Student Life

Visual Arts

Elementary Visual Arts

The academic goal of the Art Department is to teach the students the importance of art in daily life.  We will teach the students the basic skills, elements, and principles of art through the study of master artists and the tools and techniques necessary to create works of art.

The spiritual goal of the Art Department is to help students see God as the first artist and how He has gifted them to create.  We will teach the students that as they use their creativity, they will grow closer to God and find their inspiration in Him.

Throughout the year the students experiment with different mediums in creating their art.  With each project there is an opportunity to learn about the principles and elements of art.  Students explore texture by weaving yarn, ribbon, paper and burlap, or even making their own paper.  They learn about perspective while drawing cities from an aerial view or by drawing themselves from a "ground up" view.  Students become familiar with techniques for shading by using oil pastel, chalk, and charcoal, and they do all of this while learning about the artists that perfected the particular techniques that we are using in class.  Having explored and created so many projects, the year culminates with students having their best work on display and being awarded ribbons for their efforts.

Secondary Visual Arts

The Visual Arts program at the Secondary campus continues to encourage, teach, and strengthen students. All students can create, and all students can succeed. God is a masterful artist and has given us different gifts to show His glory through our own wonderful creations!

Grading is not determined on "how good something is" but rather how diligently effort is displayed. At the end of every year, it is our hope that students will come away with something new they learned about the subject and about themselves.

List of 4 items.

  • Exploratory Art

    Exploratory Art introduces middle school students to the Elements of Art and Principles of Design-- the very foundation on what makes art... well, art! They explore through different media and different basic art techniques that are later built upon as they move through the Art program.
  • Art I

    Art I is an Art Survey Course. In this course, the students will employ a range of traditional and new art media to explore their own identity, aesthetics, art history and theory. This is a full year curriculum that covers the elements of art, principles of design, perception skills, drawing, painting and sculpture techniques.
  • Art II

    Art II builds upon all other skills learned in previous years. It's all about teaching students *how* to do things with drawing, painting, printmaking, and ceramics. Skills are taught and strengthened. Students are encouraged to explore beyond what they think they are capable of. Our top annual field trips include the Smithsonian Museums in Washington D.C. and a college visit to VCU!
  • Art III & IV

    Art III & IV is an Independent Study Course, with emphasis on portfolio development and Art Show presentation.