Each of Darlington’s division campuses – Lower, Middle and Upper – features a large art studio and a faculty member devoted to promoting creativity through the visual arts.
Lower School
Students in pre-K through fourth grade take Art twice a week as an enrichment class. The art teacher presents an age-appropriate curriculum that builds confidence, develops skills and creates an appreciation for art. Students are taught within a sequential program that is adapted to support each individual’s developmental skills.
Working in a variety of different mediums, they explore and create different forms of art while focusing on the application of the elements and principles of design. Students use two- and three-dimensional forms to express their creativity. Through repeated experiences in drawing, painting, collage, fiber arts and ceramics, specific concepts relating to visual art are identified and explored. Techniques, use of different tools and vocabulary of these processes are enhanced in the art experiences.
At each grade level, students learn about art history through exposure to works of art and artistic styles in different cultures and times. Art activities are integrated into or correlated with the students’ classroom curriculum whenever possible.
Middle School
At the Middle School level, Studio Art is one of the most popular enrichment classes. Students who take it are challenged to develop a deeper awareness for the visual arts while sharpening their own individual talents. Studio Art gives Middle School students the foundation they need for Art I in the Upper School.
Each grade level focuses on the academics of art, which include the basic concepts of composition and art history. Fifth grade focuses on line quality, color theory and the development of creative thinking. Sixth grade focuses on figure drawing, composition and color theory. Seventh grade focuses on one-point perspective and figure drawing. Eighth grade focuses on two-point perspective and ceramics. To learn these concepts, students are exposed to projects that span a variety of different mediums, such as sculpture, ceramics, drawing, painting, printmaking, bookmaking, college, mixed media and photography.
Upper School
Art I-IV and AP Studio Art are available to students in grades 9-12. The primary goal of all visual art courses is the development of understanding and proficiency in a wide variety of art experiences through the study of art principles and their application in studio work. The AP program is for serious seniors who have demonstrated excellence, self-motivation and dedication.
All visual arts students in grades pre-K to 12 have multiple opportunities to showcase their work in various art exhibits throughout the year, including at the all-school Fall for the Arts Festival in October.
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