students develop their artistic skills through the creative process so they can grow into the best artists they can be.”
Students gain both artistic and professional skills, including:
- Observational drawing and visual analysis
- Painting, sculpture, ceramics, and mixed media techniques
- Concept development and visual storytelling
- Composition, color theory, and design principles
- Portfolio development for AP and college admissions
- Written artist statements and proposals
Constructive critique and reflection
- Successful students also develop patience, creativity, research skills, artistic confidence, and the ability to analyze meaning and emotion beyond the surface of an artwork.
The program prepares students for college and careers by helping them build strong portfolios, develop original ideas, present creative proposals, and connect visual thinking to many professional fields.
Advice for Future Students
Current students encourage future participants to explore new ideas, take creative risks, and trust their artistic process.
Program Legacy
The Visual Arts program gives students the opportunity to develop their creative voice while building the technical, conceptual, and professional skills needed to pursue art in college and beyond.
Through exhibitions, AP portfolio development, competitions, and studio practice, students leave the program prepared to express ideas visually, think critically, and bring their creative visions to life.
