Upper School Art and Design

Where Creativity Meets Purpose.

At King, art is more than just an elective — it’s a cornerstone of our students’ growth, imagination, and self-expression. We believe that every student is an artist at heart, and in our Upper School, we provide the space, tools, and guidance for them to bring that identity to life.

From their first art class in Grade 9 to the culminating Art Colloquium in their senior year, students embark on a creative journey that evolves from learning foundational techniques to exploring deeply personal and visionary projects. Our students aren’t just making art — they’re telling stories, solving problems, and seeing the world in bold new ways.

Whether they’re sketching, sculpting, filming, or designing garments, King artists learn to:

• Develop original and personally meaningful work
• Build confidence through experimentation and risk-taking
• Hone craftsmanship using a wide range of media
• Explore global art history and cultural perspectives
• Express themselves with authenticity and courage

A Creative Path for Every Learner

Art at King is woven into the fabric of our curriculum. All students take at least one IDEA (Introduction to Design Elements and Art) course — like Studio Art or Fashion Design — to build core skills in visual language, design thinking, and artistic identity.

From there, students choose their creative path:

Studio Minors 

• Drawing, Painting, Clay Workshop, Printmaking, and more
• Hands-on courses to explore different media and refine technique
• Semester-long classes that fit into a well-rounded academic schedule

Studio Majors
For students who want to dive deeper, our major courses — like Advanced Art 1–4, Clay Explorations, and Fashion Design: Stitching an Identity — allow them to build portfolios, design personal projects, and even prepare for AP Art & Design.

• Create an independent syllabus in Advanced Art 3 and 4
• Prepare for college-level portfolio reviews
• Exhibit final projects in our annual OPEN Art Show

Digital and Film Arts: The New Canvas

Art isn’t confined to a sketchbook. King’s robust Digital Art and Filmmaking program equips students to tell compelling stories through:

• Digital Photography I & II
• Digital Art & Design
• Filmmaking and Script to Screen
• Audio/Visual Content Creation
• Cinema Studies and King Publications

Students produce everything from short films and photo essays to multimedia content and yearbook spreads — developing real-world skills in storytelling, collaboration, and communication.

CERTIFICATE OF DISTINCTION IN ART AND DESIGN

The Art and Design program stresses the importance of original creative thinking and individual artistic expression.

Students engage in art-making based on observation and vision, are encouraged to use critical thinking, and to persist in exploring unique ways of executing their work. Learning is supported by exposure to the history of art and work from artists around the globe. Reflection and class critiques further strengthen artistic growth.

Students who wish to pursue a Certificate of Distinction in the Art and Design will complete challenging coursework, participate in related club activities, and partake in summer and/or extra-curricular art learning, culminating in authentic capstone projects that reflect their unique artistic vision. Students will consider their role as an artist within society, creating work that is relevant, original, and that addresses universal concerns through the exploration of a personal theme.

If you have questions or would like further information about this distinction, please contact Brady Shoemaker, Chair of Art and Design Department, at bshoemaker@kingschoolct.org. 

Art Is Everywhere — And So Are We

Every course incorporates diverse perspectives from around the world and across history, empowering students to engage with art as both a global language and a deeply personal mode of expression.

We invite students to explore essential themes like:

• Art and identity
• Social responsibility and sustainability
• Race, gender, and culture in visual media
• The power of fashion, film, and photography to shape society