WWHS Visual Arts 

Whitman Visual Arts

Art is the inner voice that shapes how we think, feel, and see the world. In Whitman Visual Arts, we strengthen that voice through curiosity, exploration, and creative risk-taking as young visionaries are guided by practicing art instructors who apply their deep art historical and aesthetic knowledge to make meaningful connections with their students and the broader art community.

Making & Meaning

In our art community, our young artists learn alongside one another through collaboration, shared ideas, and creative exchange. Students draw and paint from imagination to reality in Studio Art, shape form and structure in Ceramics, capture light and composition in Photography, and design with technology in Digital Art. They also explore identity and real-world issues in Art & Social Justice, analyze visual expressions in AP Art History, and engage in inclusive creative experiences in Adaptive Art.

Our studios prioritize exploration over perfection. Mistakes are part of the process and often the beginning of new ideas. Students are encouraged to see differently, solve visually, and develop their ideas through experimentation and revision. Inspiration is drawn from both art history and contemporary artists, supporting connections between personal expression and broader visual traditions.

Community & Practice

We believe art is both personal and shared. Within a studio culture built on care, respect, and connection, students develop confidence and independence as they pursue their own artistic direction. Teachers guide, model, and support a range of approaches to making while honoring each student’s individual voice. Every student’s progress—big and small—is valued as part of their artistic journey.

Pathways & Opportunity

Across all courses, learning develops through narrative, perception, inquiry, and voice, opening pathways into advanced coursework. Students build AP-aligned portfolios and may pursue the Maryland State Department of Education Comprehensive Arts Pathways.

We support students in preparing for college admissions, scholarships, and future study by helping them develop strong portfolios and meaningful creative experiences through coursework and studio-based opportunities. These experiences reflect sustained artistic engagement and prepare students for both art schools and traditional universities while building skills relevant to contemporary creative fields.

Student work is often shared beyond the classroom through exhibitions, portfolios, and recognition opportunities such as the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, Congressional Awards, the YAFH Matt Papirmeister Award, AP credit pathways, and other competitions that support artistic growth and direction.

Whitman Visual Arts is Here for You

We know you will find your ideal art class here at Whitman, surrounded by camaraderie—whether you are exploring art for enjoyment or developing your work through the media that best supports your voice.

For questions about placement or course selection, families may contact their school counselor or reach out to the Art Department Resource Teacher, Kara Stanton, for support and guidance.

Quick links to Pages to see what is going on in the Visual Arts Department:

• Course Overview

• Our Art Instructors

• Viking Gallery

• Festival of the Arts (soon to come)