Art and Design at TAS: Inspiring Creativity and Expanding Student Pathways

Our families from Middle School and Upper School gathered on campus this week for a morning presentation hosted by the Upper School Art and Design Department, offering an inside look at the program’s evolution, student opportunities, and the role of creativity in education, and in preparing students for the future. Led by Department Chair, Mr. David Morris, the session invited families to engage more deeply with the program’s vision and the learning experiences shaping students’ creative growth. 

As the program continues to grow, the department will transition from “Visual Art” to “Art and Design” beginning in the 2026-27 school year, building on the strong foundation of Visual Art while embracing the broader creative experiences students engage in today, as they move fluidly between artistic practice, design thinking, and new forms of media to express ideas and engage with the world around them. Throughout their coursework, students learn to approach challenges through an iterative creative process. They define questions, explore ideas, build prototypes, and refine their work, learning to see challenges as opportunities for growth and discovery.  

The program is intentionally designed to welcome both beginners and experienced artists. Many students begin with a multidisciplinary Art and Design course, where they experiment with a wide range of materials and approaches. As their interests develop, students can pursue focused pathways in photography, film, architecture, fashion design, or ceramics. Advanced opportunities include AP Studio Art and the two-year IB Visual Arts program, where students create sustained portfolios that reflect their personal voice and creative direction. A newly introduced honors portfolio pathway will further support students who wish to develop college-ready work while earning a weighted GPA distinction.  

Student ambassadors offered powerful reflections on what the program has meant to them. Justin C. ’27 shared his architectural design project exploring wildfire-resilient housing, demonstrating how creativity can be used to respond to real-world challenges. Justin H. ’26 spoke about his experience in film production, where he learned to manage complex projects, collaborate with peers, and bring stories to life. Aiden T. ’28 presented his 3D design work, which explored how space, form, and light can shape emotional experience and human connection. 

Families were then invited to step into the creative process themselves. Through hands-on activities such as observational drawing and color exploration, parents experienced the same spirit of experimentation and discovery that students encounter in the classroom. Tours of the studio spaces and current exhibitions offered further insight into the vibrant creative community that students are part of each day. 

Throughout the morning, one message remained clear. Art and design provide students with more than artistic skills. They offer a way to explore identity, express ideas, and imagine new possibilities. In these spaces, students learn to trust their ideas, take creative risks, and see themselves as creators and problem-solvers. 

As the program continues to evolve, the Upper School Art and Design Department remains committed to creating an environment where every student can explore, grow, and discover their own creative path. For many students, it is not only about what they create, but also about who they are becoming in the process.