Visual Arts
Developing The Artist's Eye
The Blue Ridge School’s visual arts curriculum encompasses all four disciplines of the art world—aesthetics, art production, art history, and art criticism.
The Blue Ridge School’s visual arts curriculum encompasses all four disciplines of the art world—aesthetics, art production, art history, and art criticism. This gives boys a holistic perspective of the arts, whether they intend to pursue an artistic career or become a patron of the arts as an adult. If they do intend to pursue a career, our Arts faculty will work with them to develop a professional portfolio they can add to and use to get into art schools or obtain professional work. In addition to our classes, there is an annual student art show each spring and student art is displayed throughout the year.
The Blue Ridge School Visual Arts Program
Visual and performing arts are central to a modern education at Blue Ridge School.
Every student completes formal artistic study—through classes or after-school programs—and engages deeply as a creator and critic. Year-round performances, museum visits, and arts events provide broad exposure, fostering well-rounded graduates with creative skills, college readiness, and lifelong passions.
Studio Art is an introductory course that examines the disciplines of art making, art history, art criticism and art appreciation. No prior knowledge, experience or skill in art is necessary to take this course. Over the course of the year, students are challenged with learning both the fundamentals of the art making process and the more essential process of creative problem solving. They will also be tasked with examining and critiquing the work of other artists and their peers. The students will explore various art forms and have a chance to explore various materials and modes of expression. While progression in skill is expected, the focus of this course is exploration and learning. This course is required for progression into advanced art without similar training.
Ornithology is a hybrid class pairing the outdoor and visual arts departments that explores the process of careful observation. Both within the art studio, and outside exploring our unique campus and its habitats, the boys use the skills they learn to become both better artists and keen observers of the natural world. Over the course of the semester the students will spend a great deal of time observing the changing season and behavior of birds as they migrate through our campus. They will create writing regarding their observations and research regarding birds at large, paying special attention to the native bird populations. Additional projects include placing bird boxes, contributing to larger research projects through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, field trips to rivers and preserves, and a culminating project where they will create an illustrated field journal inspired by the work of local artist Suzanne Crane.
The Ceramics course is primarily an introduction to the craft and process of creating traditional ceramic work. The first trimester a student takes ceramics, he will gain all essential techniques for both hand building and an introduction to wheel throwing. During this time, the student will be tasked with producing several pieces from start to finish using standard techniques. If the student proves adept and completes the course he will be allowed to join an advanced section where more opportunities to explore modes of personal expression and more advanced techniques will be explored. This class can be repeated indefinitely according to instructor recommendation.
The computer arts elective is designed to both introduce students to the vast arena of computer based artwork and allow for in depth exploration into the uses and styles possible with the media. More than just a skills based class, the computer art class is designed to show students that while computers are a useful tool for creating work, they are only as useful as the creativity and ingenuity of the person utilizing their capabilities. As a single semester elective, several introduction sections are available to students so that they may learn the basics of the Photoshop and Illustrator software as well as the use of other technologies, like our laser cutter and 3d printer, to create works of art. With those skills, students can then move on to more advanced sections where modes of expression can be further explored and they can use the media to its full potential. Methods of learning may include but are not limited to online tutorials that allow for careful step by step instruction and review, the student working at his own pace, to allow for maximum absorption of skills.
Blue Ridge School has checked every box a parent could desire. BRS has a diversity in both the teaching staff and in the student body. It has a remarkably low student to teacher ratio, which is realized in most classes and translates into outstanding academic experiences. It has the philosophy and resources to effectively engage and direct boys.”
BRS Parent
Blue Ridge School has completely changed my life. It is by far one of the best schools in Virginia and nationwide. Our culture and diversity is unmatched to that of any other boarding school in the country. It is truly a home to me and all of my classmates, we are truly one big family. That is why we here at Blue Ridge school call ourselves Baron Brothers.”
BRS Sophomore
Both of my sons attended the Blue Ridge School. We sent them two boys and they sent us back men. They graduated from great universities, are married and have settled into great careers. We have many fond memories and cannot recommend the school highly enough.”
BRS Parent
I attended Blue Ridge in 1985, 1986 and graduated in 1987. I was a summer school counselor in 1988. It’s like home to me and the best thing that happened to me at that time. It made me who I am today and I made life long friends. The school is exceptional and anyone who is able to attend is truly blessed.”
BRS Alumni
My time at Blue Ridge School has been unforgettable. The outdoor adventures, from hiking scenic trails to bonding with my Baron brothers, have shaped my experience. Exploring the mountains, running the trails, and enjoying the fresh air has given me a deep appreciation for nature.”
BRS Junior
The sense of brotherhood here is incredible, whether through late-night talks, shared challenges, or intense games of football and golf. The thrill of competition, the hard work at practice, and the celebrations after victories have all been unforgettable. Sports taught me teamwork, resilience, and discipline, helping me grow both on and off the field.”
BRS Senior
Blue Ridge is more than a school—it’s a second home, a place where friendships, lessons, and memories will last a lifetime.”
BRS Junior
