Art & Design
At MBS, Art & Design is a place to explore ideas, develop your craft, and turn creative thinking into meaningful work. Through a range of courses and programs, students engage with traditional and digital media, experiment with new approaches, and learn to move from concept to creation. Along the way, they build technical skills, solve problems, collaborate, and develop a creative voice that is uniquely their own.
Middle School Art & Design Course Listings
ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN
Introduces students to the fundamentals of architectural drawing, design and model making. Students will use the laser cutter to create a personal sketchbook for creating a library of observations, and learn the fundamentals of mechanical drawing including isometric, axonometric and perspective drawing. Students will also study several notable architectural projects from around the world with an emphasis on sustainability. The class will culminate in a hands-on design project incorporating elements of model making and woodworking.
CERAMICS
Introduces students to the fundamentals of working with clay through a variety of hand-building techniques, including pinch, coil, and slab construction. Students will learn how to shape, join, and refine their forms as they create both functional and expressive ceramic pieces. Along the way, they'll explore surface design, texture, and glazing techniques while developing an understanding of the full ceramic process —from raw clay to kiln-fired work. This course encourages creativity, patience, and craftsmanship in a supportive, hands-on studio environment.
DIGITAL ART
Introduces students to a large realm of digital art mediums such as photography, animation, comic writing, and logo design using the iPads and a variety of creative apps. In addition to lessons around digital illustration, visual storytelling, and design principles, students will engage in projects such as sticker and logo design, digital comics, photography challenges, and animation sequences. This course balances technical skill development and imaginative exploration, helping students gain confidence in using digital tools to create, communicate, and share their ideas.
DIGITAL CONTENT CREATION LAB
Explores the fundamentals of video content creation to equip students with the skills necessary to develop and create video projects. Students will plan, film, and edit original projects—ranging from short films to social media segments—while gaining experience with cameras, lighting, sound, and post-production tools.
The course emphasizes creative storytelling, media literacy, and the ability to critically analyze and produce content in today's digital landscape. Assessment will consist of presentations and critiquing media-based work, as well as the use of digital technologies.
DRAWING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BRAIN
Designed for students to learn about and begin to master the skill of observational drawing. The course is designed for the student who wants to be able to draw objects and make them look "real." Using various dry media (graphite, charcoal, pastels), students will master looking at three-dimensional subjects placed in front of them and replicating them on a page.
MIXED MEDIA SCULPTURE
Explores the world of mixed media art, focusing on sculptural projects and unique hands-on techniques. Throughout the semester, students will engage with materials like wire, paper, and natural fibers to create unique, three-dimensional works of art. Students will dive into the process of making their own paper from recycled materials, experiment with the arts of basket weaving and book making, and challenge their imaginations through sculptural designs using wire and other found objects.
Upper School Art & Design Course Listings
Explore our robust selection of Upper School Art & Design courses and discover where your creativity can take you.
Click here to view the full course listing.
Intermediate
Advanced