Visual Arts

Inspiration to create and connect

At Walker’s, students have the opportunity to create, present, connect, and respond to art through a variety of experiences and hands-on activities to communicate ideas and convey emotions. Students explore a wide range of media including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, 3D design, textile arts, ceramics, digital photography, and film using a variety of media, tools, and techniques. 

We help students develop the ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate works of art and they learn how to make cross-curricular connections and understand how the arts are integral to daily life. Students learn to think critically and problem solve through hands-on experiences as they develop their innate creativity. While the emphasis is on making art, students also learn to articulate ideas using the language and vocabulary of art by integrating the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design. 

Students are provided with opportunities to display their artworks in and outside of the school in art exhibitions and competitions. Professional artists are invited to display their works in our on-campus galleries and teach master workshops to expand students’ visual knowledge. Students routinely visit local and regional art museums to expand their knowledge.

At a Glance

  • Art History
  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Digital Photography
  • Movie/Video Film Production
  • Graphic Publication
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture and 3D Design
  • Studio Art
  • Ceramics

Student Gallery

Jordan Hedges drawing
Jordan H. '23

Ceramics

Ceramics provides an opportunity for students to develop a body of work that is both conceptually valid and reflective of their artistic style. Sculpture techniques, the science of glazing, and wheel skills are taught to all levels of students.

Movie/Video Production

While studying various genres and best practices of motion pictures, students write, cast, direct, shoot, edit, sound mix, and produce finished products that are shared with the Walker's community and often entered into local showcases and festivals.

Studio Art

Studio Art is designed for students with a desire to learn about art or to continue evolving in their artistic pursuits. Students work on a variety of media, tools, and techniques through open-ended assignments that challenge and encourage creativity and originality.

Photography

Students learn the principles of exposure, portrait photography, landscape photography, macro photography, sports photography, food photography, black and white photography, low light photography, light painting, and more than 20 other topics. Photo by Catherine C. '24.

Drawing and Painting

Students explore different “dry and wet media” and learn the necessary technical skills to communicate their ideas, while continuing to strengthen their knowledge of the elements and principles of design.

Meet the Visual Arts Faculty

Marissa Forde P'28, '31

Visual Arts Faculty

Marissa Forde P'28, '31

 Call

B.A., Jacksonville University
M.Ed., University of Hartford

Marissa, a Simsbury native, joined the Walker’s community in the winter of 2011 after beginning her teaching career in the local public school system. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in studio art with a focus on Illustration from Jacksonville University, and her master’s degree in education from the University of Hartford. She holds certifications in both art education and elementary education. Marissa teaches multiple visual arts classes, including Middle School Art, Drawing and Painting, Studio Art, Ceramics, and AP Art. Marissa is passionate about engaging girls in art by encouraging her students to explore how artistic creations are born through the solving of problems.

Read Full Profile

Katelyn Rodriguez

Art Faculty and Middle School Coordinator

Katelyn Rodriguez

 Call

BFA, University of Hartford
M.S., Central Connecticut State University

Katelyn Rodriguez is an Afro-Latina artist and educator based in Simsbury, Connecticut. She brings a strong commitment to social justice, creative exploration, and student empowerment to her work in the arts. Katelyn earned her bachelor’s degree in Illustration and Art History from the University of Hartford in 2020, where she developed a deep appreciation for storytelling through diverse artistic mediums. She views self-exploration in the arts as an essential pathway for young people to find their voice and make a meaningful imprint on the world.

During her undergraduate studies, Katelyn expanded her artistic and curatorial experience through programs in Miami at Art Basel and in New York at the New York Academy of Art Summer Residency Programs. These opportunities further strengthened her technical skills and broadened her perspective as an artist.

In 2023, she completed her master’s degree in Teacher Leadership at Central Connecticut State University, focusing on equity, justice, anti-racist pedagogy, innovative instructional practices, and restorative approaches in education.

Katelyn is deeply aligned with Walker’s mission and is dedicated to enriching the student experience, fostering creative growth, and inspiring a lifelong love of learning.

Read Full Profile