Visual Arts | The Wellington School Visual Arts Expression takes many forms At Wellington, visual arts are a pathway to creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression. Throughout their time at Wellington, students learn to see the world differently, experiment boldly, and communicate through a variety of media. Exhibitions Sharing art is a vital part of the creative process. Students’ work is regularly displayed across campus and featured in exhibitions that celebrate growth, imagination, and achievement. Whether it is an early childhood photo exhibit or a curated upper school Advanced Studio show, exhibitions give students the joy of seeing their ideas come to life in a public space. Visual Arts in our Curriculum Art in the early years emphasizes joyful exploration. Students experiment with color, shape, and texture as they learn the building blocks of visual expression. Projects are designed to match developmental stages, giving children the freedom to create while introducing them to art history, cultural traditions, and design concepts. Each step builds confidence, creativity, and fine motor skills. In middle school, students build on foundational skills while exploring new media and approaches. Drawing, painting, ceramics, and digital tools invite them to take creative risks and discover their artistic voice. Projects integrate art history and visual culture, encouraging students to see connections between art, society, and technology. The result is a growing sense of confidence and the ability to think critically about both process and product. Upper school artists dive into a rich studio experience, with courses in painting, drawing, ceramics, photography, digital art, and advanced portfolio preparation. Students hone their technical skills while learning to critique, analyze, and reflect on their own work and the work of others. Advanced students develop AP portfolios and exhibit their work in professional-style showcases, gaining the discipline, creativity, and voice of practicing artists. Meet the Wellington Visual Arts Department Jaime Bennati Upper School Art Teacher bennati@wellington.org Shannon Smith Upper School Art Teacher and Yearbook Advisor smith4@wellington.org Jayne Young Middle School Art Teacher young@wellington.org Sue Kay Middle School Visual Arts Teacher kay@wellington.org Alex Loy Lower School Art Teacher loy@wellington.org Alumni in the Arts Tanya Pirasteh ’01 A Columbus-based visual artist and educator, Tanya explores identity through line, shape, and texture. Whether teaching drawing or creating her own pieces, she brings thoughtfulness and intention to every part of the process. Read her story Alex Brown ’04 A Brooklyn-based artist, Alex moves fluidly between fine art and fashion. His distinctive illustrations, including his “men in suits” series, appear on gallery walls and custom apparel sold around the world. Read his story Zane Miller ’05 An installation artist and fabricator, Zane blends sculpture, light, and reflection to explore perception and process. He approaches each project with curiosity and experimentation, treating the studio like a lab for wonder. Read his story Explore more alumni stories in the arts Explore