Visual Arts

Visual Arts

Art in the Middle School is designed to foster the skills and dispositions necessary to creative thinking, encourage active problem-solving, and increase confidence in expressing original ideas. Students gain deeper knowledge of the elements and principles of art, learn to assimilate art historical information into their work, delve into personal expression, engage in collaboration, and gain experience in the conception, planning, and execution of multi-layered projects. Projects are designed to allow for maximum creative variability while advancing skills in particular media. The overriding goal is to maintain a high level of motivation and enthusiasm for all aspects of the creative process.

Art 5: Art Foundations 1.5 credits AY 5

Art 5 builds upon the skills and dispositions developed throughout their elementary school years. These students are familiar with most art materials and are ready to learn more sophisticated techniques and concepts such as metaphor and social significance in art, use art terms, and implement instructions and their own research to span an entire project. Art 5 teaches the elements of art through personal storytelling, play, and experimentation, as well as curriculum-related subject matter in Humanities and STEM. Students learn to use their expanding visual vocabulary in order to communicate their own stories and deepen their understanding of the life experiences of others through their art.

Art 6: Explorations in Media 1.5 credits AY 6

In Art 6, students experiment, invent, play, wonder, and create with a variety of media. Students learn the Studio Habits of Mind, which they practice with each project. One key area of skill focus is depicting space through perspective. Students become familiar with the artwork of different cultures through the Art Link cultural exchange program. Throughout the course, students exercise choice in materials and subject matter in both two and three dimensions.

Art 7: Collecting Ideas 1.5 credits AY 7

Art 7 develops skills in different media and allows students to explore the fundamental concepts of art. Through continued practice and experimentation in drawing, painting, collage, and sculpture, students gain insight into their imagination and achieve greater self-confidence in visual expression. Projects are research-based, allowing students to collect inspiration and information that will guide them through their creation process from inception to completion. Student work often includes an art history component as well as some written work relating to class content, vocabulary, and selfassessment.

Art 8: The Artist’s Story 1.5 credits AY 8

Art 8 prepares students for art classes in the Upper School. Students use a wide range of media, working toward age-appropriate mastery of basic skills and techniques and the fundamental concepts of art while developing the capacity to think creatively. Projects are more complex than in previous years, incorporating new as well as previously learned technical skills, and assimilating art history information into a personal expression of the style or period. Projects in this course are often multi-layered, incorporating different media and many stages from inception to completion. At the root of all projects is the artist’s unique story. Using the artist’s story as a source of inspiration and guidance, the middle school art experience culminates in a unique portfolio of work that is a true reflection of each student’s individuality.