Visual Arts

The Wheeler School was founded in 1889 by Mary C. Wheeler, an American Impressionist painter. The gallery has always been an important teaching resource for the school and a community extension of our strong art program.

School founder Mary Colman Wheeler was an artist, trained in the ateliers of 19th-century France. She received international recognition as a pioneer in art education. She is among the first American educators to fully integrate Art into primary and secondary curricula. She was also a mathematics teacher and spoke numerous languages. Today, her vision is realized at The Wheeler School in our classrooms and studios, where creativity is encouraged for all students in all subjects.

Our Art Educators and Studios

The Visual Arts Department at Wheeler is a group of experienced art educators and working artists who teach a comprehensive, developmental, and rigorous curriculum. Dedicated art studios designed for a variety of media are located in all divisions and both campuses for every student to access and be seen and celebrated for their diversity of identity, thought, and creative voice from The Nest through twelfth grade.

Our Approach to Teaching and Learning in The Visual Arts

Provides a foundation in The Elements and Principles of Design
Develops an expansive vocabulary of art and skills in a variety of media, as well as art historical and contemporary references for understanding and inspiration
Focuses on traditional to contemporary subject matter such as portraiture, the figure, landscape, still life, and conceptual art, with an emphasis on process

ALL SCHOOL ART SHOW – MAY 2025