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Department

Visual Arts

This is a sampling of the visual arts courses offered. These and other courses may be offered depending upon the availability and individual talents of the faculty. Please visit www.eaglebrook.org/VisualArts for more information about the department.

3D Creations

3D Creations is a course that asks students to use their imaginations to combine existing elements of different media into a new creation. In this class students will explore visual solutions that will give new life to objects by making assemblages – 3 dimensional creations using paint, wire, paper, cloth, and lots of found objects. Students will hone their observation skills by examining current art work and they will learn the language of 3D art.
Analogue Photo

Learn to use vintage film cameras and light meters to understand the fundamentals of photography. Students develop their own film using darkroom chemicals mixing art and science. We then scan the negatives into the computer and manipulate them digitally for a unique photographic experience. Classic motifs will be covered and students finish with a digital and print portfolio.
Ceramics

As an introduction to ceramics, students explore the basic techniques of pot formation, glazing, and studio safety and cleanliness. A brief history of the impact of ceramics on civilization and the different types of kilns used for firing finished work are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the repetition of techniques as an avenue to gaining mastery of skills as well as a personal style. Students are expected to complete six assignments: a pinch pot, a coil pot, an attached slab pot, a draped slab pot, a wheel-thrown cylinder, and a wheel-thrown bowl.
Collage

This art elective introduces students to the craft of collage making. Students control the elements of line, color and form while designing a compositionally sound image from parts of other images and forms. A variety of collages by well-known and lesser known artists are studied and assignments include both two and three dimensional projects. The primary goal of this class is to develop an understanding of collage through visual problem solving, with a secondary goal being pure enjoyment and appreciation of the medium.
Digital Art

This class introduces students to the arts within the computer lab: creating, designing, and editing art, images, and video. Students are required to learn the basic tools of Photoshop, a professional graphics-editing program. In the course of a trimester students work on a variety of projects and learn how to investigate and decipher computer-generated images from non-computer generated images. Student projects include creative compositions derived from all genres of art as well as photographic collages created by imposing and altering images. Specific lessons include creating unique family photos, portraits, morphing animals together, animations, and creating album covers for bands.
Digital Photography

Digital photography plays an important role in today’s world. We take pictures so we can preserve memories, document events and create artistic works. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of photography including technical aspects and photo composition. Frame dynamics, contrast, texture, pattern and depth, as well as photographic components such as line and color are emphasized. Additionally students experiment with the Photoshop program and become proficient at editing and enhancing their images. Through a variety of assigned projects that encourage thoughtful creativity, students learn to critique and discuss their works while concurrently developing an ability to see the world through the lens of a camera.
Drawing in the Natural World

This class introduces students to the arts within the computer lab: creating, designing, and editing art, images, and video. Students are required to learn the basic tools of Photoshop, a professional graphics-editing program. In the course of a trimester students work on a variety of projects and learn how to investigate and decipher computer-generated images from non-computer generated images. Student projects include creative compositions derived from all genres of art as well as photographic collages created by imposing and altering images. Specific lessons include creating unique family photos, portraits, morphing animals together, animations, and creating album covers for bands.
Foundational Art

Foundational Art is a trimester Fourth Form course which introduces students to the elements of art that span all of the art electives offered at Eaglebrook. This course capitalizes on students’ imagination, creativity, and observational skills. Students will be immersed in both 2D and 3D engaging projects that use a wide variety of techniques and tools. They will develop an understanding of the shared vocabulary of artists, the ability to discuss and create in many mediums, and a solid foundation on which to build their creative future here at Eaglebrook and beyond.
Outdoor Art

In this 2D art class, students go outside to experience and create artwork inspired by nature. Students explore a variety of mediums including: sculpting with natural materials (e.g. snow, mud, leaves), printmaking, drawing, painting with watercolors and acrylics, and special topic projects. The goal is to teach students to focus upon a specific subject area and to train them to recreate elements in nature through observations rather than from how they imagine an object in their mind.
Printmaking

This course is designed as an introduction to the printmaking process. Students will learn a variety of printmaking techniques, including woodcut, linoleum cuts, dry-point etching and monoprinting. Gaining a familiarity with the studio as well as learning to work from observation are key components of this course. Basic concepts of value, color, scale and composition are focal points, and students should expect to come away with a working knowledge of the tools and materials.
Stained Glass

The Stained Glass program offers students an introduction to the basic techniques of pattern making, glass cutting and shaping, copper foiling, and soldering. Emphasis is put on developing an original design that might reflect the individual’s interest. Subjects range from simple patterns to complex figures, animals, and landscapes. Advanced students may create year-long projects for their homes or for special gifts.
Stone Carving

In this trimester-long class, students learn how to transform a two-dimensional idea into a three-dimensional work of art. The proper use of the tools used in the reduction and polishing processes is stressed and emphasis is placed on the repetition of basic skills. The students generally finish one or two pieces and in the process, they are not only practicing an ancient art form but are additionally developing skills in design and the art of patience.
Third Form Woodworking

As is tradition at Eaglebrook School, all Third Formers are assigned to the Woodworking elective. The goal of the course is to introduce sixth graders to the fundamentals of woodworking and assist them in the development of basic skills. Emphasis is placed on the responsible and safe use of both hand and power tools and on proper woodshop conduct. A cooperative atmosphere is maintained and overall good citizenship is stressed. Projects are designed sequentially to allow students to build upon their skill set and gain increased confidence in the areas of applied art.
Two-Dimensional Art

The two-dimensional art class is taught by a variety of faculty who each bring their own unique experience and vision to the classroom. These classes range from a basic introduction to 2D art; painting, drawing and design techniques, and progress to more advanced coursework involving oil paint and large-scale independent projects. Students experiment with a range of media, art-making practices and aesthetic and cultural styles. The classes include learning practical skills such as how to handle and mix paint along with more challenging subjects such as developing thematic and emotional content. The goal is to impart to students the fundamental concepts of observation, color choice, composition and scale, while they create work they are proud to exhibit.
Video Editing / Video Yearbook

From basic cuts and transitions to advanced editing techniques and sound design, students will master the tools needed to transform raw footage into polished, professional-quality videos. The highlight of the course is the opportunity to work collaboratively on the school's video yearbook project. Students will apply their newfound skills to edit and assemble footage from various school events, capturing the highlights of the year and preserving memories for generations to come.
Woodworking

The woodworking class is designed as an introductory course and emphasizes the acquisition of basic woodworking skills. Students are typically from mixed grade levels but share the same responsibilities in class. Each student completes an introductory project that is designed to familiarize him with a majority of the hand and power tools he will employ during the term. Woodworking terminology, shop safety, proper and safe tool use, methods of joinery, project design, woodworking plan interpretation, and wood properties are all introduced as part of the course curriculum. Each student is expected to complete the assigned first piece and then choose and complete successive projects that align with his individual interests. Advanced students are welcome to join the classes as independent study participants.

Emily Fay

Visual Arts Department Chair

St. Thomas Aquinas - B.A.
University of Kansas - B.A.

efay@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Since joining the Art Department in 2004, Emily has taught Stone Carving, Foundational Art, and all manner of Two-Dimensional Art, as well as three-dimensional sculpting classes. She is currently Chair of the Art Department and runs the Sixth Form Art Committee. Throughout the school year, she helps students of all ages build portfolios and partake in various on- and off-campus contests and gallery shows, including the Scholastic Art Contest and ArtSpace Teen Show. She lives on campus in Swift House with her husband Jim and their three children (Crosby '24, Maddie '27, and Kinley). She cherishes weekends and summer stays at their Cape Cod home when away from school.
Solomon Lakey

Woodworking teacher; dormitory advisor; coach

University of Vermont - B.S.
Colorado State University - M.Ed

slakey@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Sol presently serves as Science Department Chair and teaches Sixth Form Biology and Honors Biology. In his 14th year here at Eaglebrook, his schedule remains quite full with teaching, and coaching mountain biking and the Varsity Basketball team. He also shares his interests in fly-fishing and bow shooting with students, through his role in the Outdoor Program.

Sol lived in Mayer House, where he served as Dorm Head. He currently lives in an on-campus house with his wife Christa and his children, Peter '23 and Beatrice and is an advisor in Kravis House. When away from school, Sol and his family spend summers at their lake home in Vermont, where he enjoys outdoor activities and water sports with his family and friends. He also keeps himself very busy helping others out with their carpentry projects.
Tomas Manto

Teacher; Dormitory Advisor; Coach

Rhode Island School of Design - B.F.A

tomas.manto@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Tom Manto began his career at Eaglebrook in the Fall of 2023. He is a painter and illustrator. Tom graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in 2022. He is originally from Charlottesville, Virginia. When he isn't working, he can usually be found playing guitar, reading, or hiking in the woods. He teaches Foundational Art and Stained Glass, and advises in Mayer.
Jaye Pope

Teacher

University of Massachusetts, Amherst - B.A.

jpope@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Jaye has been teaching Ceramics at Eaglebrook since 2010. As an artist, she has her own studio Good Dirt Pottery in Brattleboro VT, where she and her wife Kathleen live. She is a long time supporter of the Empty Bowls Project which benefits people with food insecurity, and has engaged her ceramics students in creating collaborative pottery donations for the Project. She co-owns the Sawmill River Arts Gallery located in the historic Montague Mill. When not working in clay, Jaye can be found hiking with her dog Mina, volunteering for the Vermont Food Bank, traveling with her family, or riding her Moto Guzzi motorcycle.
Aric Russom

Teacher; School Photographer

University of Massachusetts - MFA
Vassar College - BA

arussom@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Aric has been teaching all levels of two-dimensional art, and black and white film photography at Eaglebrook since 2007. He is also the Eaglebrook School Photographer and as such works closely with the Communications department. As a representative of the Art department, Aric hosts a photo contest each trimester and students and faculty alike look forward to the newly hung pictures each term. He also heads up a table in the dining hall and coaches soccer in the fall. He and his girlfriend Elizabeth reside in the ‘up and coming’ town of Easthampton, MA. When not on campus Aric can be found either in his painting studio or wrenching on/riding his vintage motorcycle which he rebuilt from the ground up.
Margaret Sikoski

Teacher; Coach; Dormitory Advisor

Greenfield Community College - A.A.

margaret.sikoski@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Since joining Eaglebrook in summer 2023, Margaret Sikoski has taught Digital Photography and Stone Carving, encouraging students to explore their creativity through these art forms. She leads the all-school photo contest, inspiring students to express themselves through the lens. Outside class, Margaret coaches Thirds Soccer in the fall and Ultimate Frisbee in the spring. She lives in a peaceful cabin in Guilford, VT, where she draws inspiration from nature and enjoys hiking, swimming in nearby rivers, travel, spending time with family and friends—and, of course, photographing all of it.