Visual Arts - The Oakwood School

The Visual Arts at Oakwood gives students a comprehensive 360-degree education in art including the history of art, the various mediums and the how-to applications for them to explore and express their own creativity often integrating topics from student core studies into the art studio projects. Students’ artwork is showcased throughout the school as well as in the community.

Lower School

Our Lower School art program recognizes and celebrates the various learning styles and cultural differences of our students. Students are instructed in the care and use of materials and tools in a safe, appropriate manner. Organizational skills are taught as students learn to take care of their individual workspaces. This includes knowing how and where to retrieve and return supplies from their appropriate places within the art room environment. Students are taught to use problem-solving skills by encouraging creativity.

Middle School

In Middle School art classes, students study and create works of art including collage, sculpture, portraits and landscapes based on different cultures and time periods, learning about famous artists and styles. Students in the Middle School Art Program use art making to encourage creative problem solving and self-expression. They use their sketchbooks to record, plan and problem-solve ideas for projects. Projects are integrated with the content of the core curricula at each grade level. Middle School Art students use their computers to research artists and art movements on the Internet, and the resulting information is used to inspire and enrich their art projects.

Studio Art (9-12)

This is a hands-on art course where each project is based on one or more of the Elements of Art (line, shape, form, color, texture, pattern, space) and Principles of Design. Students explore different art media of their choice, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, printmaking, and mixed media. Additionally, students will be exposed to art history, art gallery and museum etiquette, adopt creative studio practices, and develop skills based on project planning and art criticism. Students are graded on their level of effort and participation, planning, sketchbook/journal, class critiques, exploration and mastery of media and technique, and completion of projects in a timely manner. In Studio Art, students will connect deeper meaning and increase interest among their artworks through their understanding and usage of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design.

Art Exploration (8)

Art Exploration is a visual arts elective that encourages creativity and independence. Students will complete teacher-provided projects that focus on different materials and techniques and connect to the theme of the annual art show. They will also create "personal projects" throughout the year. "Personal projects" are works of art that are unified by a theme or concept of their choice. They can explore their chosen themes using any materials they like, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, or mixed media. With guidance from the teacher, students plan these projects each quarter and conduct both an artist's talk and group critique at the end of each semester. Art Exploration class is designed to help students grow as artists while also exploring what interests them most.