Visual Arts

LRTA's Visual Art Magnet Program is a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for high school visual art magnet programs.


The Magnet Visual Arts Program at LRTA is honored to instruct the language of Art through a comprehensive 3-year Middle School Program. With access to resources varying from studio graphite pencils, full range paint mediums, clay, sculpture media, and licensed Abode software; the growth experienced is sure to engage all seeking their voice as they develop a high school-eligible portfolio.  

In 6th grade, VAM students focus on getting a firm foundation of art elements and principles, developing experience with a variety of media, and trying to achieve basic drawing skills in imitationalism

By 7th grade, students will advance their skills and confidence with a wider breadth of mediums, while also experimenting with more advanced observational drawing techniques and concepts. 

By the end of 8th grade, students have built a strong portfolio of observational drawings and paintings, have a firm understanding of aesthetic theories, art criticism, and most importantly, have developed a personal voice.  Expressionism and personal meaning-making are the emphasis at this grade level, which can only be built upon a strong foundation of technique and skill.


Our art instructors come from a variety of artistic backgrounds, creating a well-rounded art education for our students. In addition to instructional diversity, LRTA also offers Art Club, which meets bi-weekly from October through May. Students submitting a Magnet High School Portfolio will have monthly after-school meetings from September through January. 

Name

Course Taught

Email Address

Dan Files,
Content Leader

7th Grade Magnet

8th Grade Magnet

[email protected]

Anna Sillars

6th Grade Magnet

[email protected]


visual arts summer assignment

 Former LRTA students whose poster designs went on to represent BCPS schools at the National Level. Left, artwork by Carmen Collins (LRTA ’23). Right, Sylvia Schmidt (LRTA ’24) won the 2024 BCPS Middle School Level contest to advance and place Second in the Nation for the Magnet Schools of America Poster Contest.

Magnet poster 1Magnet poster 2