"The artist must not only train his eye but also his soul." Paul Klee

Art is an essential part of Integral Formation. Art enhances the intellectual, spiritual, human, and apostolic formation of each child. Exploring art awakens an innate call from the divine creator and invites a creative response. "Through his 'artistic creativity' man appears more than ever in the image of God."  John Paul II

The visual arts classes in grades K-12 provide opportunities for students to explore art production, art history, art appreciation, and art criticism in light of Catholic theology, and Christian tradition. At the heart of this creative exploration is the belief that God is love and that all of creation is a manifestation of God's love, including the gifts and talents bestowed on his creatures.

Students explore a variety of art mediums and processes as they develop and evaluate their ideas through the use of the design process.  Students learn and apply the elements and principles of art to personal works of art. These elements are like the "ingredients" for works of art; the basic visual symbols artists use to create beauty.  Elements are line, shape, form, color, value, space, and texture. The principles are the "recipes" for works of art; the way artists use the elements to create works of art. Principles are balance, movement, pattern, contrast, rhythm, variety, and unity. Students create works of art that teach concepts relating to these elements and principles.

Goals

• Develop an appreciation for truth, goodness, and beauty
• Worship our Creator by imitating his work of creation
• Develop an appreciation of visual art from a Christian perspective
• Learn the basic concepts of visual art and be able to describe artworks in terms of their elements and principles
• Cooperate with God's gifts to develop one's artistic talents to the fullest potential