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In visual arts classes, students learn to think creatively, problem solve, use their imagination and self-expression, evaluate and critique, in addition to gaining valuable intrinsic lessons such as respect for themselves, others, and the value of creativity and originality.
Our visual arts program provides students with a broad range of experiences with many forms of art making, such as drawing, painting, sculpting, and graphic design. All students create original 2D & 3D artwork using a wide variety of media, techniques, and other materials. Students have the opportunity to present and discuss their work, discuss and constructively critique the artwork of their peers, teacher and famous artists, and discuss the art of other cultures and how culture and art influence each other.
Art class for our primary school and lower elementary grades gives students the opportunity to experiment, express themselves, make mistakes, make decisions, and problem solve. We strive to inspire them to pursue challenges and not give up, as well as to value differences in themselves and others.
Art class for our upper elementary grades continues building self-expression, creative thinking, and problem solving, while providing students with a foundation in art history and art making. Students strengthen their understanding of the elements and principles of art and design through a wide variety of media and studies of the masters.
Art class for our middle school grades further strengthens students’ foundation in art history and art making with a focus on conceptual development, understanding the historical context of art, methods of presentation and critique, more advanced art production, arts vocabulary, and professions in the arts.
Students will have the opportunity to narrow their focus and delve deep into the areas that most interest them. Students have the option to take any of four AP level elective arts courses: Art History, Studio Art 2D Design, Studio Art 3D Design, & Studio Art Drawing.
AP Art course descriptions from The College Board:
– The AP Art History course explores such topics as the nature of art, its uses, its meanings, art making, and responses to art. Through investigation of diverse artistic traditions of cultures from prehistory to the present, the course fosters in-depth and holistic understanding of the history of art from a global perspective. Students learn and apply skills of visual, contextual, and comparative analysis to engage with a variety of art forms, constructing understanding of individual works and interconnections or art making processes and products throughout history.
-AP Studio Art [2D Design, 3D Design, Drawing] is designed for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art. AP Studio Art is not based on a written exam; instead, students submit portfolios for evaluation at the end of the school year. The AP Studio Art Program consists of three portfolios – 2-D Design, 3-D Design, and Drawing – corresponding to common college foundation courses.