The Lower School Art Program emphasizes varied artistic methods and techniques to foster student creativity and visual literacy.
Students gain self-esteem as they transform ideas into personal visual expressions. They also become visual learners, with heightened awareness of the world around them. The art program also provides students with an outlet for artistic and emotional expression, so necessary for balance and joy in the lives of children.
Curriculum
- Through the use of art media, students learn about the elements and principles of design, styles of art, and cultural art forms. Students practice various modes of expression based on both observation and imagination.
- Classes include drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media.
- Students participate in the Art Adventure Program; yearly “Torch” cover design contest; a biennial art exhibition; and interdisciplinary units within the classroom, as special opportunities, and as mini-courses.
- SPA provides students with individual sketchbooks and digital portfolios of their work.
- Visiting artists interact with students through the Artist-in-the-School program.
- In kindergarten, formal art instruction takes place within the classroom.
Art Program Goals – Grades K–5
- Allow for in-depth experience.
- Create a balance between process and product.
- Provide opportunities for short-term, long-term, and cooperative work.
- Allow for “mistakes” as well as “successes.”
- Provide clear guidance while allowing for personal choice.
- Encourage students to develop their ideas and work at a comfortable pace.
- Provide opportunities for learning through a variety of art approaches.
- Give the student a positive mental and physical memory – one with which to build future art making and a lifelong appreciation of the visual world.
Essential Questions – Grades K–5
- What do artists do?
- Where do artists get ideas?
- How does an artist transform an idea into a visual statement or product?
- What materials do artists use?
- How does an artist work with media to make art?
- What are the art forms of different cultures?
- What language do artists use to describe their art? (i.e., elements and principles of art)
- What are the different styles of art? (i.e.. representational, abstract)