Visual Arts

The Lower School Visual Arts course aims to promote art as a meaningful and enjoyable activity that allows for exploration, experimentation, and personal expression. Our objectives are to encourage imagination and creativity to establish critical thinking, invention, problem solving, and innovation. While the course covers drawing, painting, sculpture, and crafts, emphasis is on the development of practical drawing skills that may translate into a valued asset later on in professional and personal life. As young artists, the children are encouraged to focus on the process of creating and collaborating, not on the success or failure of an end product. Students will also be exposed to artists, movements, and art history to inform their understanding and appreciation for the Visual Arts.

The visual art program at Adda Clevenger for upper school students begins with a strong drawing foundation. Students increase their observational skill and ability to draw accurately by practicing drawing methods aligned with the Elements of Art: Line, Shape, Space, Value, Form, Color, and Texture. Students create artwork using a variety of materials and methods including graphite, charcoal, pastel, paint, printmaking, ink, and sculpture. They learn in-depth color theory and painting technique. Students improve their visual fluency and knowledge of art terminology and history and are challenged to consider for themselves what makes a successful piece of artwork based on the Principles of Design: balance, unity, harmony, contrast, emphasis, value, movement, etc. The goal of the program is for students to gain visual competence and confidence while practicing habits of mind such as risk-taking, perseverance, creative problem-solving, and personal expression.