Art

Students will encounter a multitude of art media that is appropriate for their developmental stage.  They will participate in the artistic process from an idea’s inception to creation, from reflection and critique to exhibition.  Through art making, students will be exposed to art history and the world, while making connections to their own world. My goal is to enhance our students’ art knowledge, nurture their creativity, and to provide an opportunity to explore individual expression. In addition to the academic skills of art, student learn patience, generosity, honesty, respect for themselves and others, selflessness, and humility. In my class, art will also build individual and team skills.

Through the elements of art and the principles of design, Pre-K, K, and Grades one and two, students will begin learning about color making and color theory, explore the variations of line, and connect to curriculum concepts they are learning in their regular classroom. Exploration in materials and techniques include painting with watercolor and tempera, drawing with oil and chalk pastels, learning about typographic elements, creating tissue collage, paper sculptures, action painting, abstract art, and bookbinding.

Students in grade three through five will continue to explore the same art elements as K through grade two but with further depth. Students will be learning about a variety of cultures and symbolism while creating art that is inspired by and stems from other cultures. Students will also connect to curriculum concepts they are learning in their regular classroom. Projects include a variety of multi-media assignments in addition to sumi-e painting, printmaking, cityscapes, Molas, Oaxaca animals, pop art, Pacific northwest Native American masks, bridge prints, and circular weaving.

In grades six through eight, students will learn about color theory and explore warm and cool colors, tints, shades, and neutrals while working with conventional and non-conventional art materials. Students will also be working with drawing techniques while learning about form and light source. Materials include acrylics and oils, liquid watercolor, gel and multi layer prints, batik and silk painting, a variety of drawing pencils, charcoal, and chalk pastels. Art methods will include collage, still life, observational drawing, sculpture, painting, and multi media techniques.

Art Literacy Program

The school art curriculum is also augmented by the parent-run Art Literacy program. Parent volunteers lead class lesson plans which introduce students to famous artists while expanding their vocabulary for art appreciation. Students then create art in the style of the artist and exhibit their work each spring.