Visual Arts electives are for those students who wish to pursue a career and/or future studies in the visual arts, as well as for those who don’t feel drawn to the field but want to learn some basic skills and knowledge about art. The Visual Arts department at Notre Dame has expanded over the last few years to include an intermediate Art II class, as well as an AP (Advanced Placement) course.  The courses that are currently being offered are Art I, Art II, AP Art and Photography.  

Beginning Art I classes offer a variety of hands-on and academic experiences in the media of drawing, printmaking, sculpture, painting, etc. and are open to any interested high school student.

Art II is for those students who wish to explore more complex visual problems and further develop one’s own expressive vision.

The Advanced Placement Studio Art: 2-D Drawing & Design course provides direction for highly motivated art students to develop an extensive portfolio of high-quality original works which will be submitted for the AP portfolio review and could potentially earn them college credit and/or college scholarships.

The Photography course is open to students who have taken art I and who are interested in learning traditional black & white photography and basic darkroom techniques, which can expand their skills into digital media, as well.

Classes are held in the new Varallo Building which houses a brand new photography lab, kiln room, and a spacious and well-lit art classroom. The work of many talented and hard-working students can be seen on display in various places throughout the school, at any given time throughout the year. Students can also opt to participate in local and national art contests and shows. Students are encouraged to see and explore art in galleries and museums outside of school, as well as through organized school field trips.