WGMS Art Department

The Visual Arts Program at Walnut Grove Middle School is based on the principles and practice of TAB (Teaching for Artistic Behavior) and the Studio Habits of Mind.  It is a choice-based studio environment where students are given the skills, support, resources, space, and time to respond to their own interests and ideas through the making of art.  Students navigate the artistic process, much like the scientific method, as they develop their skills, and are empowered to think divergently, problem-solve, and make personally meaningful artwork.  At present, WGMS offers 6th grade Art and 7th/8th Mixed Art, and Advanced Art.

Artists are expected to:

• Come up with an idea (brainstorm, research, sketch, experiment, think critically, and explore)
• Select and gather materials and tools
• Set up a workspace
• Create!
• Clean up and store artwork (project management)
• Engage and Persist (develop and problem-solve/find, collaborate, work on an idea for multiple class periods)
• Revise, edit, and reflect (sharing, art critiques, and write artist statements)
• Meet deadlines and share/present work (Communicate through artist portfolios and art shows)

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 

Art I - This semester-long course is a learner-centered art course.  We will create art and explore materials, techniques, artists, and art historical periods and styles that will boost critical thinking habits, improve collaborative participation, grow creativity, and develop communication skills.  We will focus our exploration of the art world through the Studio Habits of Mind.

Art II/III - This semester-long course is a learner-centered art course.  We will create art and explore materials, techniques, artists, and art historical periods and styles that will build upon critical thinking habits, collaborative participation, grow creativity, and communication skills.  We will focus our exploration of the art world through the Studio Habits of Mind.

Advanced Art II/III - This course is available through application only and the prerequisite for this course is MS Art I and/or teacher approval. This yearlong course is a learner-centered art course designed for highly motivated students who wish to work to become confident in their ability to produce a body of quality artwork.  Students are expected to develop mastery in concept, composition, and execution of ideas. Students will develop a body of work informed by research of contemporary and master artists, media techniques cultural exemplars, and peer dialogue. The final portfolio reflects a breadth of experiences in media, style, and theme.  We will create art and explore materials, techniques, artists, and art historical periods and styles that will refine critical thinking habits, collaborative participation, grow creativity, and develop communication skills.  We will focus our exploration of the art world through the Studio Habits of Mind.