Our Visual Arts programs offer rich and diverse curricula for kindergarten through high school students, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and artistic expression. But don’t take our word for it. Check out what this BHS graduate had to say:

Allison Cook poses for a photo with her son and fiance next to a bouquet of roses.

The art teachers at BHS helped me so much in finding myself and being able to express my feelings and experiences through artwork. Painting became my favorite thing in the world. After taking Acrylic Painting, I started spending hours every day making art in my room. I was going through a lot at the time, and art was an amazing distraction/medicine. It still is for me to this day, and I attribute that to the art teachers at BHS.

Allison Cook
2020 BHS graduate
Student artwork hangs on a wall in a gallery

Elementary/Intermediate

As elementary and intermediate students, our Grayhounds are introduced to a variety of art mediums that foster creativity, self-expression, and critical thinking skills, as well as help build and refine fine motor skills.

The curricula also integrates art history and cultural studies, helping to lay the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of the visual arts and setting the stage for continued artistic growth in our intermediate, middle and high school programs.

Qiang Weng

Art Teacher
  • North Hill: 319-753-6363 | Sunnyside: 319-753-5244
  • North Hill & Sunnyside
  • Email Qiang Weng
Staff Placeholder Image

Christopher Mulder

Art Teacher
Christopher Mulder

Afsheen Mayahi

Art Teacher
Afsheen Mayahi
Student artwork hangs on a wall in a gallery

Middle School

In Ed Stone’s Visual Arts Department, students engage in creating art using a diverse range of mediums. Our curriculum includes dedicated time for learning to critique and discuss art effectively. Students develop essential skills and vocabulary, and participate in discussions on art history and cultural contexts.

Seventh Grade Art

Students undertake three distinct projects: a drawing with oil pastels, a portrait with pencil, and a watercolor painting. Each project involves foundational exercises and practice sessions leading up to the final piece. Additionally, students complete a daily sketchbook prompt to enhance their skills and creativity.

Eighth Grade Art

Students undertake three distinct projects to be determined at a later date. Each project involves foundational exercises and practice sessions leading up to the final piece. Additionally, students complete a daily sketchbook prompt to enhance their skills and creativity.

Bethany Mueller

Art Teacher
Bethany Mueller
A high school student smiles while holding up a clay sculpture she created

High School

Burlington High School boasts a comprehensive Visual Arts Department with more than a dozen course offerings, including:

  • Ceramics
  • Painting
  • Advanced Placement Art
  • Digital Art (featuring one of Iowa’s most advanced digital art labs)

Our program has earned State and National recognition, with students consistently excelling in competitions such as State Art Shows, Youth Art Month (YAM), and Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

Key Features:

  • Digital art portfolios for graduating students
  • Accomplished alumni working in animation, comic books, design, and architecture
  • Significant scholarship opportunities for art students
  • Advanced students compete successfully among 60,000+ portfolios nationwide

Our dedicated instructors bring more than 38 years of combined experience and have received 51 local, state, and National Teacher of the Year nominations and wins.

Deborah Coyle

Art Teacher
Deborah Coyle

Anthony Onesto

Art Teacher
Anthony Onesto