Involvement in the field of fine arts is an important and essential element in the education of our students. Art classes promote an enjoyment of the creative process, which motivates children to develop skills, confidence in their own expressive capabilities and a lifelong appreciation of the arts.
East Woods' exuberant and adventurous Art program is evident throughout the school in the corridors and on the walls and the shelves in each classroom. In addition to integrating Art in the classrooms in the early grades, Art classes are attended by kindergartners through second graders twice a week; third through fifth graders meet once a week. Sixth through ninth graders have Art class five days per week in a six-week block.
The Studio Arts program offers classes in a studio setting where children are encouraged to create works through the introduction of art history and contemporary art. Children participate individually and collaboratively on projects and activities in painting, drawing, ceramics, collage, sculpture and print making. Art terminology is woven into each lesson and reinforced at its conclusion through Art Talk; a question and answer game in which students challenge their memory of new terms. Interdisciplinary projects throughout the year add another dimension to the art program that reinforces academic learning.
The Art Studio is an exciting and rewarding environment where students are encouraged to share their ideas and discoveries as they are exposed to diverse cultures, media, styles and means of expression. Slide presentations, videos, museum visits and occasional visits to art studios of professional artists enhance the quality of the program. Student art is exhibited on campus and outside in the larger community in both private and public schools throughout the school year. In this way, students are exposed to the full range of artistic life, which reinforces the importance and value of artistic expression and celebrates students’ creative capabilities.
The Art department’s goals for students are:
- to develop their creative thinking
- to learn the elements of style and art history by creating art
- to improve on visual perception and coordination with the use of tools and materials
- to see and appreciate beauty
- to become more aware of themselves and their environment
- to gain experience in solving problems
- to reinforce learning in academic areas
- to find satisfaction through their own creations