Studio Art
The goal of the studio art program at Fayerweather is for students to develop an
appreciation for art, visual expression and imaginative thought. Students explore
their own creative potential through a variety of media, techniques and materials,
including painting, drawing, sculpting, clay work, printmaking, mask making, pastels
and three-dimensional design. Some projects are integrated with classroom studies
and others are designed to encourage exploration and experimentation. All contribute
to an understanding of the world we live in: what we see, hear, feel and interpret.
PreK through Fourth Grade
In younger grades, students are introduced to various exploratory exercises to increase
their awareness of color, texture, energy and movement, composition, space, balance,
etc. They familiarize themselves with studio expectations and the use of basic materials.
Projects include working with watercolor, papier-mâché, oil pastels, collage and
clay, printmaking and masks.
In third and fourth grade, students are introduced to a variety of techniques using
familiar materials and are guided to develop more possibilities for artistic expressions.
Students are encouraged to take risks with materials and concepts. Individual ideas
are honored, and the students have a chance to work on independent projects. Masks,
clay work, collage, self-portraits and papier-mâché are some highlights.
Fifth through Eighth Grade
In older grades, students continue to explore various media in deeper and more personal
ways through artistic traditions around the world. Students learn about the use
of symbolism in art through intentional projects such as Mandala or Day of the Dead
altar making. Students in the seventh and eighth grades study art through an elective course and have the
opportunity to extensively study a narrower discipline such as sculpture, oil painting,
found objects assemblage or an integrated woodshop-art studio project.