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A School Like No Other

Introducing the Oxbow Summer Art Institute!

Gap Semester At Oxbow

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The Oxbow School is a semester program in Napa, California focusing on studio art-making and interdisciplinary humanities. This program provides sophomores, juniors, seniors, and gap-year students the opportunity for an intensive art experience and thought-provoking academic instruction.

The atmosphere at Oxbow is one of artistic and social exploration combined with rigorous academics designed to prepare students for college and beyond. Oxbow alumni often go on to earn distinguished art and writing awards, and earn offers of admission and win scholarships at top colleges and universities.

We invite students to enlarge their artistic vision and enhance their technical skills in an environment dedicated to supporting artistic inquiry. Take this opportunity to further your education, expand your social horizons, explore your passion for art, and create a new foundation for your future!

Oxbow also offers a spirited and engaging 6-week Summer Art Institute for rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and gap year students.

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New Media Studio

New Media Studio

Painting Studio

Painting Studio

Print Making Studio

Printmaking Studio

Sculpting Studio

Sculpture Studio

School & Events Calendar

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The art that goes on in most high schools is usually relatively skill-based. At Oxbow, there is more emphasis on looking and seeing and more critical thinking about what you are doing, the human connection, that personal element. Through art you can begin to understand yourself better. That may be the biggest eye-opener for students. It is almost a preview of college. Get out of the mechanical factory high school education and get into something open, new, and invigorating in a small environment.

— Bill Barrett, Former Oxbow Board Member, Former Executive Director of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art & Design (AICAD)

In the year leading up to Oxbow, I became obsessed with the program, I was entranced with reading testimonials and researching interdisciplinary learning styles. When I arrived at Oxbow I was never disappointed, despite my endless expectations. I will forever cherish the time I spent at Oxbow and the connections I made there. Through Oxbow I was able to hone into the ideas I was thinking about, to refine my artistic process and to see the world in a new light every day of my life. I'm not going to say that without Oxbow I wouldn't be the person I am today, but I will say that without Oxbow it would have taken me at least four years to become who I am after one Oxbow semester.

— Phoebe Dubisch, Fall 2018

I have learned so many skills and habits that have made me a better person throughout my time here. To name a few: I have learned how to be a good roommate, how to communicate, and how to trust myself. I have learned the importance of staying hydrated, getting good sleep, and having a clean work space. I have learned how to share space both in the studios and dorms. Lastly, I have learned that it’s okay to advocate for what you need and that there is no harm in asking for help or support.

— Grace Reynolds, Fall 2023

A School Like No Other