Fine and Technical Arts

Preston High School’s Fine and Technical Arts Department offers a range of classes that blend creative expression with practical skills.

Visual Arts at Preston

The Visual Arts program at Preston is designed to help every student discover and develop their creative voice. We value individuality and creative risk-taking in all of our classes, while building strong skills in core techniques. Students work across a wide range of media, including painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, collage, and more. Projects are connected to key movements and artists in art history, giving students a broader understanding of the context and impact of their own work.

In every class, students develop practical skills such as drawing from observation, rendering form, texture, and space, and using line, value, and color with control and expression. They also gain experience working with materials in both two- and three-dimensional formats.

At Preston, we believe the arts play an essential role in helping students build confidence, think creatively, and develop their ability to communicate visually. The Visual Arts program fosters not only artistic skills, but habits of curiosity, problem-solving, and personal expression that support students across all areas of learning.

As they progress, juniors and seniors take on more independent work. They are expected to be self-directed while pushing the quality of their art within a structured, supportive environment. Seniors may also enroll in AP Studio Art, where they build a college-level portfolio and have the opportunity to earn college credit.

Digital Arts

The Computer Technology curriculum provides students with not only a thorough knowledge of basic computer applications, but also advanced skills which they will utilize in college and beyond. Computers have become a major part of American society today. In the 21st century, computers are prominent tools in a wide variety of areas such as research, education, finance, government, and media. It is our goal to acquaint students with the history of technology, basic and advanced computer applications, and the importance of computers in today’s society.
 

Basic Graphic Design is a hands-on course where students explore how technology and creativity come together through digital tools and design principles. Using professional software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, students learn essential skills in image editing, illustration, typography, and layout. Projects include branding, poster design, album covers, digital collages, and seasonal greeting cards—each designed to strengthen visual communication and personal expression. From traditional techniques like composition and color theory to modern tools like layers, vector paths, and digital effects, this course empowers students to create portfolio-worthy work while gaining a deeper understanding of digital media as a 21st-century art form.

Performing Arts

Musical Production

Our annual musical is a full-scale stage production which, the Department believes, taps the varied talents of students interested in the performing arts, both as performers and as part of the stage crew. Musical theatre not only entertains but also educates, offering students opportunities to learn outside of the classroom.  They develop self confidence and public speaking skills in addition to enhancing valuable qualities such as self-expression, collaboration, and personal growth.

Beyond the classroom, our department sponsors several clubs that meet twice a month:

• Art Club – A creative space where students can make art, try new techniques, and collaborate on group projects.
   
• Photography Club – For students who want to build photography and editing skills through practice and peer feedback.
   
• Yearbook – A collaborative team that designs and produces the annual Preston yearbook, combining photography, writing, and layout.
   
• Pottery After School – Studio time for students to explore ceramics outside of class, try new methods, and work on personal projects.
   
• Choir – Preston's Gospel Choir is a co curricular club open to singers of all levels.  The Gospel Choir brings music in song to every Preston Liturgical celebration, including the Liturgy of the Holy Spirit, All Saints Day, Immaculate Conception, Advent, Ash Wednesday, Easter-Confirmation Liturgy, Ascension Thursday and the Baccalaureate Mass.
   

We encourage all students to take part in these creative communities.


Exhibit and Performance Opportunities at PHS

Throughout the year, the Fine and Technical Arts Department displays student artwork around the school. Exhibits rotate several times a year so that many students have the chance to show their work.


Annual Spring Art Show

Each spring, the Fine Arts Department hosts Preston’s Annual Art Show. This is a major event that features creative work from students in all grades, freshmen through seniors. The gym is transformed into a gallery space, and families are invited to come view the work on display.

A special highlight of the show is the AP Art section. These students spend the year developing a cohesive body of work that follows a sustained investigation, and this event gives them the chance to present that work to a wider audience.

The Art Show is also a moment for the entire art community at Preston to celebrate a year of creative growth. Students see their work displayed professionally, appreciate what their peers have accomplished, and cheer each other on for a job well done.