Art

Two fifth grade boys work on art inspired by Alma Thomas

Step into our Lower School art specialist class, and you'll discover more than meets the eye. Kindergarten students might be shaping pinch pots from a ball of clay - developing their fine motor skills and discovering self expression through texture and form. First graders may be intently studying a mentor artwork, strengthening their observation skills. Fifth graders might be carefully crafting a piece of representational art, adding shadow and highlight to bring their work to life with depth and precision.

Our burgeoning artists draw, paint, sculpt, work with collage and mixed media. They have access to a wide variety of materials, including crayons, oil pastels, markers, tempera sticks, tempera and acrylic paints, clay, collage and fiber.

In the early years, students explore tools like paint brushes and mixing colors, while practicing simple compositions. By second grade, they are introduced to principles of art such as balance and movement. In fourth and fifth grade, students refine their artistic skills and explore more advanced techniques.

In addition to gaining art skills, students also explore what it means to be a beauty creator. They learn to recognize truth, goodness, and beauty in the world, and to see every person as an image bearer of God—full of honor and dignity. Through the creative process, they develop a growth mindset: learning from mistakes, valuing feedback, and improving through practice.

We teach students to be 'beauty creators' who can recognize truth, goodness, and beauty in the world. They also learn to see that each person, including themselves, is an image bearer and is created in the image of God.

Art in Action

In art class, students have access to diverse learning experiences that emphasize exploration of materials, process art over perfection and individual and collaborative work. Part of this learning includes learning about the lives of various artists and the importance of their work. Using the masterworks as inspiration, students create their own piece - modeling their work after the techniques used by the mentor artist.

Developing Artists

The art curriculum evolves from kindergarten to grade 5 to support student development by introducing art concepts, skills, and techniques, while fostering creativity, critical thinking, and emotional expression. All students learn to identify elements of art, and grades 2-5 are introduced to the principles of design in art.

Most importantly, students develop a love for art, when they are exposed to diverse artistic expressions and ways to celebrate creativity. The art program introduces students to the works of diverse artists and art movements, which helps them to have a greater understanding and appreciation of art.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten students learn to identify concepts like line and shape through drawing and painting. They learn how to use materials in a safe way and they get to explore basic art materials and techniques. Students learn how to use a paint brush and identify the primary colors. They also mold a pinch pot from a ball of clay. Kindergarten students practice fine motor skills, creativity and self-expression.

First Grade

First grade students build on their knowledge of the elements of art to have a better understanding of how to apply them in their art. Students learn to create a pattern by repeating lines, shapes, and colors. They practice using paintbrushes, mixing primary colors to create secondary colors, and creating simple compositions. They are encouraged to observe, problem solve, and think critically through art projects.

Second Grade

Second grade students expand on their artistic vocabulary and explore different media. They identify geometric and organic shapes, identify warm and cool colors and are introduced to principles of art, such as balance and movement. Second graders begin doing more sculpting with clay. They are encouraged to use their imagination and creativity, and learn to express their emotions through art.

Third Grade

Third grade students are developing their artistic skills and exploring different art styles. Students are introduced to more complex drawing techniques, like drawing from observation and drawing or painting expressive lines. They use lines to create a basic perspective and use lines to show emotions in art. Third grade students expand on their color theory by identifying complementary colors. Students learn how to use light and dark shading to make their drawings look 3D, and they also build a three-dimensional gnome home out of clay. They are introduced to art history and different art movements. Third graders are encouraged to develop independent thinking, artistic expression, and the ability to critique art.

Fourth & Fifth Grade

Fourth and fifth grade students are refining their artistic skills and exploring more advanced techniques. Students are learning how to use lines to create more detailed patterns and how to add lines to create movement in their art. They are identifying and using complementary colors in their art. Students are introduced to tertiary colors and they practice mixing these colors. Students are also learning how to add shadows and highlights in their artwork to create contrast. Fourth and fifth graders are introduced to more complex art history and art criticism. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, problem solving, and the ability to create original artwork.

Meet the Art Teacher

Emily Rust

Art Faculty

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