The Visual Arts Department at Marin Catholic truly believes in the mission and philosophy of the school. Within the curriculum, MC offers information that challenges the student’s critical and cognitive thinking but is suitable for all levels of ability. In concert with Marin Catholic's mission to educate the whole person, taught in the award-winning Wiegand Arts Wing, classes are designed to provide the students with a renewed way of thinking.

The Art Department instills the fundamentals of art by teaching technical information, historical and cultural background, how to visually communicate and a myriad of opportunities to explore and develop craftsmanship, aesthetics, and creativity. Studio work is supplemented with slides, videos, lectures, group projects, speakers, museum visits, journaling sketchbooks, art discussion, and critiques. Student work is showcased near 
the end of every school year in the Annual Art Extravaganza Exhibition. This is where the advanced art students have an opportunity to display their best work over the two to four years in the art program. Marin Catholic student art has also been shown at the Corte Madera Town Center, Celebrate the Arts, Artisans and In Focus.
The Visual Arts program offers a variety of two and three-dimensional design experiences, stressing the elements of art and the principles of design, with an eye on craftsmanship. Class curriculum is based on the National Arts Standards for the Visual Arts. Classes are offered sequentially to provide for a four-year program in visual arts.

Art I is the foundation for all art classes with the exception of Introduction to Ceramics. Art I or instructor permission is required for all year long visual arts classes. Art I focuses on the fundamentals and history of visual arts. Students are introduced to drawing, color theory, painting, design, and sculpture, with the goal of providing ample opportunities to recognize and develop creativity as a lifelong adventure.

After Art I students may then enroll in Art II, Photography or Ceramics I. Art II offers units in two-point perspective, portraiture, watercolor, and others. Art II is the springboard to the more advanced concepts and techniques students face in drawing and painting and advanced portfolio preparation. Art III focuses on the more advanced and serious art student who wants to continue their talent and commitment in art. Their understanding of the medium and what technique best suits their style is enhanced and molded during this year of art exploration. Students find their own style and artistic voice which builds confidence and self-reliance. Beyond these classes, are the AP courses: 2D & 3D Studio Art. These courses are for the student who hopes to study art on a collegiate level and possibly pursue a career in art.

Ceramics I focuses on hand-building and wheel techniques in constructing pottery and sculpture. After Ceramics I, students may go on to Ceramics II, which offers more in-depth design problems and complex projects.

Photography I combines both traditional and digital photography, including work in the darkroom and digital lab, using both film and digital cameras. Photography II uses Photography I foundation to develop a more distinctive style while further exploring various photographic mediums.

Marin Catholic's Visual Arts teachers are the key to student success, and we gratefully recognize Orin Carpenter, Mark Jaeger, Kathryn Kindelan, and Laurie Reemsnyder for their desire to instill a true appreciation for the visual arts as part of the Marin Catholic philosophy of development of the whole person. Not only is this shown throughout the curriculum, but also in the additional supportive components, such as Art Club, art field trips and the outreach programs. As a result of their commitment, students develop competencies and creative skills in problem-solving, communication, time and resource management, and design that contribute to lifelong learning and career skills.