Arthur Morgan School

“There is so much art in this school compared to a regular public school. They get a chance to experience many venues of creativity. For instance, my oldest son is a professional dancer- he's a modern dancer with Pilobolus- and he would never have been there if it were not for Arthur Morgan. He bumped into dance here. Here he had the freedom of exploring that and expressing that part of himself without fearing that he was going to be stigmatized or teased by the rest of the community.”

— Marcela Minniefee, parent

Visual Arts and Crafts

Art is everywhere in our lives at school. Murals, drawings, glass work, quilts, tiles, chimes, and pottery made by students and staff are displayed inside and outside our buildings. Classes are taught as part of our Core Curriculum (four days a week) or as Electives (once a week). Our facilities include a pottery studio, equipped with potter's wheels and a kiln, a wood shop, where students learn to use a variety of tools safely and skillfully, a blacksmithing forge, painting and drawing studio, a black and white photography studio and darkroom, and a fiber arts studio.

Our electives program allows staff members and students the opportunity to share their talents and passions. We are also fortunate to be able to offer classes with nationally known artists in the larger community who specialize in glassblowing, pottery, painting, and drawing. Other arts and crafts electives include candle making, sewing, knitting, bookmaking, screenprinting, papermaking, woodworking and weaving.

Performing Arts

Performing arts are exciting and rewarding areas of expression and creativity. All AMS students are encouraged to participate in some aspect of our performing arts program. In doing so, students nurture not only their creativity, but also their confidence and self-esteem. Classes are regularly offered in drama, dance, choreography, beginning guitar, rock band, theatre improvisation and singing. We have a large wooden dance floor, a drama space, and electric band equipment. We are also fortunate to be able to offer classes taught by professional dancers and actors in the larger community.

Each year we share a dance, drama, and/ or music performance with parents and friends at our Thanksgiving celebration and again in February at our coffehouse, "Octopus' Garden." In the past, elective classes in improvisation and drama have led to performance field trips through which students entertained audiences at schools, colleges, and nursing homes.