The Visual Arts Department at St. Margaret’s believes the arts are of central importance to the education of the whole student. At the core of the St. Margaret’s art experience is developing one’s personal passions. In a studio art environment, students are given choice and agency while partnering with experienced arts educators.
As students develop the tools to express themselves, they often find that they are also on a journey of self-discovery. No matter what path students take, whether looking to shape and influence their world or to simply have a place to decompress, it is our hope that everyone has a space they can call their own to figure out what matters most to them.
The Visual Arts faculty’s philosophy is to make everyone feel they are meant to be here and do this creative work together. We feel creating spaces that make students feel supported and remind them why wonder, exploration, and creative thought matter, not only nurtures students but also creates more engagement, thoughtful conversations, and perhaps more meaningful artwork. We hope students' creative acts are seen on a daily basis in a way that self-expression becomes part of a balanced and well-lived life.
Student artwork is on display throughout the campus year-round. Visual Arts exhibitions include the Fall Art Show, the annual K-12 Student Art Show showcasing more than 200 pieces of student work, the Scholastic online exhibit, and the Senior AP Art Pop-Up Show.
St. Margaret's visual art students regularly participate in the OC Art of the Year contest, the National K-12 Ceramics Exhibition, the Scholastic Art and Writing contest, and Young Arts. Students also engage with professional artists as part of an artist-in-residence program and go on art trips to gain real-world experience.