[visual arts]
The Visual Arts program at Boston Trinity Academy is designed to teach students about visual communication and to inspire them towards creation and innovation. We seek to provide an environment where the various disciplines of art, design, and history are examined. We believe it is essential for every student to understand culture and media through critical visual studies. We hope they will learn to enjoy the artistic process through frequent displays of their artwork and art shows in the school.
[courses]
The Elements of Art (Grade 6)
The Elements of Art introduces students to the foundations of visual arts both in studio and art history. Art criticism is learned by viewing prominent works of art while self expression is encouraged as students work in a variety of media. Students are introduced to foundational concepts such as 1-point perspective, color mixing, pattern, symbolism, texture, and form. Topics of study include drawing, color theory, two and three dimensional design, ceramics, and collage. Students will also study Henri Rousseau and Talousse-Loutrec, as well as Aborigine art, medieval heraldry, Asian landscapes, and Hopi pottery.
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Design and Imagination (Grade 7)
Design and Imagination builds on the foundational principles introduced in grade six. Students continue to consider perspective and apply it to an aerial image. All projects encourage creativity yet keep the emphasis on design and imagination. A wide scope of modern art is studied and abstract art serves as the inspiration for a musical collage project. Some of the media used are clay, collage, watercolor, ink, and charcoal. The final project is a two dimensional drawing of the exterior of Boston Trinity Academy.
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Art around the World (Grade 8)
Art around the World covers a wide range of media, technique, and style while introducing students to a wide variety of art. Subjects include urban landscapes, African masks, war collages, wilderness landscape painting, and printmaking. Relevance to world events and culture is emphasized. Students are encouraged to look to their own cultural background and worldview for inspiration as well. Pablo Picasso, M.C. Escher, indigenous art of Africa, Charles Sheeler, and Frederic E. Church are some of the artists studied.
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Identity and Pop Culture (Grade 9)
Identity and Pop Culture is designed to challenge students on their ideas and understanding of contemporary culture. Students are encouraged to engage in and critique the world of pop culture, and to address issues of gender, race, religion, social justice, and consumerism within a Biblical framework. Media topics include magazine collage, printmaking, pastel, and found objects. Andy Warhol, Frida Khalo, Frank Lloyd Wright, Mary Cassatt, and Diego Rivera are among the artists considered.
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Exploration of Materials (Grade 10)
Exploration of Materials emphasizes learning how to be creative while also using alternative materials such as found objects and recycled materials. The various projects are designed to help students broaden their approach to materials. In addition to traditional materials, fabric, wall and news paper, wire, glass, wood, and metals are used. Some artists studied are Howard Finster, Paul Gaugin, Henri Matisse, Mary McCleary, and Jackson Pollock.
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Exposure to Style (Grade 11)
Exposure to Style seeks to have students relate their own interests to a variety of media and styles. Fashion design is taught for one quarter and includes tee shirt painting, costume and celebrity design. Students create a printmaking project based on Celtic art that is a distinct and popular style found in art history. During the Harlem Renaissance, students consider the relevance of music, culture, and the visual arts. Students also study a wide variety of ceramic projects and create a vessel based on their chosen style.
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Self Expression (Grade 12)
Self Expression unifies the themes of prior study into a comprehensive expression of what the students have learned. Each quarter, there is an extensive project; bookmaking, nature vessels, copper symbols, and jewelry making. Students will draw upon their knowledge of art history, materials, and techniques to create dynamic expressive projects.
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