Visual Arts
Meet Mr. Wherry
Art, Graphic Arts, and Introduction to Design give students the chance to explore creativity while learning real-world design skills. In these classes, students work with a variety of materials and tools to create original artwork and design projects. From drawing and painting to graphic design and creative problem-solving, students learn how ideas turn into visual communication.
These courses help students build artistic skills, confidence, and creativity while exploring how art connects to careers in design, media, technology, and engineering. Whether you’re just starting your creative journey or looking to grow your skills, these classes offer a space to experiment, learn, and bring your ideas to life at Golden Valley High School.
About me:
I am proud to serve the students and families of Golden Valley High School. I have been teaching at Golden Valley since the school opened in 2003 and have been teaching in the Kern High School District since 2001. Over the course of my teaching career, I have remained deeply committed to creating an engaging, student-centered classroom built on creativity, critical thinking, and high expectations. My experience in education has allowed me to develop curriculum that connects academic rigor with real-world application, helping students grow both intellectually and personally.
I am proud to serve the students and families of Golden Valley High School. I have been teaching at Golden Valley since the school opened in 2003 and have been teaching in the Kern High School District since 2001. Over the course of my teaching career, I have remained deeply committed to creating an engaging, student-centered classroom built on creativity, critical thinking, and high expectations. My experience in education has allowed me to develop curriculum that connects academic rigor with real-world application, helping students grow both intellectually and personally.
Throughout my career, I have been honored to receive recognition for excellence in instruction, coaching, and student mentorship. My greatest accomplishments, however, are the successes of my students—watching them develop creativity, confidence, skill, and independence is what drives my work each day. We have an award-winning art program at Golden Valley that continues to grow and produce artists that enhance our community with their art. I believe art and education should empower students to discover their strengths, refine their talents, and pursue their goals with purpose.
Education:
University of Northern Iowa
Bachelor of Art Education
Emphasis in Graphic Design and Painting
Minor in Athletic Training and Administration
University of Northern Iowa
Bachelor of Art Education
Emphasis in Graphic Design and Painting
Minor in Athletic Training and Administration
Classes Offered:
1st Period - Int/Adv Art
2nd Period - Int/Adv Art
3rd Period - Graphic Art
4th Period - Assistant Dean
5th Period - Lunch
6th Period - Intro to Design (Engineering)
7th Period - Intro to Design (Engineering)
1st Period - Int/Adv Art
2nd Period - Int/Adv Art
3rd Period - Graphic Art
4th Period - Assistant Dean
5th Period - Lunch
6th Period - Intro to Design (Engineering)
7th Period - Intro to Design (Engineering)
Outside the Classroom:
I enjoy spending time with his family and traveling. Beyond my work in education, I am an established tattoo artist, graphic designer, and painter. My work has been exhibited in major art markets including Chicago, New York City, and Los Angeles. Across these platforms, I have earned recognition for originality, technical skill, and distinctive visual storytelling. I have created art for high profile clients such as Cypress Hill, Drake, and J. Cole. As a professional artist, I have received accolades for my contributions to contemporary art and design, with work that blends fine art principles, modern aesthetics, and cultural influences. My experience in the professional art world directly informs my teaching, allowing me to bring real-world creative insight into the classroom. Whether guiding students through artistic techniques or helping them build confidence in their ideas, I am passionate about connecting education and creative expression in meaningful ways.
Student Art
Meet Dr. Tripp
Visual Arts is more than a class — it’s a creative community. It’s a welcoming space where students can express themselves, build confidence, and explore their artistic voice. Through drawing, painting, design, and hands-on projects, students learn to think creatively while developing real skills. Visual Arts also offers opportunities to showcase work, collaborate with peers, and grow as both artists and individuals. If you enjoy creating, imagining, and learning in a supportive environment at Golden Valley High School, Visual Arts is the place for you.
Meet the Teacher:
Dr. Tripp has over 20 years of teaching experience. He began his career teaching English, driven by a passion for popular literature and creative writing. He now teaches Beginning Art, where he shares his enthusiasm for visual expression with his students.
Dr. Tripp has over 20 years of teaching experience. He began his career teaching English, driven by a passion for popular literature and creative writing. He now teaches Beginning Art, where he shares his enthusiasm for visual expression with his students.
In his Beginning Art course, Dr. Tripp introduces students to the elements of art and the principles of design while guiding them in the use of pencil, ink, colored pencil, watercolor, and acrylic media. He is committed to cultivating not only technical skills but also a lifelong passion for creative expression—one that extends beyond the classroom and enriches other areas of their lives.
As a visual artist, Dr. Tripp works in a vibrant, neo-expressionist style characterized by bold, cartoony imagery and surreal, expressive themes. A devoted sketchbook practitioner, he often develops ideas in his sketchbooks that later evolve into larger canvas works. His artwork has been exhibited in multiple professional galleries, and his paintings are sold at Bird Dog Arts gallery in California. In addition to his visual art, he is an author with several books available on Amazon.
Education
Dr. Tripp graduated from California State University, Bakersfield with a BA in English and a BA in Psychology and earned an MA in Education from Point Loma Nazarene University. He earned an MFA in Visual Art from Azusa Pacific University and a doctorate in Worship Studies from Liberty University.
Outside the classroom
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, going on family adventures, playing the bass guitar, and occasionally enjoying a good video game.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, going on family adventures, playing the bass guitar, and occasionally enjoying a good video game.
Classes Offered - Beginning Art
Skills students learn
- Elements of art & principles of design
- Drawing and painting techniques (pencil, ink, colored pencil, watercolor, acrylic)
- Creative problem solving
- Visual communication
- Self-expression and artistic confidence
Additional skills developed through Visual Arts:
- Critical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Time management & meeting deadlines
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Giving and receiving constructive feedback
- Creative risk-taking
- Presentation skills (sharing and explaining artwork
How these skills help in the real world
- Builds confidence in sharing ideas and creativity
- Strengthens communication in school, work, and everyday life
- Teaches responsibility through long-term projects
- Encourages adaptability and problem-solving
- Prepares students for careers in art, design, marketing, media, architecture, education, and more
- Develops discipline, focus, and work ethic
- Helps students think creatively in any profession
- Supports leadership and collaboration in team environments
Student Art
