Students accepted into the visual art program will participate in visual art classes every day, all year.  Seventh and eighth grade students may have two art classes each day if they do not have a second interest area. Students will begin with fundamentals and quickly progress to more challenging and creative projects that demonstrate enhanced skill. Students will have the opportunity to learn from two art instructors during their time at Miller South. Students receive instruction at an accelerated level and are creating well beyond their peers. 

Fourth, fifth and sixth grade art students receive instruction in a wide variety of areas including drawing in all mediums, watercolor and acrylic painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media. Seventh and eighth graders take a selection of semester courses in Art History, 2D, 3D, Printmaking, Fashion, Painting, Drawing & Design, and Mixed Media. These semester long courses allow for deeper learning as students master a variety of media techniques in sequence.

An art education at Miller South provides skills that will be carried with students through high school, college, and future careers.  Challenging experiences with artistic processes such as creativity, teamwork and perseverance, communication and collaboration, provide students with a strong skill set for the future.  Whether or not students choose to follow art as their future career, the ability to creatively problem solve is a skill that is valued in every field.

Students in sixth through eighth grade are eligible to apply for NJAHS; a national organization for art students. NJAHS students demonstrate leadership and philanthropy through the visual arts and work both within the school and the greater Akron community to foster an appreciation of art. Students who show responsibility, strong character, a love of art, and a passion for Miller South are excellent candidates for NJAHS. Students meet after school and occasionally during recess to work on projects. 

There are countless opportunities to participate in a large section of art shows and current events, such as: The Mayor’s Holiday Show; The Susan Yingling Gallery Shows at Miller South; Art in the Middle; Morning Performances, Art in Business; May Festival, Regional and National Scholastic Art Awards; Miller South Spring Art Show. Miller South visual art students have received regional and national awards in the Scholastic Art Awards and the National Junior Art Honors Society Juried Art Exhibition. Students have won a variety of awards in the City of Akron and Cleveland Holocaust Art contests. These competitive shows and awards provide valuable opportunities for our students’ to exhibit their work. 

Visual art students have a strong history of collaborating with community members in the Greater-Akron area. For many years the Summit County Juvenile Detention Center has purchased Miller South visual art students’ artwork which is displayed throughout the building. Students have created art for the Ronald McDonald House, Goodyear Tire and Rubber, Akron Children’s Hospital and Blossom Music Center. Students have displayed art at The Jenks Co. and Boiler Room Gallery, and collaborated with local artist Lizzi Aronhalt to paint an 88ft mural in our school’s back entrance hallway. 8th grade students have started a “Wall of Stars”; portraits of alumni using the arts in their daily lives that will hang in the auditorium.