With vibrant art shows, diverse classes, creative students, professional artist-teachers, and a working gallery on campus, HPA offers a feast for the eyes. In our classrooms and studios, you will learn to see more acutely and express yourself more freely through a range of media. When not in the studio, aspiring artists draw inspiration from HPA’s beautiful campus and across this spectacular island we call home.
Our curriculum introduces young children to the language of visual expression. The elements of art (line, shape, form, etc.) and the principles of design (balance, movement, rhythm, etc.) become tools for making art in a variety of styles. Students also examine art from different periods and cultures, and begin to think about art as a powerful vehicle for documentation, change, and self-expression.
As students gain visual literacy, they explore more media and begin to produce artwork at a new, often extraordinary, level. In addition to drawing, painting, and ceramics, middle-schoolers have access to specialized topics such as mixed media, acrylic, ceramics, sculpture or fiber arts for a semester.
Everyone takes art classes here, beginning with Foundations in the Arts, a semester-long course that introduces all ninth-grade students to one of three artistic disciplines at HPA: Visual Arts, Music, or Theater. Students explore foundational skills, materials, spaces, and creative processes within their selected discipline while building confidence and curiosity.
From this common starting point, they can continue with intermediate painting, drawing, print-making, or explore interdisciplinary work with mixed media and digital media. All of these experiences equip students to produce rich and compelling personal portfolios; execute 12th grade capstone projects; and find success in art school or university art departments, should they wish to pursue that objective.
