Art
ART DEPARTMENT
The Art program at Woodmere Middle School is based on The New York State Standards for the Arts, and is driven by the Performance Indicators, which describe what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. It is a sequential program that is based on the Elements and Principles of Art and Design. Aesthetics, art history, art criticism, interdisciplinary learning and career exploration are integral components of the program at every level. Students may be scheduled for Art and/or Art Workshop based on schedule availability.
Art Grade 6:
Art 6 is the integration and culmination of previous art studies and skill development. Learning based on the Standards emphasizes and extends the elements and principles of art to include the study of artistic traditions of diverse cultures, as well as western art history. Sixth grade social studies concepts are reinforced through interdisciplinary connections to ancient Egyptian art. Media include: pencil, charcoal, pastel, tempera paint, ceramics and other three-dimensional materials.
Art Grade 7:
Art 7 synthesizes and extends previous grade level art studies and skill development.
Two and three-dimensional design is explored through the development of concepts in line, value, texture, emphasis, unity, balance, proportion, rhythm/movement and variety. Science and math concepts are reinforced through areas of focus in the 7th grade art curriculum. These topics include: color, light, negative and positive space, and movement. One-point perspective is introduced. Media include: pencil, charcoal, pastel, tempera paint, ceramics and other three-dimensional materials. Please note that Grade 6 Art is not a prerequisite for this class.
Art 7 Workshop:
Art 7 Workshop is another opportunity for students to continue their study of the visual arts. The elements and principles of art are again reinforced and extended to include the study of the cultural and artistic traditions of diverse cultures as well as European and American art history. Emphasis is on creative thinking and problem-solving using a variety of media including pencil, paint, ceramics and other three-dimensional materials. Areas of focus are shape and form, with an emphasis on three-dimensional design. Please note that Grade 7 Art is not a prerequisite for this class.
Art Grade 8:
The Art 8 curriculum presents an in-depth exploration of the elements of art and principles of design. Students explore a wide variety of media and are introduced to two-dimensional and three-dimensional artistic techniques. Drawing lessons reinforce the use of perspective, shading, contour lines, gesture and figure drawing. Methods of drawing from observation and from the imagination are explored. Students demonstrate their understanding of composition and creative problem-solving in the projects assigned. An investigation of art history and artistic styles is integrated into the curriculum. This work is extended through critical analysis and reflection of student work, strengthening expressive language skills. Students learn about career opportunities in the visual arts through research and classroom presentations.
Art 8 Workshop:
The 8th grade Art Workshop curriculum continues with an in-depth exploration of the elements of art and the principles of design. Art lessons reflect the New York State Learning Standards for the Arts. Students explore a variety of artistic media and demonstrate skill with drawing, one point perspective, shading, lettering and graphic design. An introduction to art history is integrated within the curriculum. Students explore the art styles of Cubism, Surrealism, Realism, Expressionism, Pop Art and Abstract Art through two-dimensional and three-dimensional art projects. Media include:
pencil, pen and ink, watercolor, ceramics and other three-dimensional materials.
Studio in Art:
Studio in Art is an accelerated course that students must qualify for through performance evaluation. Only 8th grade students may audition for this class. Studio in Art offers students the opportunity to earn the one-credit graduation requirement for the Arts and is a prerequisite to many of the elective art courses at the high school level. Developing facility with materials and media is developmental and requires an expanse of time and concentration of involvement. To accommodate this kind of engagement, the course is offered for a double period every other day. The Studio in Art curriculum includes a range of art concepts, principles and media experiences. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional design are explored through the further development of concepts in line, value, texture, emphasis, unity, balance, proportion, rhythm/movement and variety. Art history and aesthetics are integrated into the curriculum. Media include: pencil, charcoal, pastel, acrylic paint, easel painting, ceramics and other three-dimensional materials. Career choices in the visual arts are examined. Final averages in Studio in Art will appear on students’ permanent high school transcripts.