At Thacher, the visual arts program allows for many avenues of expression. An artist’s hands—experienced or not—may click a camera’s shutter, sweep across a canvas with broad strokes, sculpt clay, throw a pot on a wheel, or handle a lathe to turn an exquisite piece of oak. Beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of study are available in both 2- and 3-dimensional subjects. Course offerings include photography, ceramics, archeoceramics, sculpture, studio art, and wood working, as well as Advanced Placement courses in Studio Arts and Art History.

At several points during the school year, all levels of students display their work in the Brody Art Gallery, beginning with drawings and ceramic sculptures from the freshman year and—in some cases—ending with a solo or small group show of near-professional caliber. Students’ artistic insights are enhanced further through interactions with professional artists who share their talents during special weekend workshops, in-residence seminars. Off-campus visits to studios, galleries and museums also broaden students’ perspectives on this elemental part of their lives.