Our art program is the heartbeat of The Putney School. Students are immersed in the creative world of theater, dance, music, and visual and literary arts as an opportunity to pursue in-depth studies and serious practices in an artistic field, or to simply further explore or discover an artistic outlet. We are deeply dedicated to holistic student growth, and one of our fundamental beliefs is that creative arts should have a place of prestige in our community.
An Immersive Arts High School
The use of music, visual and literary art, theater, and dance as modes of storytelling are a central part of every culture and predate even written language. At our creative and performing arts high school in Vermont, students have many different opportunities to follow their passions and develop their creative processes.
We believe that involvement in the arts is an integral part of the Putney experience. Through a diverse range of disciplines and levels, students are empowered to pursue an artistic endeavor in a way that works for them.
Academic Arts
Academic Arts offers for-credit courses and forms the core of our arts program. Our art department nurtures specific learning objectives and assess a student’s progress toward them with rubrics that detail knowledge and skills. Those with a strong background in the arts use this as a means of finding aesthetic pleasure and comfort, as well as to understand and express problems, both personal and societal.
Evening Arts
The Evening Arts Program extends the artistic and creative possibilities through a wide range of non-graded arts-based classes after dinner. It is an opportunity for students to try something entirely new, or to delve more deeply into an art form for which they have already developed a passion. These classes are often led by wonderful local artists in the community.
Putney Summer Arts
Putney Summer Arts welcomes a diverse community of rising 8th – 12th graders to the Putney School campus each summer for a 1-week – 4 week experience. We provide a space where students who are passionate about the arts receive support and inspiration through intensive workshops as they explore their creative passions in a nurturing and welcoming environment.
Keep Exploring
Michael S. Currier Center
Free and open to all, our art gallery and performing arts center is a hub for student artwork, plays, and creative expression.
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Outdoor Experiences and Stewardship
With our 600 acres nestled in the eastern foothills of the Green Mountains, Putney students spend a lot of time outside. We weave our beautiful natural surroundings into our classrooms
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Gavy Kessler
I have worked as an actor, performance artist, playwright, director, and educator in New York City, Los Angeles, and Vermont. My training includes work with contemporary masters including world-renowned director
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