Visual Arts

The purpose of the program is to help each boy to develop his own creative style while at the same time introducing basic art techniques and teaching the proper use of art equipment and materials. Teachers draw on subject matter close to the student’s world: his own experiences, seasons and holidays, family, and the environment. Much of the work is interdisciplinary and connected with classroom curriculum. Drawing, painting, clay work and sculpture, printing, crafts, and general design work are approached in each successive grade at a slightly more advanced level. Field trips to various museums extend the classroom experience. Black Rock Forest is used to provide students with art experiences in the beauty of the forest.

Pre-Primary

Instruction is given in the use and/or application of crayons, oil pastels, markers, glue, scissors, paint, and clay. Projects include step-by-step instruction. Basic art technique and the proper use of introductory tools are stressed. Many art pieces grow out of a curricular focus on holidays and family, as well as classroom experiences.

Grade One

The curriculum is aimed at improving the skills and techniques learned in Pre-Primary, using similar materials and subject matter. Emphasis is placed on proper use of color, line, and design. Art is connected with Social Studies at varying points of the year, including the preparation of a Neighborhood Pop-Up map and the creation of art focusing on a boy’s personal life and world.

Grade Two

By Grade Two, more individualization is encouraged. Techniques and projects become more involved. Simple craft techniques such as weaving, stitchery, paper making, and paper crafts are introduced. Emphasis is placed on the use of color and blending, encouraging students to focus on the details in their work. Students traditionally create art based on life in New York City as well as city landmarks.

Grade Three

Students assume more responsibility for the preparation of their projects than they have in the past. In conjunction with the Social Studies curriculum, students use Native American elements in their art works. Starting in Grade Three, the boys are introduced to the techniques and skills involved in working on the pottery wheel in the ceramic studio.

Grade Four

The concept of good design is stressed. Students have reached a degree of social maturity that allows them to work on large and group projects, which are undertaken over the course of the year. Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary work with homeroom teachers on Egyptian, Greek, and Roman studies. For example, boys will sketch sarcophagis and turn their sketches into life-sized stuffed paper sarcophagis. In addition to undertaking hand built ceramic work, boys at this level continue to build on the basic skills involved in working on the pottery wheel.