Wellesley Middle school students spend the first two years here continuing their visual art studies in general studio art courses. These semester-long courses allow students to hone their elementary skills all while learning advanced art techniques and be introduced to new art materials not previously shown in the elementary level. Both grade levels have been split up for students to have a chance to learn and master skills in both 2D and 3D formats such as drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Within the two years of Grade 6 and 7, students get to experience a wide variety of art materials and learn to express their artistic styles with each new challenge set forth.
Students at Work
Finished Student Work
Instructor/Educator
Heather Anderson has created marketing materials for corporations and universities. Her expertise is in graphic design and project management. Her design layouts were published globally. She graduated from Syracuse University (BA, English). Then she earned a second bachelor’s degree (BS, computer graphics/interactive design). Her master’s degree is from Boston University (MA, art education). Overall, Ms. Anderson has worked in education for 15 years.
Jessica Lau is a dedicated educator with over a decade of experience teaching within the Wellesley Public School system. Since joining the district in 2010, Jessica has had the opportunity to teach at all grade levels K-12, providing a comprehensive understanding of students’ developmental needs and academic growth trajectories.
Equipped with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Syracuse University and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from Lesley University, Jessica possesses a formidable arsenal of knowledge and expertise. Her passion for education is paralleled by her profound affinity for ceramics. This dedication has led to immersive experiences, including international study at the Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute in China, instructing at the New Art Center in Newton and working as a production potter for Jill Rosenwald Studio in Boston.
As an educator, Jessica is committed to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression in every student. Through hands-on experiences, collaborative projects, and personalized instruction, she empowers students to discover their artistic voice and develop essential skills for lifelong learning.
Ms. Steinberg has been working in the Wellesley Public Schools as an Artist Educator since 2006. She has taught art at all levels in WPS and is currently at the middle school. Ms. Steinberg teaches 6th and 7th Grade Visual Arts, the 8th Grade Digital Art and Design elective, the 8th Grade Drawing and Painting elective, and the 8th Grade Mixed Media elective. Ms. Steinberg is also an advisor for the Yearbook Club.
Hillary Sturman received a BFA in Art Education from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University and a M.Ed. with a concentration in art from Framingham State University. She has been teaching at Wellesley Middle School since 2001. Currently she teaches 6th and 7th grade Visual Arts, and 8th grade Metals.