K-12 Overview of Visual Arts Program

 

 

“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science.” –Albert Einstein

“Imagination is more important than knowledge…”- Albert Einstein

People seem to forget, art influences everyday life around the world. We live in a world dominated by visual images. Everyday objects have been designed by artists to make their lives easier and more aesthetically appeasing. Whether it is walking into a building (designed by an architect), choosing a vehicle to purchase (industrial engineer) or choosing a laundry detergent (graphic designer)…your life has been influenced and improved by artists.

The development of students to recognize and solve problems leads to the acquisition of higher-order thinking skills. Visual arts education provides a nurturing and expressive area for these necessary skills to be acquired for success in life. Through imagination, we look for the solutions to everyday and world problems. Students through visual arts develop a positive self- image by finding strength in self- expression and are provided an opportunity for constructive divergent thinking. Advances in the sciences, mathematics and technology fields depend upon divergent thinking, which is developed through the visual arts. Due to higher standards in other core areas and stronger documentation through state exams, time for divergent thinking in those courses has become more limited.  The arts reinforce information taught in the other areas. We then take it forward by applying it to creative problem solving.

Our program encourages students to work toward comprehension from the lower grades for deeper and more thorough work each succeeding year. Therefore, students through the arts mature by learning and gratification through their accomplishments. Every project includes its own skills, knowledge, and techniques. Students are provided a means of communication through modes of thoughts and actions in a positive outlet.

The elementary level offers a foundation and investigative experience for the students by introducing and employing the elements and principles of art. It enhances the child’s urge to discover, create and acquire knowledge on his or her own level of understanding. By enhancing their natural level of curiosity, students have a stronger appreciation to learn.

Works produced at the middle school level are taken from the characterization phase to the realism phase of development by applying the elements and principles. Developmentally, students have become more aware of themselves as a member of a society. They are laying the groundwork for the ability to work positively in groups. Students’ vast physical and emotional growth discrepancies during this developmental period create a need for a positive outlet. Our program provides a means to formulate and give tangible expression to their thoughts and emotions.

The high school level permits students to delve into the intricacies of art.   The program is a valuable means of focusing energies into creative problem solving. The general studio art class provides students a chance for a deeper level of comprehension of the elements and principles. Student’s abilities are developed to encourage them to develop their own artistic style. The Drawing and Painting Class continues to develop a foundation in the skills of drawing and painting through problem solving, cognitive thought and a form of personal expression.. Advanced Drawing and Painting provides students focused time on self -discovery through advanced concentrated study. The Portfolio Class provides an opportunity to master the application of the elements and principles for self-expression in a more self-regulating environment. Students may pursue their interest in 3 Dimensional studies through Ceramics. Students focus in on additive and subtractive methods through exploration in a variety of mediums. Digital Art and Photography classes apply advanced technologies to student expression and application of the elements and principles of art. They are being active makers of visual culture as opposed to passive viewers.

Every indicator needs time for focused sequential study, application, and contemplation. Students will be able to master a variety of materials suitable for their own developmental stage. Students need to progress beyond the basic contact to the arts to the development of higher level acquisition and contemplation through creating, critiquing, exposure and communication. Our program encourages the development of both “imagination and knowledge”.