The Visual Art & Design program at Milwaukee High School of the Arts (MHSA) is designed to meet the needs of those who are preparing for the competitive world of art schools and other art-related fields.
Curriculum
Our intensive program begins with the basics of drawing and a variety of two- and three-dimensional activities. We then expand to explore different art forms, including design, tech, and multimedia projects. Students gain an understanding of current and historic artworks and ideas through special classes, contacts with artists, and museum and gallery visits.
Available courses in our program include:
Freshman
- Art Foundations
- Drawing & Painting I
Sophomores
- Advanced Drawing & Painting
- Digital Photography I / Image Technology I
Juniors and Seniors
- AP Studio Art
- Art History
- Arts in the Community
- Digital Photography II / Image Technology II
- Digital Drawing & Animation
- Printmaking
- Video Tech
Partnerships
- Lynden Sculpture Garden
- Marquette University’s Haggerty Art Museum
- Milwaukee Art Museum
- Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD)
- Milwaukee LGBT Community Center
- Milwaukee Zine Fest
- University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
- University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (Treehaven)
MHSA students recently collaborated with the Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort (WAVE) Educational Fund to create a mural titled “This Is Not a Drill.” Unveiled at our school in May 2025, the mural aims to raise awareness of the gun violence epidemic.
Showcase Opportunities
We host regular galleries showcasing student art, create murals around the school, and work in tandem with other Art Areas. Our students participate in Paint and Play events in collaboration with Theatre & Film and Music students.