Visual Arts

WT’s visual arts program nurtures the capacity to make expressive forms. Students use elements of art to develop visual literacy by viewing the works of a particular artist, artistic period, or culture, and by using art as inspiration. Throughout the Middle School years, hands-on activities are supplemented with class discussions, presentations, visits form local artists, and visits to museums and galleries.

Sixth Grade Visual Art Deriving inspiration from master artists, sixth graders draw, paint, print, sculpt, and work in collage. Working alone and in groups, they develop both collaboration skills and the ability to express individual ideas. Recent sixth grade art assignments include:

• Pop Art Name Design
• Clay Character Bust Sculpture
• Ripped Paper Self-Portrait
• Blotted Line Monoprints (field trip to Warhol museum)
• Joan Miro-Inspired Experimental Painting Seventh Grade Visual Art

Seventh graders further their creative endeavors and create two- and three-dimensional work in a wide variety of media. Students draw, paint, print, and sculpt with plaster and clay, and derive inspiration from twentieth century artists, with particular emphasis on Andy Warhol and Pop Art. Recent seventh grade art assignments include:

• Composition with Name and Interests
• Impressionist Eye Drawing
• Keith Haring-Inspired Painting
• Larger Than Life Papier Mache Sculpture
• Personal Time Capsule (field trip to Warhol museum)
• Assemblage with Found Objects (field trip to Construction Junction)
• Miniature Sculpey Flower Sculpture
  

Eighth Grade Visual Art Eighth graders become more independent as they create two- and three- dimensional artwork in a variety of media such as: painting, drawing, sculpture, and assemblage. They explore personal interests through art; understand famous traditional and contemporary artists and masterworks; and take clay construction to the next level with more advanced hand-building techniques. Recent eighth grade art assignments include:

• Art History Timeline Painting
• Pointillism-Inspired Facial Feature Drawing
• Wayne Thiebaud-Inspired Cake Painting
• Group Screenprinting Experience (field trip to AIR)
• Chuck Close-Inspired Faculty Portrait
• Clay Teapot
• Repurposed Shoe Sculpture Artwork is reviewed and graded based on effort, composition, technique, craftsmanship, completing objectives, and presentation/participation