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Visual Arts

Learn skills for self-expression and creativity; develop critical thinking and empathy to interpret the world in new ways to inspire and inform others.

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Guiding Principles:

  • CREATING. Conceiving and developing new artistic ideas and work
  • PERFORMING. Realizing artistic ideas and work through interpretation and presentation
  • PRESENTING. Interpreting and sharing artistic work
  • PRODUCING. Realizing and presenting artistic ideas and work
  • RESPONDING. Understanding and evaluating how the arts convey meaning
  • CONNECTING. Relating artistic ideas and work with personal meaning and external context

Visual Arts

The Visual Arts curriculum exposes students to different opportunities to explore, create, and problem-solve. With a mastery of skills, and knowledge of fundamentals, techniques, and materials, students can transform self-expression and ideas that can be applied to the outside world. Students will have the opportunity to work independently, collaboratively and integrate with other subjects. The variety of art skills, techniques, and materials taught will build a foundation for innovation, allow students to explore what it means to be an artist, find an artistic path, and develop a lifelong love of art.

MIDDLE SCHOOL VISUAL ARTS

Visual Arts 7

Expands upon basic terminology and skills using the elements and principles of design. It develops intuitive and creative thinking with continued exploration of basic art media and techniques in drawing, painting, graphic design, collage, printmaking, sculpture and digital arts.

Visual Arts 8

Innovators will practice developing their technical skills through sketching, drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and digital arts techniques. By manipulating art materials, innovators incorporate their personal experiences, ideas, and feelings into art projects. We will look at artists’ work from multiple disciplines and eras to understand how they influence art throughout history.

UPPER SCHOOL VISUAL ARTS

Visual Arts 1

Offers students a semester of art skill-building techniques to spark the creative and innovative process. Innovators learn how to generate original ideas, gather references, create preliminary drawings, and play with experimentation. Students will learn various art skills, types of composition, the Principles of Design, and how they organize the Elements of Art. The artwork developed will be made by the execution of design using traditional 2D & 3D materials, as well as digital mixed media applications.

Visual Arts 2

Students learn about visual composition through the lens of Human Centered Design. During the first half of the year, students build on their art foundation skills and materials. Drawing techniques, painting, sculpture, and digital art are integrated through the learning process. In the second half of the year, students apply those skills to an independent investigation project. The focus of this course is primarily to empower students to create a body of work and build confidence with artistic development. Innovators hone their knowledge and art skills through design, experimentation, and trusting their vision. Students are encouraged to follow their passions and grow as artists through an honest critique of their work.

Visual Arts 3

Students explore their passions with skill development in design, fine arts, or digital arts. They investigate and create a passion project that communicates their interests and ideas. This course gives the opportunity to dive deep into an artistic interest that explores and develops ways of expression, problem-solving, skills, and application of ideas in a meaningful way. Students’ knowledge and appreciation of art grow by integrating cultural art and design practices as well as encouraging student voice and choice.

Visual Arts 4

Directs students to create meaningful art that can be applied to the outside world. Different art concentrations, such as sculpture, 2D, 3D, and Digital Design, work together to create art around social impact and to inspire change. Students learn to think critically about culture, environment, and the impact of art in the community. Self-expression, impact, and a variety of materials will be used to support portfolio development and a final gallery experience.

Scope & Sequence

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Courses
Visual Arts 7
Visual Arts 8
Visual Arts 1
Visual Arts 2
Visual Arts 3
Visual Arts 4

Color Palettes

Introduction to Lines and Color

Color Theory

What is Art

The Purpose of Art

Integration of Art

Principles of Design

Visual Representation and Illustration

Grids and Layout

Observation Sketching

Observation Art

Art Connections

Introduction to Printmaking

Printmaking Foundations

Typography

Application of Art Materials

Development of Art Materials

Art Materials Investigation

Animation Storytelling

Visual Storytelling Techniques

Visual Communication

Art Genres

Global Art

The Impact of Art

Introduction to Drawing Skills

Foundational Drawing Skills

Drawing Techniques

Artistic Expression

Immersive Art

Artistic Aesthetics

Introduction to Photoshop

Portraits

Photoshop & InDesign

Initial Portfolio Creation

Portfolio Review

Final Portfolio

3D Project

3D Project

3D Project

3D Project

3D Project

3D Project

"Art allows you to make others see what only you imagine."
Erin Grocki, Visual Arts Teacher

START YOUR JOURNEY

Whether you're seeking more information about our grade 7-12 academy program, summer programs, or have any questions at all, this is the right place to start. Please take a few minutes to fill out this form, and our dedicated team will get back to you as soon as possible.