The passion, spirit and celebration of why we create will be taught in art class. Students will explore the surprise in making art that can’t be rehearsed. Each class will start by drawing in sketchbooks as we capture the student’s life through his or her art.
Students will hear stories about life experiences, artists and philosophy. Students will learn how to be initiators instead of reactors. They will also learn technique, history and aesthetic considerations. Students will learn about contemporary issues during the process of developing their own personal and artistic identity.

Together we will build their confidence and realize the student's creative identity.

Year 1 Fine Art

Students in the first year program will be encouraged to use their own creativity and self-expression to learn and apply basic art skills to create various works of art. They will explore common art concepts such as the color wheel, pattern in art, the use of space and depth, water colors, and multiple textures. A wide variety of materials will be used in this course including: paint, wood, paper, metal and the use of various tools designed specifically for artists.

The students will view works of art and discuss how they were created and what the artist was trying to accomplish in the work. They will explore and experiment with art materials, will view demonstrations, learn about various artists and their contributions to society. The students will have many opportunities to work in cooperative groups and learn through projects and games. Some artists that will be discussed include: Davis Smith, Jackson Pollock, Laurie Simmons, Louise Simmons, and Frank Stella.

The first year art program will be a fun learning experience with many of the activities coordinated with units of study from the classroom.

Years 2-6 Fine Art

Each year of the art program is designed to allow students to learn new and exciting experiences that build upon the basic foundations from the previous year. Art work will become more complex and mature as the students use their creativity and self-expression to create work that develops their artistic skills. Studies of various artists will continue, with more in-depth discussion of the artists work and intent.

The method of instruction will be demonstrations, looking at various art work with discussion, projects, games, and artist studies.

Students in year two and three will experience major concepts such as line and color pattern, sculpture, drawing printmaking, pen and ink and mobiles. They will learn about artists such as Frank Stella, Jasper Johns, Louise Nevelson, Karen Haring, Andy Warhol, David Smith, Alexander Calder, Robert Motherwell, David Byrne, Keith Haring, and Edward Hopper.

Students in years four-six will expand on their artistic skills and enter into new areas such as two and three dimensional compositions, color theory, performance art, sculpture, conceptual art, linear drawings, figure drawing, wire figures, art happenings, and collage.

The methods of instruction will include student and teacher demonstrations, experimentation and discussion, and an emphasis on key concepts. As students progress through the curriculum they will focus on many of the basics of drawing, painting, and sculpture. They will relate measurement to art, place emphasis on aesthetic judgment and communication, learn organizational principles, expression and appreciate art as expressed in various cultures , and especially gain an appreciation for their own artwork.

The wide variety of artists studied continues with such notable artists as : Katsuhiko Hibino, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Frank Stella, Larry Rivers, Barbara Kruger, Jasper Johns, Christo, Chris Burden, and several others.