We view the visual arts as a form of communication, self-reflection, and expression. As our students grow and develop, it is our goal to offer experiences that allow our students to be fully involved in the process of art making through the exploration of a large variety of media and methods. We are also concerned with developing visual literacy as our students learn about art elements and principles, cultural heritage, art history and aesthetic valuing. Essential components in our visual arts curriculum are developing creative thinking and technical skills.
The Visual Arts faculty recognizes and values the creative spirit, an essence at the core of all humanity. Through our courses and classes, students will discover their artistic abilities, develop an on-going knowledge of elements and principles, and experience confidence in self-expression. Heritage, aesthetic criticism, and skills in art-making are inherent throughout the visual art program. Students will develop greater awareness of personal potential, communicate thoughts and feelings through a variety of media, and better perceive and appreciate the world in which they live.
St. Margaret's Visual Arts students participate in the annual Coffee House Cabaret, a combined Visual and Performing Arts event. Student artwork is on display around campus throughout the year and during the interactive Artists as Change-makers event in the spring. There are large-scale Visual Arts shows on campus: the annual K-12 Student Art Show showcasing over 200 pieces of student work , the AP/Senior Art Show, and two grade 8 art shows.
St. Margaret's visual art students regularly participate in the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition, Color It Orange (Orange County) art competition, the Orange County Imagination Celebration and the Junior Art Exhibit at the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts