Signature Art Experiences | Arts | Avon Old Farms

Signature Art Experiences

Our Connection to the Hill-Stead Museum

In an effort to maintain a strong connection with our founder’s home, the Hill-Stead, Avon Old Farms partners with the Farmington, Conn., art museum on a regular basis to expose our students to an important part of Avon’s history: all freshmen travel to Theodate’s home to learn about who she was and to try their hand at some art. Students are also able to take advantage of internship opportunities with the museum, becoming junior tour guides though our AIP program.

Annual Arts Trip

Opportunities in the arts are never-ending at Avon. Students are encouraged to express their creativity, and many come to find they have a talent or passion involving arts that otherwise may have gone undiscovered. Each year, a group of students attend a field trip to either New York City or Boston where they experience examples of professional artistic opportunities available. This can help students with their college planning and also shape their focus area in the arts while at Mrs. Riddle’s campus.

“Students often have a limited view of what they can do with art... All the guys who take these trips are interested in learning more about the arts."

CRISTINA PINTON

VISUAL ARTS CHAIR

After exploring a metropolis and seeing art being applied in the real world, students return to campus with new inspiration for future art projects and a greater understanding of possibilities in the arts.

Visiting Artists & Workshops

Over the years, a variety of unique experiences in the arts have been offered at Avon Old Farms. From annual trips to Greenwood Studios to learn the fine art of glassblowing, to participating in the ‘Empty Bowls’ program with Ethel Walker School for ceramics–from attending printmaking workshops in downtown Hartford to participating in a figure drawing session at the University of Hartford.

Our students have opportunities to see the arts from all angles. In 2023, the Lech Family Visual Arts Endowment was established to support the Visiting Artist Program, which began after alumnus Chase Lech ’23 discovered a passion for photography and art during his time at Avon. Through this endowment, Avon will be able to invite a visual artist each year to share their knowledge and experience with current students.

“I love the visiting artist program. It's awesome that Avon is able to bring in great artists who we can actually work closely with and ask questions of."

SPENCER PARISH ’24

National Arts Honor Society

Avon Old Farms began participating in the National Arts Honors Society (NAHS) in 2019. The program provides students, faculty, school, and community with invaluable benefits—including peer recognition, leadership growth opportunities, college and career preparation, recognition of the AOF art program, and so much more.

NAHS students sponsor our annual collaborating school exhibit, and also partake in our school’s collaboration with Covenant Prep (a Tuition Free all-boys middle school in Hartford, Conn.), in which they become the teachers, learning what it’s like to plan a class, teach design, and work with young people.

Hippocrene - Student Art & Literary Magazine

Avon’s Hippocrene has taken many forms throughout its existence and has developed since its creation as a simple school-wide visual art and literary publication. Today our Hippocrene stands as a full-fledged, meticulously designed magazine that publishes a collection of some of the best photography, drawing, poetry, and prose that our students have to offer. Each contributor has taken a risk, shown vulnerability, and been true to himself in submitting personal art for publication. 

Please enjoy this year's collection of prose, short stories, photography, and artwork by the talented Men of Avon.