Visual Arts

The Village School provides opportunity for students to learn to enhance their visual communication skills through the application of 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 Grade 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 creative elements of art, early principles and foundations of Art, and inspiration from the great artists. Each K-4 student will have art class once per week for 45 minutes. 

Visual Arts in Middle School

Art classes within the middle school grades expand on the foundations formed in elementary art class. In Middle School understanding and applying skills in the visual arts in an exploratory manner consistent with the middle school philosophy will help the students to expand their applicable understanding and give inspiration to their creative minds.

Through the Middle School Visual Arts Curriculum, students: 

• Develop increasingly sophisticated creative strategies, skills, and habits of mind through artistic practices.
• Apply design literacy to a wide variety of traditional and new media.
• Acquire increasing complex procedural knowledge, skill 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 visual 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 work to master those foundational and expanded skills and theory they’ve worked with throughout their Elementary and Middle School years. Students strive to hone their creative ideas through personal practice, educator facilitation, and exposure to works from peers, teachers and masters. Classes will range from Drawing and Composition, Foundations, to Architectural Design and Advance sculpture and ceramics, and are taught by faculty mentors who are professional educators, and professional artists. Throughout the Visual Arts department, process is valued, focus is in balance to fun, engagement and exploration. 

At The Village School arts 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, as well as uses critical thinking and problem solving skills which are not developed in other subjects. It is also a different way to think about the world, and to make your thinking visible (™)  and a new way to express those thoughts.