The art experience in the middle school is designed to promote art appreciation and individual problem solving abilities in an atmosphere of acceptance. The course allows students of all abilities to achieve success through attitude, class participation, and class projects.

In 6th grade, students mainly continue the hands-on approach of the elementary, gaining familiarity with more art media. This year's theme will be Symbols in Art. Projects will include oil pastels, colored pencil designs, clay, and various paintings. Included in the six weeks of art will be tone day in the computer lab, looking at art sites on the web.

In 7th grade, students refine their use of media and start to explore their own unique style of self-expression with the theme of Color and Master Works. Color wheel study is emphasized and the works of the Masters are studied. Students will learn to intelligently discuss all types of art. Clay and collage work will also be part of the course, as well as the computer day mentioned in the 6th grade work.

In 8th grade, students are given even more opportunity for individual expression. The theme of the 8th grade program is Modern and Popular Art. Projects include papier-mâché, clay, cubism, geometric square paintings, colored pencil drawings and a digital photo print. One computer lab workshop is built into the rotation.

All classes have required assignments that must be turned in by the end of their rotation; these may be done in spare time in the art room or at home. These assignments include: 1) a news article about art, 2) a creative solution to a fish drawing, and 3) a creative sentence about what art means to the student. A packet was distributed to each student that should be turned in at the end of their rotation and is worth 10% of their grade.

Please contact me at school if there are any questions or concerns.