Art

Curriculum

The art curriculum for kindergarten through 8th grades at Our Lady of the Lake introduces students to the language of art by learning the Elements of Art - line, shape, form, color, texture, value, space and, the Principles of Design -  balance, pattern, movement, repetition, proportion, rhythm, emphasis, variety, unity, and contrast. These elements and principles are explored through a variety of art projects using different mediums and study of artists past and present from around the world.
 
Students also learn about the Studio Habits of Mind. The basic understanding of the habits helps student to focus on the processes of creative thinking. The 8 habits are: Develop craft, engage + persist, envision, observe, reflect, stretch + explore, and understand art worlds.
 
The students experiment with a wide range of materials to create drawings, paintings, sculpture and printmaking. The program goals are for students to understand that artists are thinkers and problem solvers who:
 
Respect - the uniqueness and creativity of themselves and others
Express - themselves through languages other than spoken or written
Understand - the contributions of the arts and artists to societies and cultures, past and present
Gain - a lasting appreciation of art forms experienced as participant and as an audience
Recognize - the many connections between the arts and their value
 
I believe every human has the capacity for artistic creativity and my work with students will be to encourage and support their individual creativity. 
 
With each new unit, we highlight an "Artist of the Month's art who fits with our artistic focus for the month. This gives us a chance to bring an art history lens to the curriculum. I aim to highlight artists from an array of backgrounds and artistic genres. The Artist of the Month is displayed in the hallway and is incorporated into each unit's lesson plans.  
 

Special Events:

This year we will be celebrating the accomplishments of our students by hosting an art show in the spring highlighting student artwork throughout the year. 
“Every child is an artist”. -Pablo Picasso 

I studied Art History and Studio Art at Seattle Pacific University. Part of my studies included a summer studying abroad in Rome, Italy. I continued my studies at SPU and earned my Master’s in teaching with an emphasis in Special Education.  I taught four years of Special Education in Seattle before moving abroad with my family to Scotland.  This is my third year here at OLL and I am looking forward to growing the visual arts program and working with students to find their passion for visual art. I enjoy continuing my personal art education through participation in local arts programs. My favorite classes include watercolor and calligraphy.