Through rich and varied choice-based art classes, students develop visual literacy skills that are unique to learning in the arts. Studio Habits of Mind are practiced throughout the art making process. Students are encouraged to think innovatively, ask questions of themselves and others, and make meaning from their artistic experiences. Learning in the arts engages the hand, the heart, and the mind, while also making connections to the greater world. Whether sculpting with clay, drawing with charcoal, or producing an animated film, students are encouraged to articulate and solve problems in multiple ways. The capacity to create and express ourselves through the arts is one of the central qualities that make us human. I believe my students become fully educated when they are literate in the arts.

I expect all students to come to art prepared to: (Studio Habits of Mind in parenthesis)

• Ask and answer questions (reflect/stretch & explore)

• Explore and learn to effectively manipulate materials (develop craft)

• Push themselves out of their comfort zone (stretch & explore)

• Create work that says something about themselves and the world around them (express/understand community)

• Learn to think and look as an artist (envision/observe)

• Understand that being creative does not come easy or quickly (engage & persist)

To effectively participate in art students should:

• Listen carefully

• Use supplies appropriately

• Be courteous and responsible

• Everyone cleans up until the job is done

• Have fun!