Visual Arts
Learning is Creative
The Visual Arts program, designed to balance the creative process and the final product, incorporates high-quality instruction in each division and an integrated approach to other academic areas. In visual art classes from early childhood through Grade 12, students encounter a variety of art materials, develop skills, make choices about how to express themselves creatively and learn about historical and contemporary art.
As students move through PHS’ visual art classes, they have the opportunity to work in a wide range of mediums and techniques, including drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, darkroom and digital photography, Adobe Creative Suite software and more. The Reggio Emilia approach is used in the Pembroke Hill early childhood art program. The approach treats art as an integrated and essential component of all learning, enabling children to become confident, creative and collaborative individuals prepared for future academic success and life.
In the light and nature-filled atelier room, children work in small groups, fostering creativity, communication and critical thinking by viewing art as a "language" for self-expression. There is freedom to explore ideas through natural materials and diverse media, enhancing cognitive and motor skills, and encouraging collaboration, problem-solving and emotional intelligence through hands-on, inquiry-based projects. Journals of the process and projects, with photos, reflections and documentation, are shared with families.
Lower school artists explore a variety of art mediums including pencil, paint, fibers and clay. Experimentation, perseverance and problem solving are encouraged. This along with creativity, confidence and autonomy enhance life skill development for successful learning. Developing fine motor skills, “using your art eyes” to enhance focus and practicing collaboration, are all positive outcomes of making art. Lower school art shows in Cooke Gallery coincide annually with grade level music programs in Curry Theatre. Students’ completed projects are documented on SeeSaw and art work is continually on display throughout our campus.
In the middle school students typically have a semester course of visual arts each year, as well as the opportunity to choose Encore Art, offered after their lunch break, along with an additional weekly elective class. Upper school students are required to take at least one semester of a visual art elective of their choosing, although most take many more, including AP level art courses. A variety of art-related clubs and publications are also available.
Additionally, middle and upper school students are encouraged to participate in various art competitions, earning regional and national recognitions every year. Centennial Hall Gallery and Art Connector provides upper school students a space to showcase their artworks, along with pieces from faculty and guest Kansas City artists. Students in the lower school adorn the walls of the Cooke Gallery, just outside of Curry Theatre, with their latest masterpieces.
"Jubilation," commissioned by Don and Adele Hall for Pembroke Hill's renovated student center, stands as a vibrant testament to community and diversity. Crafted by artist Sara Sonié Thompson-Ruffin, the piece intricately weaves together fabrics sourced from the Pembroke Hill community, symbolizing the strength found in collective collaboration. Its title suggests a joyous celebration, inviting viewers to reflect on the interconnectedness of past, present, and future generations of Pembroke Hill students and alumni.
This artwork holds profound significance for Pembroke Hill, embodying the school's rich history and enduring legacy. "Jubilation" is a tangible representation of shared experiences and memories that bind the community together across time.
