Art

The art curriculum combines hands-on studio practice with exposure to art history and appreciation. Each lesson is designed to meet the standards set by the California Framework for the Visual and Performing Arts, while exposing students to new creative processes and techniques. Students learn to use the visual language to express themselves with emphasis on self-direction, problem-solving, independent invention, and individual creativity. The ultimate goal of the program is that each student gains confidence in her own unique creative expression, thus seeing herself as an artist.

All students keep a sketchbook in which they do quick-draw and quick-write exercises, designed to enhance their drawing skills and understanding of art.

Projects are sent home at the end of the trimester, while some are kept in the studio for display during the Arts Festival on May 28th. Students study art once a week: kindergarten for 55 minutes, first through fourth grades for 80 minutes.

Content Focus by Grade Level
At each grade level, students develop their artistic vocabulary by perceiving, analyzing, and responding to works from diverse cultures and time periods. They also learn to articulate the meaning behind their own creations.

Kindergarten
Introduction to the elements of art (line, color, shape, pattern, texture, and size) through various pre-planned and emergent projects. Experimenting with different materials and techniques such as cutting, gluing, collage making, clay modeling, drawing, and painting.

First Grade
Continuing the study of the elements of art. Mixing secondary colors from primary colors. Creating representational art based on people, animals, and objects. Continuing to develop process skills such as cutting, gluing, collage making, clay modeling, drawing, and painting.

Second Grade
Exploring masks as a theme by utilizing a variety of styles and media. Experimenting with moods created by warm and cool colors. Exploring abstract art by focusing on shapes and patterns. Continuing to develop process skills such as cutting, gluing, collage making, clay modeling, drawing, and painting.

Third Grade
Working with symbolism and narrative as a theme. Mixing and applying paint, creating tints and shades. Examining artwork using different tools and media. Painting and drawing landscapes or cityscapes showing the illusion of space.

Fourth Grade
Exploring portraits as a theme by utilizing a variety of styles and media. Working on figure and facial proportion. Using positive and negative space. Using contrast colors expressively. Constructing large scale sculptures.