Arts
Arts at Westminster
The Arts at Westminster
At Westminster, the arts are a vital part of academic and student life, offering opportunities for every student to explore creativity, build confidence, and develop artistic skills, regardless of prior experience. Through visual art, dance, music, theater, and technical theater, students engage in a dynamic and supportive environment that encourages curiosity, innovation, collaboration, and personal expression.
Whether discovering a new passion or preparing for advanced artistic study, students can pursue a wide range of creative interests. From introductory courses in Studio Art and Digital Arts & Media to advanced study in Architecture, Photography, and AP Art and Design; from ensemble music and dance performance to acting, directing, and stage production, Westminster provides meaningful opportunities for artistic growth and achievement.
Westminster’s studios, rehearsal spaces, theaters, and performance venues are vibrant places where students learn through experimentation, practice, and revision. As they create and perform, they strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and self-reflection skills that extend far beyond the arts classroom.
Students learn from a faculty of practicing artists, architects, photographers, musicians, dancers, and theater professionals who bring professional expertise and personalized mentorship to every course and production. Visiting artists and performers further enrich the experience through workshops, master classes, and special events throughout the year.
Across campus, students have access to exceptional creative spaces. They paint and sculpt in the Hamilton Art Studios, design and build projects in the Architecture Studios and Maker Space, create digital work in the Armour Academic Center, explore photography in Cushing Hall’s darkroom facilities, and rehearse and perform in the state-of-the-art Werner Centennial Center.
For some students, the arts provide a creative outlet and a chance to discover new talents. For others, Westminster serves as a launchpad to competitive college arts programs and professional aspirations. For all, the arts offer a meaningful way to engage with ideas, express individuality, and contribute to a vibrant creative community.
Arts Curriculum
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Music Opportunities
Concert BandJazz BandChoral groupsMusic TheoryPrivate voice and instrumental lessons -
Performing Arts Courses
Introduction to TheaterAdvanced TheaterIndependent Study in TheaterIntroduction to DanceAdvanced Dance Ensemble -
Visual Arts Courses
Introduction to Studio ArtDrawing and PaintingDigital ArtsAP Studio ArtEngineering and DesignArchitectureIntroduction to PhotographyAdvanced PhotographyIndependent Study
Galleries & Facilities
Our Arts Galleries, Venues & Facilities
Showcasing the work, talents and inspirations for our students and the community, Westminster offers impressive spaces and facilities that meet every need. From the classrooms, to the gallery and rehearsal spaces, to our performance venues, we pride ourselves on having professional spaces that support the arts and showcase student work.
Galleries
The Baxter Gallery, adjoining Armstrong Atrium in the Armour Academic Center, showcases the school's permanent collection of paintings, prints and sculpture dating from the late 19th to the early 21st century. The collection includes work created by Westminster alumni, former faculty, and internationally-known artists that was generously donated to the school by Westminster alumni and their families. Every spring, the gallery is transformed into exhibition space for the annual Alumni Art Show, which highlights the work of several alumni artists.
Students of all levels display their work in a variety of visible spaces on campus, including the intimate Hamilton Art Gallery and Fearn Hall which feature several student and faculty exhibits each year.
Venues
Werner Centennial Center, Armour Academic Center: Armstrong Atrium, Gund Reading Room, Sejong Auditorium
Facilities
Hamilton Arts Center, Werner Centennial Center, outdoors
Showcasing the work, talents and inspirations for our students and the community, Westminster offers impressive spaces and facilities that meet every need. From the classrooms, to the gallery and rehearsal spaces, to our performance venues, we pride ourselves on having professional spaces that support the arts and showcase student work.
Galleries
The Baxter Gallery, adjoining Armstrong Atrium in the Armour Academic Center, showcases the school's permanent collection of paintings, prints and sculpture dating from the late 19th to the early 21st century. The collection includes work created by Westminster alumni, former faculty, and internationally-known artists that was generously donated to the school by Westminster alumni and their families. Every spring, the gallery is transformed into exhibition space for the annual Alumni Art Show, which highlights the work of several alumni artists.
Students of all levels display their work in a variety of visible spaces on campus, including the intimate Hamilton Art Gallery and Fearn Hall which feature several student and faculty exhibits each year.
Venues
Werner Centennial Center, Armour Academic Center: Armstrong Atrium, Gund Reading Room, Sejong Auditorium
Facilities
Hamilton Arts Center, Werner Centennial Center, outdoors
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Contact Us
995 Hopmeadow Street
Simsbury, Connecticut 06070
P. (860) 408-3000
F. (860) 408 3001
Simsbury, Connecticut 06070
P. (860) 408-3000
F. (860) 408 3001
Explore Our Website
Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students
In keeping with our support for a diverse community, Westminster abides by all applicable federal and state laws and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic, including race, color, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national and ethnic origin, ancestry and/or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. Westminster admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School.
In keeping with our support for a diverse community, Westminster abides by all applicable federal and state laws and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic, including race, color, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national and ethnic origin, ancestry and/or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. Westminster admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School.
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