Visual Arts

Painting

We offer Painting I, Painting II and Advanced Studio Art for students who wish to learn how to express themselves on canvas. Our art teachers challenge students to experiment with color and different mediums and tackle difficult projects to improve their skill. As a result, Notre Dame Prep has produced some amazing artists whose quality of work defies their age.

painting of lemon, wine glass and cherries on vibrant background.

The above painting if from NDP sophomore Kaia Del Carpio. 

In 2021-2022 our visual arts teachers put together an adjudicated art show for our art loving saints! This show was held in the spring

2022 graduate, Brennan Mackin, won the art show with the drawing seen above. 

Drawing

NDP students are introduced to the universal basic elements of art, and principles of design while developing their drawing skills. Students have a chance to explore a variety of mediums to practice strong drawing models and rendering realistic drawing techniques. Emphasis is placed on learning how to create strong value, line, texture, space, volume, and composition within their individual artwork. Art mediums used include pencil, charcoal, colored pastel, pen and ink, and watercolor. We offer Drawing I and Drawing II. See our Course Description Guide for more information.

Photos of student art

Putting pencil to empty paper is difficult at first, but once their image comes to life, our students experience the joy of creating something out of nothing. They see their drawing begin to show expression and emotion. 

Ceramics and Mosaic Art

Students in this class will be given an introduction to the nature, functions, and techniques of pottery as an art form. Through a brief study of history, students will learn to view and appreciate the role of pottery in society, both past and present. Students will learn the basic terminology and tools of pottery as well as learn the three hand-building techniques used to create both functional and decorative works in clay.

A display of student pottery

As God is the ultimate potter and we are His clay, our students can experience a taste of the joy Our Father enjoys when they create pieces are 3-dimensional art working with clay, ceramic and a potter's wheel to make something they love.   

Visual Arts Gallery

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Meet Our Visual Arts Instructors

Art teacher smiling in front of mural.

 

Jennifer Kiraly has taught visual arts at Notre Dame Prep since 2003, and she's been an adjunct professor at ASU for since 2017. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Kansas City Art Institute and her Master of Fine Arts from Arizona State University. 

Her favorite part of teaching is seeing kids evolve into great painters and drawers after one or 2 semesters. She believes that anyone can learn to draw and paint. Students acclimate quickly and are fast learners. Her favorie subject is teaching themes related to color psychology in advertising and design concepts. 

Ms. Kiraly has a son who plays hockey, and she enjoys modern architecture, design, dogs and the TV show Shark Tank. She invented a baby product that was granted a utility patent in 2015. 

 

Smiling Art Teacher

 

Juliana Vieane grew up in Gilbert, AZ and attended college at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. She graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in English Secondary Education. Mrs. Vieane has also had experience teaching college courses while in Flagstaff.

She has a passion for reading, the art of literature, and critical thinking. Mrs. Vieane strives to teach her students the foundational reading, thinking, and writing skills that they will need to succeed in the rest of their academic career.

Along with her husband, Mrs. Vieane loves to cook, watch movies, and spend time outdoors in northern Arizona.

 

Mrs. Meyer is starting her 17th year in Catholic Education teaching art. She began her career in 2005 at St. Francis Xavier Elementary School in Phoenix. During the summer of 2012, Mrs. Meyer along with her husband Mark, and two of their three children moved to Colorado. She and her family have returned to the Valley after 10 years in Colorado. Mrs. Meyer earned her Masters degree from Regis University in Applied Psychology with a focus on education, students and learning outcomes while living in Colorado. Her capstone project is published through Regis University on increasing student engagement through experiencing Learning Flow using Photographic Storytelling. Mrs. Meyer is thrilled to be a part of the Saints family!

Samantha Troiano has a deep passion for teaching. She developed a love for art during middle and high school. Combining the two, she earned her degree in Art Education from the Honors College of Northern Arizona University in just 3 1/2 years, graduating in the top 1% of her class.

Mrs. Troiano then had the amazing opportunity to teach elementary art at Yongsan International School of Seoul in South Korea for two years. While there she was able to begin and develop the prestigious K-12 school’s ceramics program while teaching 400 international students. She loved her time in Seoul greatly but returned to Arizona to marry the love of her life, Mr. Troiano.

Upon returning to Arizona, Mrs. Troiano spent the past year teaching in a Title 1 public middle school in Tempe. She loved her students but is so excited to start her dream job as one of the ceramics and drawing teachers at Notre Dame Prep! Students are sure to feel welcomed, loved, and valued in her classroom just as they are!