VISUAL ARTS

Art is a time exploration and wonder.  The curriculum is sequential.Classical art training is complemented with opportunity to create from imagination and explore problem solving creativity. The elements of art and principles of design are incorporated throughout the course studies. Art history and art appreciation are an integral part of the studies. Students are encouraged to make choices to communicate their thoughts, feelings and perceptions. Young artists are free to express individual God-given creativity while they learn the value of perseverance during the process of creating. An underlying desire of the art department is to provide a comprehensive art program which will cultivate personal development, a sense of joy and confidence as students create and share their artwork.

Kindergarten art is created daily as it is woven into the curriculum.  Each year in May, the Ks study famous artists of the Impressionist Period; the hallways appear to be real art museum. Young artists create individual and group pieces.  The finale to this unit is the K-Art Auction when their creations are displayed; K-docents walk amidst the artwork giving background information on Impressionist artists while parents and guests mingle.

Middle School Art is an elective and builds on the foundations taught in lower school art.  High School Art offers levels of training allowing students to become more self-directed. Art I, II, III and Art IV/AP Art are course offerings where students may study drawing, painting, ceramics, photography and graphic arts.  Art Fest is an annual art exhibit for all student artwork.  Student artwork is also entered into various contests, exhibits and students have even had their work published.

The visual arts are also active in outreach ministry.  Empty Bowls is an international program, last year the art department created hundreds of ceramic bowls and offered a soup lunch raising awareness of hunger in Haiti and funds to send to El Shaddai Ministries.  Middle School artists created canvas artworks with bible verses for Jackson Park Ministries.  High School artists under the direction of high school art teacher, Mr. Josh Barkey, painted murals on several orphanages during a mission trip to Haiti.