MHS Art Department staff envisions a future where each member creatively problem-solves visual art challenges using a variety of techniques and media. Each art piece is technically well-done and includes personal perspectives and experiences. All student and teacher artists collaborate and respect each other as persons with unique ways of seeing. Artists are encouraged to share what they have learned through discussion, writing, personal reflection and alternative arts communication.

Our Art Department is a creative workspace where students have the opportunity to develop visual art skills in an imaginative learning environment. Students become proficient in a wide variety of artistic media and techniques. They learn and demonstrate knowledge of art history, art appreciation and aesthetics as well as opportunities to produce art works of fine quality. Students of visual arts need to become adept in their use of writing, discussion and personal reflection.

MHS Art Department enters a multitude of shows. Competitions are local, national, and international. Monarch students often win honorary and monetary awards. At least once a year, Monarch artists create work for community groups such as Valentines for the Boulder County Safe House. In the spring, we recognize seniors who are exemplary art students. In past years, we have had a multitude of students write and win ASK grants totaling more than $12,000. Teachers are always looking for shows, awards, community art possibilities and scholarships for all ages and levels of art students.

Open Art Studios
Every week on Wednesdays, from 3 PM to 4:30
All Monarch students can come and work on any art project in a variety of art media during Open Studios. Students do not have to be enrolled in an art class to come. Drop in any time. Special workshops may be offered and will require advance sign-up. Open Studios provides all art students an additional time for working on class assignments in the darkroom, the drawing and painting room or the pottery room.

Students not enrolled in an Art Class are asked to reimburse the department $1.00 (Workshops may be more), for supplies. Open Studios will be supervised by one of the art teachers.

Art Club
Art Club meets during Open Studios on Wednesdays from 3:00 to 4:30. Art Club welcomes all students who enjoy making art. Sometimes it offers workshops, such as our annual Valentine making workshop. Students mostly enjoy creating whatever they want out of clay, paint and more. Art Club designed the sign landscaping, helps student council by making decorations for dance, and just has fun. Occasionally, Art Club and Anime Club do activities together.

Anime Club
Anime Club meets during Open Studios on Wednesdays from 3:00 to 4:30. Anime Club is a very social group, which sometimes features Japanese foods, celebrates Japanese culture, and produces Anime Club drawings and paintings. Occasionally, Art Club and Anime Club do activities together.