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Visual Arts

Visual Arts

Exploring elements of art and 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.

Here, 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
Sculpture class
Student drawing
Painting class
Photography
Ceramics
Studio art
3D Design

Projects in paper making and paper casting, cardboard relief, paper dress, relief drawing, papier mache, and book art/deconstructed books are studied in 3D Design.

Drawing

In this multilevel class, students are exposed to a variety of “dry media,” learning the necessary technical skills to communicate their ideas, while continuing to strengthen their knowledge of the elements and principles of design.

Painting

Students explore different “wet media” with processes such as transparent and opaque painting including watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and oil. Students discover the expressiveness of color and paint application techniques while learning color theory.

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 Jenessa Lu ’21)

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.

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.

Meet the Visual Arts Faculty

Ben Barker

Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair, Visual Arts Faculty

Ben Barker

 860-408-4263

B.Sc., University of East Anglia, England

Ben Barker earned a B.Sc. (Hons) in Environmental Sciences from the University of East Anglia in England and is a graduate of the Connecticut Film Industry Training Program from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. Ben spent over 20 years in the environmental industry conducting laboratory analysis, mobile laboratory site investigations and indoor air quality studies. He is a State of Connecticut Department of Health Services-certified Environmental Laboratory Director. After leaving the scientific arena, Ben pursued his life-long love of photography and film by working in locations management for film and television productions in New York City and Connecticut. He is also a seasoned and qualified soccer coach, having coached the game for 15 years. Over that period he has coached all youth ages from two to 18 years old.

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Marissa Forde P'28

Visual Arts Faculty

Marissa Forde P'28

 860-408-4264

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 middle school visual arts. She also teaches ceramics with students ranging from beginner through advanced level three. Marissa is passionate about engaging girls in art by encouraging her students to explore how artistic creations are born through the solving of problems.

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