Class Info

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Incremental introduction and reinforcement of the elements of art (line, shape/form, value, color, texture, and space) and the principles of design (emphasis, balance, rhythm, movement, harmony/variety, and unity) through a variety of 2- and 3-dimensional projects;

Art appreciation: acquainting students with the work of a variety of artists, modern as well as historical;

Learning to evaluate one's personal art work, as well as the work of professional and historical artists;

Incorporating principles of our Catholic faith into art lessons and sharing the important role of art in the history of the Catholic Church.

THE YEAR

8th grade art students focus on the art of Georgia O'Keeffe and contem-poraries, and on Southwestern motifs. Students are prepared for the art component of the Taos field trip by studying O'Keeffe and previewing the sketching sites they'll be visiting.

Second through seventh grade art students continue to work with a variety of techniques and media as they continue to learn about the elements and principles of art/design.

Kinder and first grade operate independently, learning the basics of line, shape, color, and texture.

DISPLAYS-RETURNING ART WORK

Each student has a brown portfolio in the art room in which his/her art work is stored throughout the year. Portfolios are sent home at the end of the school year. However, I do keep the last project of the school year, to display the following August.

Each month several students are recognized for exceptional art work, as Artists of the Month. Their work is displayed in the main entrance display case. I also save several pieces of art at the end of the year for our revolving Upper School Art Gallery. These pieces will be displayed in the upper school hallways during the 2012-2013 school year and can be retrieved in May, 2013.

GRADING POLICY

A student's art grade is based more on effort than talent, so even average artists can get good grades if they put in consistent effort. All students have one 45 minute art class per week. Projects can easily take 5 classes or more. To fill the gap, each student receives a "daily" grade based on attitude, effort, and completing the day's objectives. This grade is averaged in with art project grades. Parents can track grades online.