The Visual Arts Department offers instruction in drawing, painting, graphics and computer art, photography, film and video, sculpture, ceramics, and printmaking. Students have the opportunity to experiment with a wide variety of media and techniques and create finished pieces for exhibition in the Windward Gallery. Periodically visits are made to galleries and museums around the city, and occasionally local artists are invited to talk or work with the students. Art students are required to keep sketchbooks. They have regular weekly homework assignments, which relate to and support their course work. Middle School students attend semester-long courses and Upper School courses are year-long.Windward's award-winning yearbook and online newspaper/magazine are also housed in the Visual Arts Department.

In addition to the Visual Arts Program’s curriculum, Windward offers various avenues for students to get involved in the arts outside of class.

Read news stories about Windward students in the arts.

NAHS
The Windward Visual Arts Department is a member of the National Arts Honor Society, a national organization that recognizes student excellence and achievement in art. Students are nominated for membership based on a high standard of achievement and dedication to the visual arts. Arts Honor Society students are responsible for participating regularly in events that promote the visual arts on campus, including fundraisers, art installations and Founder’s Day events.

Visiting Artists Program
The Windward Visual Arts Program invites several renowned working artists on campus throughout the year to present their artwork and work with students on various in-class projects. (This is something we have done intermittently in the past and plan on making a regular event, at least 4 times a year, beginning next year.)

Art Shows and Art Openings
Once a month we regularly display new work in the Windward Art Gallery. In the spring we celebrate the achievements of the AP Studio and AP Photo classes with shows and openings of Windward’s most accomplished art students.

Permanent Displays
Throughout the school we have permanent and rotating exhibits of student artwork on display, including large-scale group paintings by Studio 1 classes based on traditional masterpieces, and abstract modernist paintings by Studio 2/3 students.