The Visual Arts Department involves students in a variety of open-ended, visual experiences, leading them to a love of art and an appreciation of their own efforts and the efforts of others. At the same time, the artists/teachers help students develop the ability to communicate their personal ideas and feelings through studio processes employing art vocabulary, techniques, skills development and expression; appropriate critique methods; historical and cultural context; and aesthetic experiences.

This program affords students frequent opportunities for imaginative and personal creative problem solving, as well as sound technical applications. In addition, the ever evolving, regenerating curriculum enables students, as individuals with diverse learning styles, to become aesthetically perceptive and intuitively sensitive to the inner and outer visual environment through an involvement that engages their minds and their senses. As artists, our teachers provide a safe, stimulating environment which encourages risk taking, thus allowing artistic growth to flourish.

Our goal in lower school art is to foster children’s creativity through problem solving, skill development, and the exploration of a variety of materials. Art history is introduced, and projects may be linked to what is being taught in the classroom.

A broad spectrum of projects enable students to become more aware of their environment, to express themselves visually with more confidence, and to develop into flexible and creative human beings. Periodic art discussions enhance students’ reasoning powers and critical thinking. Sketchbook work provides students with accurate records of their visual development through the years.