Creative Arts at ULS | Inspiring Imagination & Innovation

Empowering Artists. Inspiring Excellence.

Fostering Exceptional Artistry
The Creative Arts at University Liggett School are not just about mastering techniques - they're about learning how to think, explore, and express oneself through the powerful language of art. With students at the center of the creative process, our program provides an immersive journey through an array of mediums that challenges, nurtures, and inspires them to reach their artistic potential.

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From Exploration to Mastery

Each division has its own creative arts faculty, imparting age-appropriate education in visual and creative arts. Beginning with hands-on exploration in Early Childhood and advancing through portfolio development in Upper School, students engage in a rich experience that blends passion with discipline and curiosity with critical thinking. Whether drawing, painting, sculpting, or designing, our students pursue their craft with a deep understanding of how the visual arts influence our experience of the world.

At University Liggett School, we don't just curate art - we curate character, creativity, and curiosity.

Early Childhood

Our youngest students start with exploration, engaging in a process-oriented, open-ended approach that includes drawing, painting, ceramics, and sculpture. Our child-centered philosophy encourages young learners to follow their curiosity, while the Early Childhood Atelier offers natural and man-made materials to inspire artistic expression. Here, the Reggio Emilia approach comes to life as children interact with media both individually and collaboratively, fostering language development and creative confidence.

Explore Our Early Childhood Program

Lower School

Rooted in our student-centric Liggett Approach, Lower School art strengthens essential skills while evolving content based on student interest. Students explore various works, genres, artists, materials, and techniques, personalizing their practice. They develop, express, and celebrate their creative voice while respecting and caring for materials. Our interdisciplinary approach connects art with other subjects, fostering creative thinking, problem-solving, and a deep appreciation for the arts, preparing students for artistic growth in Middle School.

More About Lower School

Middle School

The Middle School program allows students to immerse themselves more fully in the creative process through offerings that develop creative thinking skills, identify passions, and foster artistic independence. With elective offerings like Craft Aesthetics and The Printed Image, they explore new materials and ideas, refine their skills, and begin to cultivate their own artistic identity. By seventh and eighth grade, those ready for a deeper dive can pursue intensive year-long studio art courses, where they deepen their creative understanding, develop their strengths, and discover their unique voice in the world of visual arts.

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Upper School

Set in our state-of-the-art studios, the Upper School Creative Arts program emphasizes a disciplined yet flexible approach and provides an array of advanced opportunities for students to take their craft to the next level. With courses ranging from digital and darkroom photography to ceramics, studio art, and design in crafts media, students are challenged to push the boundaries of their artistry, think critically, and solve problems creatively. Integrated computer graphics and technology are infused into the program, keeping students on the cutting edge.

More about Upper School

At ULS, we believe the artistic journey — whether for a kindergartener or a professional — is one of imagination, courage, exploration, and personal expression. From an early age, students learn to both create and appreciate art, developing the confidence to express themselves and the curiosity to see the world through an artist’s eyes.”
— JENNIE OSMAN, LOWER SCHOOL VISUAL ARTS TEACHER

Excellence in the Arts
ULS artists consistently achieve recognition at local, state, and national levels.

Community in the Arts
ULS offers an Artist-in-Residence program where visiting professional artists illuminate the creative process both to our student artists and the broader community.

Students-Take the Lead
Upper level students may elect to take Advanced Art Studio, a yearlong student-directed portfolio development course that includes the production of a major exhibition curated by the artists themselves.