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North East School of the Arts (NESA)

Visual Art Major

Visual Art majors engage in comprehensive study of 2D and 3D media techniques that encompass drawing, painting, sculpture, photography and more. Students develop observational and compositional mastery as they synthesize materials, processes and ideas to develop their distinct creative lens. Our curriculum is crafted to empower students with above-average talent, providing them with the tools to become alert, critical, introspective, and open to the limitless possibilities of the art world.

Through participation in exhibitions, competitions, internships and publications, student artists showcase talents while refining their skills. With individualized academics tailored to each artist’s vision alongside collaborative cross-disciplinary projects, students gain real-world expertise to confidently apply to top art schools such as Pratt, RISD, and University of Texas while making their bold artistic mark on the arts community. NESA visual artists consistently earn top honors at local, state, and national levels, regularly excelling at the Visual Art Scholastic Event and the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Featured in The Best Teen Art and The Adroit Journal, and as recipients of the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes scholarship and the YoungArts Scholarship, NESA artists excel due to their unwavering commitment to their ideas and craft.

Coursework of Visual Art

 
Investigation of Painting
 
Students enter the world of painting through techniques, media, and styles. They master the application of traditional painting techniques while exploring contemporary practices to create works of art that embrace color, mark-making, and surface manipulation.
 
Still-life and Figurative Studies
 
Students build a strong understanding of the illusion of form and space on 2D surfaces through still-life and figure drawing and painting. They develop a solid foundation for future works, marrying observation and imagination to create pieces with a unique artistic voice.
 
Discover Drawing
 
Students learn to express ideas, record observations, and impressions through traditional and contemporary drawing media and techniques. Students in drawing courses will learn to use line and value to capture form, space, light, shade, and textures.
 
2D and 3D Design
 
Students explore abstraction and applied design using problem-solving skills developed through the study of composition. Working with a variety of materials and processes, they learn to develop creative solutions that address practical design problems.
 
Ceramics
Students learn various techniques in clay work, including coil, slab building, and casting. They create both functional and sculptural ceramic works and experiment with a range of glazing and surface design techniques to bring their ceramic creations to life.
 
Printmaking
 
Students learn the technical and conceptual world of printmaking by working with intaglio, relief, and serigraphic printmaking processes. They master the art of creating original works of art in multiples. Students also have the opportunity to sell their works of art at the Multiples show.

Career Paths in Visual Art

 
  • Fine Artist: Pursue a career as a professional visual artist, creating works that captivate and inspire.
  • Art Educator: Share a passion for art with others as an art teacher, guiding future generations of artists.
  • Art Historian: Explore the rich history of art and its cultural significance as an art historian or critic.
  • Illustrator: Bring stories to life through illustrations in books, magazines, and digital media.
  • Gallery Curator: Curate and showcase art in galleries and exhibitions, revealing artistic dialogue and appreciation.
  • Graphic Designer: Use artistic skills in the world of design, creating visual elements for branding and communication.

Student Showcase