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Academic Departments

Fine Arts Department

The fine arts department is an integral part of a well-rounded curriculum for students of varying
talents and experience. From introductory to advanced, art course offerings include everything
from painting to drawing (including mechanical and architectural) to ceramics, graphic design, print-making and art history. For those who want to pursue art beyond Blair, the art department offers a unique course designed to allow students to develop a comprehensive portfolio. Students submitting portfolios for Advanced Placement credits consistently receive high scores. Excellent studios provide students with the space and equipment to work with a variety of media.

Blair art teachers are also passionate artists. They not only teach the arts, they also live the arts through their own work, much of which is on display in local galleries and in exhibitions in New York and elsewhere. This love for the arts and professional experience carries over to the students. Many students—even those who do not intend to pursue artistic degrees—find that they want to take art classes in college and beyond, developing a talent discovered in Blair art classes. In addition, with the arrival in 1999 of Hollywood veterans Steven and Judith Kampmann, Blair offered a screenwriting course and developed a film production program. Steven and Judith have engaged students in a number of creative and inspiring film projects while also touching the lives of young men and women in the classroom, the dorm and the campus at large.

Art students have many opportunities to exhibit their own work in contests outside the School and in various venues as well as view the work of other artists. Artwork is exhibited regularly throughout the School. Hallways and classrooms are hung with student and alumni work. Dedicated seniors are featured in one-person shows in the Student Center. Their work is also entered in numerous contests, often earning them top prizes. Students visit museums in New York City and Philadelphia. As part of the art history program, students have traveled to Italy, Greece, England and France during spring break. Professional artists exhibit in the Romano Gallery where, once a year, faculty art is also displayed. Students, too, exhibit there as part of Spring Arts Weekend.

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