Visual Arts
The Visual Arts Department seeks to provide an understanding, appreciation and production of art. Production is taught through the hands-on use of various art mediums. The goals of the Visual Arts Department are to present students with a variety of mediums and to provide students with the opportunity to expand their artistic abilities. In fine arts courses students are encouraged to broaden their ability to think critically and to grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.
The Studio
The OLSH Art Studio is equipped with a rolling slab, four pottery wheels, and a large electric L&L kiln. Students have access to the studio during class periods and during study halls as availability allows. The equipment available to our art students continues to be updated to provide our students with experience working with the most up-to-date technology.
AP Studio Art
AP Studio Art is a college level course developed for students who are highly motivated and have a serious interest in developing skills in the areas of composition, problem solving, and artistic execution. In this course students are challenged to create 20- 24 high quality, engaging, and original artworks using a variety of media. In doing so, students will learn the importance of portraying ideas and themes through imagery.
In 2021, OLSH showcased their talented AP Studio Arts students in the first-ever AP Studio Art Virtual Art Show. The art show gave students the opportunity to showcase and discuss their artistic process with peers, teachers, and parent visitors.
Empty Bowls Project
Each year, OLSH artisans meet every other week to create handcrafted bowls and plan the Empty Bowls event. Empty Bowls is in international project to fight hunger. At OLSH, members of the school community are invited to a simple meal of soup and bread. In exchange for a cash donation, guests are asked to keep a bowl as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world. The money raised is donated to Our Lady's Pantry, who in turn feeds the hungry in Coraopolis and the surrounding neighborhoods.Pit Firing
Students in ceramics classes get to experience pit firing, the oldest known technique for firing pottery. Students dig a pit in the ground and place unfired pottery projects in the pit. The pottery is then covered in combustible material and the pit is set on fire. After the pottery cools, it is cleaned to reveal unique patterns and colors.