Visual Arts

The primary goal of our elementary art curriculum is to introduce students to creative opportunities using a variety of media and techniques, challenging them to increase in skill as well as confidence. Students are taught aesthetic awareness, and encouraged to investigate their artistic potential. The study of art history and appreciation begins in the early grades as students learn who, how, why, when, and where a masterpiece was created. Art styles are explored from renaissance to impressionism, expressionism and pop art. Students learn about design, composition, color, line, contrast, shape and texture. It is a joy to see the God-given talent of our students and to be a part of stretching their imaginations and skill, focusing always on the creative majesty of God the Father.

In the junior high, students learn how to conquer deep paper space by exploring perspective drawing, diminishing size, and atmospheric perspective. Projects can include two and three dimensional models, reduction printing, and clay tile designs. Thoughout the middle years students are encouraged to explore various media while learning the basic elements and principles that guide artists.

High School Art

The visual arts curricula are designed to represent and reflect God’s creative power. We desire to use gifts and talents bestowed by Him for His pleasure and purposes. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Eph 2:10) “We believe beauty will result through the pursuit of God’s truth,” says Rosemary Parker, Department Head. “We teach art for faith’s sake”.

The Introduction to Visual Arts class is designed to offer students an overview of art through the ages with a concentration on selective periods and movements. Students will learn to identify significant works as they become familiar with the creative process and language of art. Beginning art classes introduce students to the elements and principles of art. Two and three dimensional works will be created in variety of media including acrylics, pastel, clay and fibers. There will be an emphasis on drawing and cultivating visual perception. Our advanced art classes challenge students drawing skills and sharpen their visual perception through the study of shape value, positive and negative space and use of color. Methods of painting are explored through still life observation, landscape and portraiture.