The Vail Mountain School visual arts program develops our students’ talents and abilities at all levels. While they learn the fundamentals of art, explore the principles of design, and study the history of art, our artists learn to express themselves creatively.

Philosophy

The primary goal of the Visual Arts Department is to engage our students fully with their creativity. In the department, students, or ‘artists’ as we call them, are encouraged to be present and indulge in the creative process, learn new skills and techniques, and develop their visual communication through personal works of art. It is also our passion, alongside these opportunities, to provide a creative space to help understand oneself and become an empathic member of the global community. As the world we live in becomes more complex, we believe that being a creative thinker and maker is essential and can provide a source of relaxation, fulfillment, and direction to our artists.

Seek Knowledge: The arts foster a better understanding of oneself as well as a greater understanding of the global community. Through the arts, many topics are explored: new techniques, the work of others, ancient to contemporary, and cultures and traditions.

Build Community: Throughout the academic year, we build community with opportunities to celebrate the efforts of our young artists. These occasions may be in-house exhibitions, theater productions, music showcases, workshops led by students, and events such as Family Art Nights. All of these events are for our community to enjoy and celebrate with us.