The Lower School art program includes Pre-Kindergarten through Fifth Grade students. It operates on the premise that children have an abundance of creative ideas and love to learn about and manipulate a vast array of media and materials. The program endeavors to bring these two elements together in a way that results in a rich mixture of experimentation, learning, and self-expression. Topics in art are integrated into the curriculum at each grade level.

First and Second Graders build on a platform of skill and knowledge and become involved with specific techniques. Emphasis is placed on understanding simple elements of design (line, form, color, texture, symmetry, etc.) Experimentation and expression are emphasized, and creative problem solving is encouraged.

The Third and Fourth Grades are years of experimentation. We use a wide variety of media applying them to various themes. We start by drawing faces, including our own self-portraits. We then work along that theme in other media such as clay, water colors, and pastels. In Fourth Grade we work on family crests, developing symbols. Creative problem solving is encouraged. Famous artists are referred to and examples of their work are shown.

Fifth Graders have a broad, working knowledge of many materials and techniques. They have a confidence in their own self-expression and ability level that enables us to explore some fascinating techniques and art history. In-depth study of specific media is possible. We also focus on famous artists, from Leonardo da Vinci to Picasso. Students study the artists’ lives and the artwork they have created. Students then make artwork “in the style of” these famous artists.

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