Here, in the Buchanan Visual Arts Department, we have a rich history of serving the diverse needs of our students, guiding students to successfully meet their college and career goals, and providing students with the opportunity to compete on a local and national level. Our staff recognizes the role the visual arts have played in the great societies around the globe throughout the millenniums. The visual arts have been the heart and soul of societies and one of the most important benchmarks that historians use to gauge the sophistication of past cultures and the development of humankind.
The Buchanan Visual Arts teachers recognize that we have a diverse group of students that participate in our programs; ranging from students who are simply trying to meet graduation and UC entrance requirements, to students who plan on pursuing a career in the visual arts. For those students who are simply trying to fulfill a Visual or Performing Arts requirement, we love the challenge of opening the doors to the wonderful world of the visual arts and giving students an appreciation of the visual arts and their role in our society. We especially find great joy in igniting a passion or discovering a previously unknown talent or aptitude.
As for the student who plans on pursuing a career in the visual arts, we take pride and garner deep satisfaction in helping students develop the skills, produce the portfolios, and choose the best academic paths that will enable them to meet their goals. We have a number of Buchanan alumni that have received visual arts scholarships, as well as former students who currently enjoy careers in the visual arts.
At Buchanan, we believe that students should have the opportunity to exhibit their work and compete in juried shows. Our students continually win and place high in contests such as the Slick Rock Film Festival, The CUSD District Show, The Picture Valley Film Festival, The Congressional Art Contest, The Fresno Fair, the “News You Can Use” valley wide contest, as well as numerous other local gallery, CUSD district contests, and local community contests. Our department has set high standards, and our students continually meet them.
These are the courses that are available in the Buchanan Visual Arts Department and the instructors that teach them. Please feel free to contact any of our teachers with questions that you might have about our programs. We are happy to be of service.