Visual Art education in Greenville County Schools begins in Kindergarten. Students in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade attend weekly art classes, taught by certified visual art teachers. Elementary Art engages students in hands on creation, exposure, and response to visual art and artistic expression. Aligned with SC Visual Art Standards, the elementary visual arts program allows our youngest students to become more aware of the role of the arts in the world around them. During their time in elementary school, our students will develop a foundational understanding of a variety of art forms and techniques, including painting, drawing, printmaking, weaving, 3-dimensional construction, design, ceramics/clay and more. Students are introduced to art history through the study of a variety of artworks and experience different cultures through the study of those cultures’ visual art forms. In elementary art, students begin to build and develop a vital relationship to the arts. Through their experiences, they learn to express their own creativity, communicate in their own, unique way, expand visual perception, and develop skills needed for future success.
Elementary students and teachers share their art in shows throughout the school year in their school and community. Each year, all Greenville County elementary schools are invited to participate in an annual district-wide Art Show. This event features over 100 pieces of artwork, highlighting outstanding two and three dimensional work from around our district.
All students in grades 6th-8th will be exposed to a variety of art forms that will include the foundations of drawing, painting, photography and sculpture. We will also learn about art from different cultures and through different periods of history. Projects will often be inspired by specific artists from historical periods, as well as contemporary artists.
As students progress through the visual art program the content will scaffold and build on prior knowledge. Students will gain an understanding of how the elements of art serve as tools that provide a foundation for the principles of design and their interconnections. Projects are always presented from an arts integrated lens and will look for ways to connect to other content.
In sixth grade, students review the elements and principles of design through the exploration of many mediums. Many cultural connections are made through learning about the history and styles of various art forms.
In seventh grade, students work towards a more thorough investigation and understanding of various mediums. Students will use the elements and principles of design with more purpose. Students are encouraged to problem solve and think more critically about their artwork.
In eighth grade, students take more risks with finding their voice within their art. Many mediums are explored at one time to create greater depth within their work.
Greenville County Schools Middle School Exit Guidelines
Students will:Demonstrate art knowledge with proficiency and practice of the Elements and Principles of Design in relation to art history, world culture, and visual literacy as embedded into studio projects.
Have Proficient drawing skills in:
Drawing from Observation
Measuring
Perspective
Facial Proportion
Figure Proportion
Idea development through sketches
Have Working knowledge of color as it relates to the color wheel
Intermediate
Tertiary
Complementary
Tints
Shades
Tones
Color Families (Analogous, Monochromatic)
Have an in depth active working knowledge of more advanced materials and processes
Acrylic painting
Drawing materials (ebony pencils, charcoal, drawing pencils, compass)
Sculpture (3-D art forms such as relief, cardboard sculpture, additive, and subtractive)
Printmaking (monoprints, linoleum, collographs, or gelli)
Sketchbooks (thumbnails, bellwork, developing ideas)
Be exposed to a variety of analytical critique forums-
Peer
Class
Oral
Self and written critique process
Artist statement
**The following units may be taught out of the order listed.**
Unit 1
21st Century Art and Design Studio: Artist as Thinker
Unit 2
The World Around Us: Artist as Observer
Unit 3
Visual and Design Literacy: Artist as Communicator
Unit 4
Design Challenge: Artist as Problem Solver
Unit 5
Form Follows Function: Artist as Builder
Unit 6
Perspective and Proportion: Artist as Mathematician
Unit 7
Community and Careers: Artist as a Member of the Community
Unit 8
Portfolio and Presentation: Artist as Artist