Academics

The Arts

Kalea F., Class of 2026

At VVS, I have learned to appreciate that through art, I am able to express what words can’t

The Visual Arts program at Verde Valley School offers a range of opportunities for students across disciplines, materials, and experience levels. We operate out of two large studio spaces in the heart of campus while also taking every opportunity to work outside and take advantage of the scenery afforded to us by our amazing location. 9th and 10th grade students explore photography, ceramics, drawing, painting, music and theatre in their 9th and 10th grade years, thereby discovering a passion which they can pursue in greater depth during their years in the IB. We are committed to this variety of opportunities because we strongly believe that development of the creative potential is a crucial aspect of nurturing a well-rounded individual, and that the ability to understand, appreciate, enjoy and create art is a gift.

Master teacher Jeff Perkins, photography and ceramics

The students really do have freedom of expression. We encourage the freedom to make whatever you want to make. I always tell the kids ‘Making art is the only place where you are totally in charge of your life.’

In the arts we put the philosophies of VVS and the IB into action by engaging students in the act of creation. The courses are designed to ignite passions, and provide the skills needed for success. We strive for excellence in the arts, grounding our studies in an understanding of history, techniques, and practitioners from the discipline. We believe arts literacy is key to leading an exceptional life.

The arts are ubiquitous at VVS and integrated into all we do. Walk into Brady Hall and you’ll probably see a student at the Steinway in the foyer, maybe the dance team will be working out some choreography on the stage or a Rock Band member might be working on perfecting a drum solo in one of the music rooms.

List of 5 items.

Music

With our own recording studio and a dedication to playing live, VVS is a great place to study music. Our Rock Band and Jazz Band practice often and play concerts at the school, in Sedona and compete regionally. Introductory music classes focus on fundamental concepts and the skills needed to be a well-rounded and knowledgeable musician. Concepts covered include instruments, sound, music rudiments, musicianship skills, listening, and music technology. VVS has guitars, keyboards and percussion instruments available for use. IB Music focuses on music theory, Western classical music, Jazz, world music, instruments, sound, music rudiments, score reading, music analysis, musicianship skills and basic music technology.
Theater

At VVS, the theatre program strives to include students at every level of interest and experience. In a less formal setting, we have a recurring Coffee House open mic event that supports both music and spoken-word performances.
2D Studio Arts

Our 2D Studio, which is accessed directly from the VVS Main Office patio and its beautiful pond and fountain, offers space for student creativity in every medium from drawing to painting to everything in between. The large, naturally-lit space with Cathedral Rock and Sacred Warrior facing windows is the perfect space for students to develop their 2D specific skills. The well-equipped space offers ample supply storage as well as student work storage of all kinds. The flexible space allows students enough room to set up easels, work at tables, or set up a laptop at a high counter and plug in. While paper, a printing press, pencils, inks, easels, canvas, and paints are all readily available, the space is also ready for digital creation through a pair of modern Apple desktop computers and a professional large-format photo printer. Courses include Drawing, Acrylic Painting, Watercolor Painting, Printmaking, and a rotation of additional 2D specific courses based on student needs and availability.
3D Studio Arts

Our 3D Studio, the Jeff Perkins Ceramic Studio named in honor of VVS’s longest serving faculty member, offers a full quiver of pottery wheels as well as ample work spaces, sculptural materials, and storage. We also have numerous indoor electric and outdoor propane fired kilns in all sizes to meet students’ ceramics and sculptural needs. Ceramics 1 and 2 offer introductory through advanced level instruction in pottery throwing, making, glazing, and firing. Sculpture 1 and 2 students learn introductory through advanced level handbuilding sculptural techniques, as well as physical manipulation of 3D elements in a variety of materials. The VVS 3D Studio also offers a rotating schedule of additional 3D specific courses based on student needs and availability.
Art Gallery and Faculty Studios

AVERY GALLERY
Verde Valley School boasts one of the finest high school level exhibition spaces available. Found in Brady Hall, the Avery Gallery is a large open space with natural lighting by day and exhibition lighting in the evenings. Throughout the year student work is exhibited in this museum quality space with special shows in the Fall for Parent’s Weekend, Winter, Spring, and End of Year. Graduating Seniors are responsible for a Senior Exhibition in which they plan their space, frame and otherwise prepare their work for display, then do the work of hanging the artwork and attending the End of Year Show that brings in all VVS students as well as the broader Sedona community.

FACULTY STUDIOS
In keeping with the mission of creativity at Verde Valley School, VVS encourages Visual Arts faculty to explore their own artistic interests and maintain a portfolio of recent work. Two private studio offices allow faculty the space to work and maintain their skills, prepare lessons, and contribute to the local Arts Community.