Theater & Arts Department
At Garden School, the Performing and Visual Arts Department is where imagination, expression, and excellence meet. From Nursery through High School, students are encouraged to think critically, express themselves boldly, and collaborate with purpose. Our classes span music, theater, visual arts, photography, and more—each designed to ignite passion and unlock potential. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, our performances and exhibitions reflect the richness of our students’ voices and identities.
“Our goal is to inspire every student to explore their creativity while striving for excellence. The arts at Garden are not just about performance—they’re about self-discovery, courage, and connection.” ― Guilherme Andreas, Performing and Visual Arts Department Chair
Meet Our Arts Faculty
Garden’s Arts Department is led by Guilherme Andreas, supported by an outstanding team of educators and creative professionals:
- Eddie Orlowski & Grace Marinez – Visual Arts
- Alison Sicinski – Lower Division Music
- Rodney James – Photography
- Paul James – Set Design
Visual Arts
Lower Division
In our Lower Division Visual Arts program, students from grades K-4 explore a variety of artistic techniques and mediums. This program emphasizes creativity, self-expression, and the fundamental skills necessary for artistic development. Through engaging projects and hands-on activities, young artists discover their own voices and learn to appreciate the beauty in various forms of art.
Key Highlights:
- Introduction to Artistic Mediums: Students experiment with drawing, painting, sculpting, and mixed media to understand different techniques and materials.
- Artistic Expression: Emphasis on personal creativity and self-expression through guided projects that encourage imagination and originality.
- Cultural Appreciation: Exploration of art from different cultures and historical periods to broaden students’ understanding of global artistic traditions.
- Art Exhibitions: Opportunities for students to showcase their work in school-wide art shows and exhibitions.
Upper Division
The Upper Division Visual Arts program for grades 5-12 provides students with advanced artistic training and opportunities to refine their skills in various art forms. With a focus on both traditional and contemporary techniques, students develop a deeper understanding of artistic concepts and gain the skills needed to pursue art at a higher level, whether for personal enrichment or future academic and career aspirations.
Key Highlights:
- Advanced Techniques: Instruction in advanced drawing, painting, digital art, and sculpture, allowing students to master more complex skills and techniques.
- Portfolio Development: Guidance on creating a professional portfolio, including both personal and academic projects, to prepare for college applications or art careers.
- Artistic Exploration: Encouragement to explore and develop individual artistic styles and interests through independent and guided projects.
- Exhibition Opportunities: Participation in local and regional art exhibitions, including collaborative projects with other schools and community art events.
Music
Lower Division: Music Exploration
Our Lower Division Music program for grades K-4 introduces young students to the fundamentals of music through interactive and engaging experiences. Children explore rhythm, melody, and harmony using a variety of instruments and vocal activities. This program aims to foster a love for music and build foundational skills in a fun and supportive environment.
7th & 8th Grade Music Elective
Students will learn about music and other aspects of the culture of many non-Western societies in this semester-long course. They will also gain insight into how these cultures influenced American and British popular styles. Students will have the opportunity to actively experience the music by playing guitars, bucket drums, and other instruments in Garden’s new music lab.
7th & 8th Grade Advanced Topics: Audio/Visual Projects
In this creativity-centered course, students will learn some photography basics before embarking on multiple projects combining their own still images, video, and sound.
9th – 12th Grade Music Elective
Students have the opportunity to engage their creative impulses in this semester-long course on electronic music composition. They will create music using recordings of sounds of nature and common objects, electronic instruments, and audio editors while simultaneously being introduced to what others have done in producing music through electronic means.