CCSD ART with Ms. Smith

It is my honor to be part of the extraordinary staff at Custer County Schools. This is my 22nd year teaching K-12 Art in the district. I am a graduate from Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. Upon graduating, I substituted for a year in the Hays School District with most of my assignments in the area of art. I feel this was a rewarding experience as I was able to gain valuable information and ideas from several of the top art teachers in Kansas.

Art and teaching have always been a passion of mine and I could not find a better way to do both than to combine the two and teach art. My experience in the arts is varied with a major in ceramics and a minor in graphic design and a love to do anything in between. My goal is to engage the students in all areas of art, including the four components that meet the National Standards for Visual Arts: art production, art criticism, art history, and aesthetics. These standards are set forth so that each student can gain the most out of his or her art education experience and develop a great appreciation for the arts.

The visual arts program offers students comprehensive art experiences with detailed explorations in the classics such as painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, graphic design, and crafts. In addition to gaining confidence and proficiency working with a variety of mediums, students will learn about the history, analysis, and interpretation of art.

The arts are a very important area in the total curriculum. The following components explain the vitality of the arts:

• Art is an essential part of the common core of knowledge;
• Art develops aesthetic perception through multisensory experiences;
• Art enables students to express their own creativity and to experience satisfaction, accomplishment, and joy;
• Art connects students to their heritage and culture;
• Art develops aesthetic values and provides criteria for making informed judgments;
• Art develops mental skills that are not developed by other disciplines.

“One can compare art education to the solid foundation for a house – once it’s built properly, it will hold any shape or form you will place on it.” – Igor Babailov