VISUAL ARTS

Grades 6-8

The art curriculum for grades 6-8 focuses on developing skills, craftsmanship, and the effective use of elements and principals of design.  Projects and exercises include two and three-dimensional work and a variety of media. 

Drawing, painting, printmaking, and hand-building techniques with clay and/or other materials are explored offering a wide variety of creative opportunities across the three year program. 

Regular specials classes for 6th and 7th grade are nine week sessions.  Eighth grade art is a full semester.  In addition to the "regular" rotation for grades 6-8, seventh and eighth graders may also have an opportunity to add an art enrichment class.  Unlike the specials classes, art enrichment will not be given a letter grade.

Homework is limited, however, it is an important element in art.  Time spent on art at home includes computer research and possibly extra work on final projects.  Internet image searches are commonly used to study art genres or particular artists’ styles and subject matter.  Following the observation step, students will be asked to think about what subject(s) they would like to use for their original composition.  The second step is to print photo references of those ideas to draw from in class.  Computer assignments are given two to three days in advance to allow for technology “surprises” like running out of printer ink or computer glitches the night before.  If there is not computer and/or printer access at home, students are encouraged to utilize the local library, find a friend to work with, or use a computer during, before, or after the school day (flash drive).  Color printing is always nice, but in most cases, not necessary.

Effective use of class time is also an important factor impacting student success.  While some work can be done at home, many projects require tools and materials that cannot leave the classroom.  To that end, students are asked to converse at a whisper level when appropriate to create “the zone,” a quiet environment that is conducive to concentrating and creating.  Teamwork is encouraged to make set-up/clean-up more efficient and allow for more “studio” time.

Being prepared with necessary supplies and an “I Can” attitude will also help insure success.