“When we speak of Nature it is wrong to forget that we are ourselves a part of Nature. We ought to view ourselves with the same curiosity and openness with which we study a tree, the sky or a thought, because we too are linked to the entire universe.” Henri Matisse

 

Middle School art at Mount Vernon Presbyterian School follows a curriculum that is driven by the student's own experience, memory, observation, and/or imagination. In the creation of all art, the elements of design: line, shape, direction, size, texture, color, and value and principles of design: balance, gradation, repetition, contrast, harmony, dominance, and unity develop skill levels that compel students to take ownership of their ideas. Through teacher presentation, demonstration and application students will find art stimulating and motivating. Observational and nonobjective approaches to media are complemented with the understanding of art analysis through critique, aesthetics, richness of art history and multicultural heritage in art. Grading is accomplished through a comprehensive accumulation of points including credit for growth and improvement.