The ESA visual arts program provides a learning environment that stimulates and maximizes the creative and artistic potential of each student. The learning experience emphasizes creative problem solving and critical thinking which develops self-expression. The completed works often require and involve teamwork, cooperation, and trust in others. Through artistic expression, the students see the world from a greater perspective. They are provided with a variety of media to express and to connect with feelings, to express the joy and the beauty found in their world.

All visual arts courses are one semester long and earn 0.5 credit upon successful completion of the course.

Graduation requirement: 1.5 credits in the visual and/or performing arts
 
Departmental Scheduling Notes:

● Students do not request a specific visual arts course when registering for courses. To maximize the opportunities for students in this discipline, we have students register for Visual Arts Course - Fall or Visual Arts Course - Spring depending on the semester the student would like to take the course. If a student would like to take a visual art course both semesters, then both Fall and Spring should be requested. During the first class meetings of the semester, students and teachers will then break out into the specific courses described below based on student interest and faculty assigned. The title of the specific course will be what appears on the student’s grade report and transcript.

● Independent Study in the Visual Arts - The Visual Arts department welcomes and encourages students to continue study in a given discipline after completing level II or III. It is the belief of the department that once equipped with the skills taught in the first two levels of a discipline, a student is prepared to begin exploring the field according to interest. Accordingly, students choosing to take additional levels of a discipline are responsible for developing a formal written proposal, in consultation with the teacher, as to the direction of the student’s study. This proposal must be approved by the department’s faculty. Students choosing to pursue this advanced study should be aware that successful completion of a proposal may require additional hours in the studio beyond regularly scheduled classes and assessment of work will take place outside of scheduled class time. Peer and faculty review and critique of works, both in progress and completed, are part of the assessment process. These independent studies are scheduled during a regular class period during the academic day.