Arts

What is an Atelier?

An Atelier is a learning space. A place of research, invention and empathy expressed through a number of symbolic languages. Language symbolism of a child refer to communication and emphasize the importance of providing children with many different ways to share their thinking about the world around them. The languages also represent the infinite amount of potential each child naturally has and each child’s individual view and understanding of their community. Our Atelier is a shared environment, in which children will engage with varied materials in ways designed to provoke creativity and discovery. These invitations to learn usually take the form of a study or project-based learning experience. Play is an authentic mode of discovery for children, and the Atelier offers children space and time to dive deep into their curiosity. These studies are closely linked to classroom learning and curricular outcomes. Atelier experiences are also deeply tied to child voice, allowing each child agency to follow their own wonders while in a space of co-learning with educators.

In the Atelier, children have the opportunity to get messy, try new things, make mistakes, and experiment. The atelierista, in partnership with the classroom teachers, honors children’s wonders and knowledge. Working closely with the children, the atelierista curates fresh, personalized environments that inspire new thinking for each child. The children treat the Atelier like a working studio; materials are abundant and available, and there is ample space to create with many different mediums. In these conditions, community is born, a story is written, and magic is made.

For Lower School students, the arts are very much about process, exploration, and self-expression — not product. These emerging artists explore multiple media and grow their gifts and build skills in our dedicated art studio. They also create and feel their way through rhythm and melody to join together in song in the music room. Voices, ukuleles, recorders, Orff instruments and more give them opportunities to explore sound. Creative movement is also explored with Theatrical experiences to embrace their developing bodies and find windows and mirrors in the world around them.

Beginning in first grade and continuing through the Upper School, orchestral string instrument and private piano lessons are offered on campus before, during, or after the school day. After-school Theater programs and Choral ensemble opportunities are offered for all ages.

In our Middle School, the Arts program offers students the chance to explore and excel in both visual and performing arts. We provide a diverse range of courses that allow students to delve into various techniques and work with different artistic mediums in the visual arts curriculum, such as drawing, painting, clay sculpture, and digital art.

Additionally, we offer an extensive selection of opportunities in the performing arts, including theater, improv, costuming, choral ensemble, instrumental ensembles (band or orchestra), as well as private study options for strings or piano. Our Innovation Lab serves as a dedicated space equipped with tools for students to become creators and makers, enabling them to express their ideas using a wide range of materials. Moreover, our electives program presents a multitude of choices, including sewing, advanced arts studies, graphic design, and more.

Charles Wright Academy is home to exceptional visual and performing arts programs featuring a breadth of courses and creative opportunities facilitated by talented faculty. Students are encouraged to participate throughout their Upper School careers to achieve deep learning and appreciation for the arts. All students enjoy at least one year each of visual and performing arts courses, although many students choose to take four years.

The center for the visual arts  features spacious classrooms for ceramics, printmaking, painting, and more, while the Language and Performing Arts Center has both large and private practice rooms, a digital music mixing studio, and a modern black box theater. 

Charles Wright Academy, located in University Place, WA, is organizing its yearly Artist in Residency program. We are currently searching for a skilled artist to join us in our dedicated private studio situated on our expansive 107-acre campus. This program spans one semester within the academic year and provides students of all ages with an opportunity to gain insight into the life of a professional artist. The chosen artist will receive publicity and have access to various resources, including a private studio, press facilities, and a kiln.

Apply to be the Artist in Residence

The Charles Wright Academy Artist in Residence program runs throughout the academic year (flexible for your availability), and will end with a professional reception, during which your work will be displayed in the school’s gallery. During the residency you will be provided with a 240 square ft private studio space to work in and access to school resources including a press and kilns. You will also be granted an honorarium at the conclusion of your residency. Publicity through the school’s website and other resources will be provided.

Please write briefly about what interests you about the Charles Wright Academy Artist in Residence program.

How did you hear about the program and what led you to apply? How do you feel you would best serve the Charles Wright community and how could it best serve you?

(250 Word Max)

During your residency at Charles Wright Academy, you will be asked to share your process with a number of classes across all three divisions. What excites you about working with students of all

(150 Word Max)

If you have any questions about the program or what it will entail, please email cbertucchi@charleswright.org. Responses and images of artwork should be sent to the same address.