Wayzata high school students are good at a lot of things, but one thing that most people don’t know about is how good they are at art. Thanks to the wide range of art classes that are offered in visual and performance-based varieties, students can efficiently explore their interests and develop their skills as they choose.

The amount of art classes that are required to graduate at WHS is two, though students can choose to take more depending on their interests. Despite the small requirement Wayzata offers a wide range of art classes that capture the differentiating interests and skills of students. Even if they don’t consider themselves very artistic, they still get the chance to try two of the many options without having to choose something that is uninteresting to them.

Visual Arts

Within visual arts, there are eight different types of classes, including Sculpture/3D Design, Digital Photography, Drawing, Graphic Design, Painting, Ceramics, Comic Arts, and Unified Arts. Some of these courses have levels that can go all the way to AP, including a portfolio creation. Each art class is one term, and follows a certain curriculum for the projects.

One student, Rowen, a junior, said, “I really liked ceramics!” She explained how much she enjoyed taking that class and learning a new skill. Owen Schulze, another student at Wayzata, also said he enjoyed taking ceramics, which seems to be a very popular art class for most students. A lot of students that I talked to and interviewed said they enjoyed taking visual art classes as an interesting new skill to learn and enjoy as a class at school. Mila Gefroh said, “I liked getting to know how to use computers in Graphic Design.” Another class where you get to learn a little more about using technology is Digital Photography. You get to use a camera and a computer to edit all your photos.

Alex Abramovich said she really enjoyed taking interior design. She stated, “I like how there isn’t a wrong or right answer, and you can just use your creativity,” which is something a lot of students enjoy about taking art classes.

Performing Arts

For most of the performing arts at Wayzata High School students must commit more long term for the class. In classes like the Marching Band and Orchestra, The Majority of students have been playing their chosen instrument since middle school and had to do a placement audition. Addtionally students are able to join specialized ensembles to explore their interests and build their skill.

Other classes, like acting, are more similar to the visual arts course with the different levels of classes. Mia Jones, a freshman at Wayzata, enjoys taking the class and appreciated the opportunity to act without having to commit to a production. There are five different acting courses with different focuses, so students can continue to take them through the years, exploring different skills and areas of theatre. Additionally with students being able to expand on their interest through one of the Theatre Departments seven performances throughout the year.

All the opportunities at Wayzata High are really unique and amazing. The arts program has more than enough courses to help every student learn and explore visual and performing arts that fit perfectly to their preferences and skills. These classes contribute so much color and spirit to our school, and add to the student experience at Wayzata.