The Visual Arts department at TSA offers a rich, hands-on experience in multiple forms of visual media. The Introductory, Art Explorations, and Foundations of Art courses let beginning students create expressive work in drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, and other traditional mediums, yet experimentation with unconventional materials is also encouraged. Along with technical skill, personal style, and creativity, the visual art classes also address topics of cultural significance and art history. As students advance through the Visual Arts program, they may choose to continue their training in traditional fine art mediums and/or pursue interests in photography or graphic design.
The Visual Arts Department displays student artwork at many TSA events as well as in TSA’s own Gallerie 333. TSA Visual Art students have received recognition in external venues as well, such as in the 9th District Congressional Art Exhibition, the FOCUS regional juried high school art show, and TRECA’s Ohio Youth Digital Arts Contest. Visual art students often have opportunities to work on commissions in the community, such as producing artwork for Toledo’s Seagate Convention Center, the Toledo Hospital, and BP’s Toledo headquarters.
TSA provides Visual Art majors with a variety of extracurricular art opportunities to supplement the instruction they receive during the school day. These include participating in trips to local and regional museums and galleries, Pageant Puppet club, and experiences working side-by-side with professional visiting artists. Students may also join the TSA Artisans’ Guild (TAG) in which they gain experience creating and selling artistic craft items. Gallery Intern positions are available for students with an interest in curatorial and display skills.