Elementary School

The Visual Arts program encourages students to engage in new ways of looking and seeing, to stretch their imaginations, and to experiment with a wide range of mediums. The strong connection between the art and humanities programs gives the students both a background for their art projects and a deeper understanding of art from a variety of cultures.

Students are encouraged to take risks, to experiment, and to realize that art frequently offers multiple solutions. Inspiration is not limited to the classroom as students visit museum shows and local art studios. Guest artists are invited to share their work in the art room. These visitors provide a springboard for specific art experiences for the students. Classes often visit natural settings to paint and draw on site. Experiences with painting, drawing, sculpture, clay, printmaking, and textiles are woven through the curriculum, resulting in greater facility at each grade level.

Middle School

The goal of the Middle School Visual Art Program is to develop a deep love and respect for the arts through the creation and aesthetic examination of many art forms. The curriculum is designed to inspire students to explore their creative potential, to develop aesthetic awareness, and to build technical skills in many media. All concepts are introduced and reinforced through hands-on studio work.

Projects are often integrated with other disciplines, helping students recognize the connection of the visual arts to different cultures and time periods. Creative subject matter and open-ended projects present students with constant opportunities for personal growth and problem solving.

Students work using a variety of techniques, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and a wide range of multimedia approaches. Art subjects include live animals, still life, photos, imagination, self-portraits and people, or are inspired by humanities units and cultural celebrations (i.e. Egyptian ceramics, Days of the Dead skeleton figurines).

Electives offer the opportunity to delve deeper into specific techniques, styles, or media, such as ceramic sculpture, fantasy illustration, or textiles. Open Studio time allows students to pursue personal projects or to get help with art projects they are working on as part of their academic classes.

–MS Art updated fall 2008