Academics
Curriculum

Visual Arts

"Why should you think that beauty, which is the most precious thing in the world, lies like a stone on the beach for the careless passer-by to pick up idly? Beauty is something wonderful and strange that the artist fashions out of the chaos of the world in the torment of his soul. And when he has made it, it is not given to all to know. To recognize it you must repeat the adventure of the artist. It is a melody that sings to you, and to hear it again in your own heart you want knowledge and sensitiveness and imagination." W. Somerset Maugham, The Moon and Sixpence, 1919 (Chapter XIX, spoken by the character Dirk Stroeve)
  • 2 Dimensional Art+

    This studio course introduces students to processes such as design, drawing, printmaking and painting on two-dimensional surfaces. Young artists actively engage in hands-on design assignments that encourage experimentation and creativity. While enjoying the less structured environment of the art studio, students investigate elements such as line, shape, color, value and form through a variety of mediums. The work of contemporary artists, the vocabulary of art, and tools commonly found in art studios are introduced and integrated into the curriculum. This course strengthens fine-motor ability, increases risk-taking opportunities and builds students’ confidence as they learn to work and think creatively.
  • 3 Dimensional Art+

    This studio course introduces students to the fundamentals of sculpture with hands-on projects created within a less structured and experimental environment of the art studio. Students are encouraged to be creative risk-takers as they design, craft and construct, often drawing inspiration from ancient and contemporary art. Using elements such as mass, space, line and texture, and a variety of building techniques and materials, students work on a range of short-term exercises and in-depth projects. As students learn to carve, cast and assemble, using everything from paper-mache to plaster, they strengthen fine-motor ability and gain a better understanding of three-dimensional design. In this course, experimentation is encouraged and celebrated, and lays a strong foundation for future visual arts classes.
  • Digital Art 6+

    Digital Art 6 provides students a brief introduction to Adobe Photoshop, Animate and Fresco. Students learn to use the software programs through step-by-step and open-ended lessons. Drawing inspiration from historical and contemporary artists, students create their own imaginative and personal design-oriented projects. Students are encouraged to be self-expressive and to problem-solve as they tinker with artistic possibilities. This course lays a solid foundation for future art courses and increases an understanding of the principles of design as students work experimentally and creatively with modern technology.
  • Digital Art 7+

    In Digital Art 7, each student explores the world of digital art and photography with the use of a camera and computer. Students utilize Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Animate and Fresco. These programs are introduced with step-by-step instruction, followed by a discovery period where students work independently or collaboratively as a team. Students gain experience in digital drawing, design elements, composition and foundation-level digital art skills. Students are asked to work experimentally and creatively as they build a digital portfolio using modern technology.
  • Mixed Media Art 7+

    This seventh-grade semester-long visual arts course introduces students to self-expression and modern media. Students perform exercises and projects in two- and three-dimensional arenas through processes such as drawing, graphic design, photography, photo manipulation, printmaking and sculpture. In addition to exploring the elements and principles of art, projects also use text and found images for visual storytelling. This class aims to spark interest and imagination, develop creative problem solvers and produce self-directed, resilient learners.
  • Studio Art 7+

    This seventh-grade semester-long visual arts course introduces students to portraiture through exercises and projects in two- and three-dimensional arenas. Students explore a variety of processes and mediums such as observational drawing, graphic design, printmaking and sculpture. Projects explore line, value, space, volume, texture, pattern, shape, color and visual balance. The goal is to spark interest, develop creative problem solvers, and produce self-directed, resilient learners.
  • Digital Art 8+

    Students who take Digital Art 8 will explore Adobe Photoshop, Fresco, After Effects and Premiere Pro. Students create projects that are flexible and allow for personal and individual creative freedom after step-by-step instructions on basic tools of each program. Students gain experience in the following areas: computer arts, digital photography, motion graphics, video, and digital storytelling.
  • Introduction to Photography 8+

    This course covers the basic concepts of photography while looking at the world through a lens. Students are introduced to aesthetic principles of photography such as composition, light and exposure, and are taught how to manipulate the shutter speed and aperture on their camera to achieve desired results. The use of the camera, tripod and other photographic equipment is taught in addition to the digital manipulation of photographs in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Students gain an appreciation and understanding of photography as a means of visual and artistic expression as they build a portfolio of their work.
  • Jewelry and Design 8+

    In Jewelry and Design 8, students design and craft decorative objects such as jewelry, wearable and functional sculptures and fiber arts. Using a variety of techniques, materials and processes, students explore each new design challenge presented. This course guides students through the process of designing — from concept to completion — aesthetically pleasing and well-crafted objects. The goal is to spark interest, develop creative problem solvers, produce self-directed, resilient learners, and gain an appreciation for hand-crafted objects.
  • Painting and Drawing 8+

    In this studio course, students explore processes and mediums used to produce drawings and paintings on two-dimensional surfaces. Students develop drawing and painting skills while strengthening their understanding of color, line and value in both short-term projects and longer, in-depth projects. Students develop their creativity, perseverance, collaborative and critical thinking skills while increasing risk-taking opportunities through the making of art.
  • Sculpture 8+

    In this course, students explore the elements of sculpture while further developing design, craftsmanship and three-dimensional problem-solving skills. Students experiment with a wide range of construction materials, learn more advanced building techniques, that include carving and casting, and use many tools commonly found in a sculpture workshop. Sculptural concepts by artists, architects and designers will be incorporated into the curriculum. Students develop their creativity, aesthetic sensibility and manual dexterity as they gain new appreciation for forms around them.
  • Digital Broadcasting and Journalism

    This course provides students with a foundational 21st-century media creation skills and contributes to the culture of the middle school by sharing the stories and values of Ransom Everglades School. Students learn digital broadcasting and journalism skills by producing a weekly news show for the middle school community. Students develop news segments, interview teachers and students, collect film clips and edit videos. Students in the course also produce the middle school yearbook to document the story of the school year. The course has a capstone project during which students research and raise awareness on a local issue in the community, ultimately producing a short documentary film.

Department Faculty

  • Photo of Astrid Dalins
    Astrid Dalins
    Visual Arts Teacher
    305-460-8890
    University of Alabama - B.A.
    University of Miami - M.F.A.
    Trinity Evangelical Divinity School - M.A.R.
    Bio
  • Photo of Marisa Fort
    Marisa Fort '98
    Visual Arts Teacher
    Barnard College - B.A.
    Harvard University - M.Arch.
    Bio
  • Photo of Ellen Grant
    Ellen Grant
    Visual Arts Teacher
    305-250-6857
    University of New Hampshire - B.F.A.
    City University of New York - M.F.A.
    Bio
  • Photo of Jorge Guzman
    Jorge Guzman
    Senior Class Sponsor, Visual Arts Teacher
    305-460-8232
    University of Florida - B.F.A.
    Florida International University - M.S.
    Bio
  • Photo of Moira Holohan-Comas
    Moira Holohan-Comas
    Visual Arts Teacher
    35-460-8211
    Bard College - B.A.
    Hunter College - M.F.A.
    Bio
  • Photo of Constance Hyde
    Connie Hyde
    Visual Arts Teacher
    305-250-6858
    Miami University - B.F.A.
    University of Miami - M.F.A.
    Bio
  • Photo of Elsa Munoz
    Elsa Munoz
    Visual Arts Teacher
    305-250-6869
    Florida International University - B.A.
    Florida International University - M.A.
    Bio
  • Photo of Fabienne Rousseau
    Fabienne Rousseau
    Visual Arts Teacher
    305-460-7960
    Florida International University - B.A.
    Bio
  • Photo of Matthew Stock
    Matt Stock
    Visual Arts Department Coordinator
    305-460-8201
    University of Miami - B.S.
    Savannah College of Art and Design - M.F.A.
    Bio

Select a School Level and Department

Founded in 1903, Ransom Everglades School is a coeducational, college preparatory day school for grades 6 - 12 located on two campuses in Coconut Grove, Florida. Ransom Everglades School produces graduates who "believe that they are in the world not so much for what they can get out of it as for what they can put into it." The school provides rigorous college preparation that promotes the student's sense of identity, community, personal integrity and values for a productive and satisfying life, and prepares the student to lead and to contribute to society.