The Potomac School

An independent K-12 school on a beautiful wooded campus, 3 miles from Washington, DC

Visual Arts

How do our students experience art? How do we teach it?

The multidisciplinary nature of artistic work requires different ways of seeing and thinking. Potomac teachers encourage students to guide and advise one another, observe what is happening around them, and wait as new ideas begin to form. We encourage all of our students in their efforts and offer honest appraisals when asked. We believe that students' inner visions and voices can never be well-expressed unless they develop fluency in the ancient, wordless language of the arts.

So we work, and keep on working. And our work is always play.

Identity

Who are you? What is your individual journey? By expressing your vision to others, you also reveal it to yourself.

Observation

What do you notice in the world around you? By seeing more deeply, you gain the opportunity to understand more deeply. The eyes are part of the mind.

Focus

How well can you work by yourself? By sharpening your attention over extended periods, you learn the value of creative solitude.

 

Design

How do you bring a new idea into being? Through the design process, you dream, develop, test, reflect, and revise. There are no road maps – you are always off the trail.

Craft

What is it like to make something with your mind, heart, eyes, and hands? Artists use all their senses and physical powers as they explore with various tools and materials.

Collaboration

How do your ideas and artwork speak to others? The studio environment is communal. Every day is a chance to learn from what others are dreaming up.

 

Portfolio

How do you measure your progress? By compiling a portfolio, you can begin to see your artistic path as a journey – step by step and year after year.

Department Members

Beth Dunkelberger
Middle School Art Teacher

Kristin Enck
Intermediate and Upper School Art Teacher

Diana MacKenzie
Lower School Art Teacher

Mark McLaughlin
Stagecraft Teacher

Paolo Morales
Upper School Photography Teacher

Cort Morgan
Chair of the Art Department and IS and US Art Teacher

Hillary Steel
Intermediate School Art Teacher