The visual arts program at Loomis Chaffee is centered in the
Richmond Art Center, which offers professional studios in drawing,
painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, photography, computer
graphics and television production and broadcasting.
Two important
components of the art education provided are exhibits in the Sue and
Eugene Mercy, Jr. Gallery, which shows work by professional artists,
and an active Visiting Artist Program that brings professional artists
on campus to work in the building and to serve as role models for
students.
Visual Arts Courses
Art
courses are designed for all students, regardless of
previous experience or ability, and are open to students in all classes
unless otherwise indicated. The school’s arts requirement of three
courses for entering freshmen or two courses for all others may be
satisfied by any combination of visual or performing arts courses. No
specific course is required, though some are prerequisites for others.
Students enrolled in any visual arts course are required to attend
art assemblies and gallery openings. Classes may take field trips to
art galleries and museums.
A serious art or architecture student
should take the drawing sequence before the senior year. Help in
planning can be obtained from the department head early in the
student’s career.
History of Art courses survey architecture, sculpture and painting
from cave art through the modern age. The material is covered
sequentially over three terms. All terms focus on major artists and
stylistic developments central to the understanding of a particular
period. Students develop analytical skills as well as critical and
historical perspectives.
