What is art for? Why do artists create? What does it mean to be creative?

The art studio is a space curated to ignite curiosity, critical and creative thinking/making, problem-solving, and risk-taking.  Ms. Olenka designs the space and units of exploration with the purpose and intention of allowing students to feel safe to be and reveal their authentic selves in all ways. This is a space where students begin to understand and tolerate ambiguity; we ask questions, struggle with answers, and look at the world through another’s lens.

All explorations in Visual Art from KG through 5 are framed around a big idea that serves as our inspiration and springboard to build upon through observation, interpretation, creation, and reflection. When possible, explorations are connected to grade level PYP central ideas and lines of inquiry. Currently, grade 4 is developing composite animal self-portraits that highlight each student’s strengths, areas for growth, and traits. The animals chosen are native of countries they feel connected with.

Process is core and foundational to what we do in the studio. Every student has their own sketchbook that is used regularly to brainstorm, experiment, plan, and sketch out ideas for larger projects. Students are taught that context is so important within our studies - Whether it is a fourth grader learning about the  Mukenga mask of the Kuba people from the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of their PYP line of inquiry or first and second graders learning about the fantastical buildings of Austrian architect and artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser - students are exposed to the idea that art is relevant and important to where someone is from. Students are taught that for many cultures around the world, art is an integral part of their lives.

Under the umbrella of these central ideas, students are given opportunities to strengthen their fine/gross motor skills and dexterity. Ms. Olenka often likes to share the metaphor of cooking and baking when we discuss the Elements of Art (the ingredients) and the Principles of Design (the recipe/arrangement).  As creators, whether we are conscious of it, we are always making decisions about “the ingredients' 'we used to develop our compositions.  Each grade level is taught and experiments with myriad media including printmaking, painting, sculpture, mixed media, and more where we apply the knowledge we’ve gleaned about the Elements of Art and Principles of Design to help support what we are attempting to communicate visually. While an exploration might culminate into a tangible product, the work that unfolds in the art studio is ongoing and layered, often building on concepts previously explored.