The goals in art
education are: to foster the tremendous gift each child has within; to develop
the ability of self-expression and communication through the use of the visual
arts; to make decisions and choices; and to gain an appreciation of the
aesthetic properties of art created by other artists and cultures.
The art program is
developmental. Projects are accumulated
throughout the year and saved in a student made portfolio. Lessons are reintroduced each year, varying
the subject and artists studied. There
are varying levels of difficulty with each grade depending on the maturity and
readiness of the class.
The art program
consists of three major study areas: Appreciating
the Visual Arts, The Elements of Art, and The Principles of Design. These are taught in relationship to the Language of Art, Art Criticism, Aesthetic
Judgment, Art History and Art Production.
In order to
appreciate the visual arts, one needs to know the language of art. The
Language of Art consists of the elements and principles of design and the
media used. Instruction on the art elements includes lessons on line, shape,
texture, shape, form, space and color. Instruction on the principles of design
includes lessons on rhythm, movement, balance, proportion, variety, emphasis and
unity. It is through mastery and experimentation with the Language of Art that students learn to share their unique voice through
the visual arts.
Art Criticism and aesthetic judgment consists of discussing subject and content. The students learn to distinguish between
various subjects such as still life, landscape, portraits and
abstractions. The content of a piece is
discussed in terms of what ideas or moods the work conjures up due to elements
of art and principles of design. The meaning of events and ideas from different
cultures and periods are also discussed to introduce art history into the
learning process. The students do
written critiques at the end of the school year during the art fair. They discuss works in relationship to
production projects during the year.
Art Production is an important part of St. Clare’s art
program and is meant to be enjoyed.
While working on a project, students are given choices in appropriate
areas to encourage originality. Technique
and media proficiency, such as the use of materials is meant to be experiential
and skill will improve over the eight years.
Both craftsmanship and artistic expression are praised. Works are signed, titled when appropriate,
and mounted to be displayed around the school.
Most activities are introduced through sequential steps, which might
include a slide show of a major artist or time period and instruction on art
elements. Students are encouraged to
make discoveries. Time is available for
them to analyze problems and make practice sketches. Several attempts at solutions are encouraged
as is discovering and using one’s own voice to communicate through the visual
arts. . As mentioned above there is an
annual Art Fair where everyone has several successful works on display.