While the word visual means things we can see, the Visual Arts at Upland implies training the eye to see the things that people normally don’t see. Upland believes that through art students learn to be detail-oriented and can challenge themselves to observe and think in ways that will enrich their lives.

As part of the full participation philosophy of the Four A's, all students in Upper and Lower School take art classes during the school year. In Lower School students are introduced to methods and materials, the understanding of which they then carry into Upper School where they further develop skills and learn to think conceptually

"Upland believes that through art students learn to be detail-oriented and can challenge themselves to observe and think in ways that will enrich their lives."

The Visual Arts encompasses both 2-D and 3-D arts. Students paint and draw in various mediums, and make collages and prints. They also work with clay on the potter's wheel and in hand building sculpture. They complete projects in origami, bookbinding, stained glass, mosaics and more. Visual Art students also work on the set design and construction for the Drama Department's many plays throughout the year.

Through immersion in the Visual Arts, students develop an appreciation for craft design and construction, and for art in the context of current and historic culture. On a more technical level, students develop hand skills, patience and problem solving skills. Through art, attention span is lengthened and students learn to focus on the process of creation with the end result in mind.

Students throughout the school have their artwork displayed in the Upland Art Shows in the spring and work with a variety of visiting artists. Upland’s artists also exhibit their work in the surrounding community as the opportunity arises. Upland students participate in the DAIS Art Show every year as well as in the Longwood Gardens Chrysanthemum Festival, the Unionville Community Fair and such programs as the Chester County Art Association Growing the Arts Planter Program and in advertising contests in local newspapers.

Another element of arts education at Upland is our Artist-in-Residence program. Each year, professional artists are invited to come to Upland and work with a small group of students (usually a specific grade) on a project. Through this program, Upland students have had a chance to explore raku pottery, Chinese shadow puppetry, and mural creation, to name just a few recent examples.