Village students learn to enhance their visual communication skills by applying visual arts theory throughout their educational experience. We want our students to think in terms of images, as well as sound, and to be capable of expressing themselves in every way possible. In addition, we endeavor to help students learn to appreciate the work of others, igniting a lifelong interest in art, and leading them to embrace those experiences that can bring beauty and meaning into their lives.
Visual Arts for Grades K–4
Our focus in art class at the Elementary level revolves primarily around learning to enjoy, appreciate, and create art. We look at different styles, cultures, and periods of art, as well as create our own “masterpieces” inspired by the elements, early principles, and foundations of art. Students also gain inspiration from the great artists. Each K–4 student has art class once per week for 45 minutes.
Visual Arts in Middle School
Art classes within Middle School expand on the foundations formed in Elementary art class. Students understand and apply their skills in the visual arts in an exploratory manner, expand their understanding and giving inspiration to their creative minds.
Through the Middle School Visual Arts Curriculum, students:
- Develop increasingly sophisticated creative strategies, skills, and habits through artistic practices.
- Apply design literacy to a wide variety of traditional and new media.
- Acquire increasing complex procedural knowledge, skills, and craftsmanship in art making while exploring an expanded range of media.
- Develop more sophisticated aesthetic judgment that supports the making and understanding of rich meaning in art.
- Explore a wide range of notions about the meaning and purpose of art.
- Form a broader knowledge and understanding of our rich and diverse historical and cultural heritage through art.
Visual Arts in High School
In The Village School Visual Arts Department in High School, students strive to master those foundational and expanded skills and theory they’ve worked on throughout their Middle School years. Students hone their creative ideas through personal practice, educator facilitation, and exposure to works from peers, teachers, and masters. Classes include Drawing and Composition, Foundations, Architectural Design, and Advanced Sculpture and Ceramics, and they are taught by faculty mentors who are professional educators and artists. Throughout the Visual Arts Department, we value the artistic process, engagement, and exploration.
At The Village School, art education is an important factor in developing a holistically well-rounded student. Art education is not only an essential part of learning but it also connects students to different cultures, develops aesthetic values, and activates critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are not developed in other subjects. It's a different way to think about the world, make your thinking visible, and express those thoughts.