Art Department

The Linden Community Schools Art Department is committed to providing a developmentally appropriate, enjoyable experience in a stimulating, creative environment. In cooperation with school and community, we will work to foster creative thinking, nurture positive self expression, and develop overall artistic abilities.

All elementary students will be introduced to the elements of art based on their developmental stage. Students will build upon prior knowledge with a natural progression of skill and comprehension of each element.

• Through various media create art works while studying the principals of art.
• Create an art vocabulary reflecting an understanding of the principals of art.
• Begin to recognize and identify a variety of artistic styles and their cultural and historical connections.
• Compare and evaluate a variety of art works using appropriate art vocabulary.
• Make connections of visual arts to other curriculum such as math, science and social studies.
• When available use technology as a tool for creative expression.

All students of the nine week rotation class will review and apply the elements of art introduced at the elementary level. All students will focus on the importance of art in their world, the need for effective use of elements and principles of design, and the creation of personal art.

• Introduction to the principles of design: Rhythm, Emphasis, Movement, Balance, Proportion, Variety, Unity.
• Creation of both two and three dimensional art.
• Comparison of one and two point perspective.
• Application of value techniques and blending of pigments.
• Relation of color and mood composition.
• Visualization of the elements of all shape for confident drawing.
• Integration of art with social studies, computers and writing.

All students will master the use of basic art elements from elementary and middle school, demonstrating competency of various techniques for communicating meanings, ideas, attitudes, views and intentions.

• Independently identify, define and solve challenging visual arts problems.
• Create art works that use organizational principles and functions to solve specific visual art problems.
• Communicate ideas regularly at a high level of effectiveness in at least one visual arts medium.
• Effectively critique specific techniques and purposes of personal and historical works of art.

Each school has access to a digital camera, scanners, art software, and computers. The use of technology in art is being expanded. Presently, as enrichment, the Middle School has an introduction to computer use in art.

Student work will be assessed using a variety of evaluation procedures. These may include observation of product, observation of process, and written and/or oral responses. Task completion, creativity, participation, problem solving, risk taking, the design of original solutions, and self-reflection are encouraged and considered.

Progress reports will be sent home near the middle of the session and report cards will be issued by the end of each marking period. Parent-teacher contact is encouraged as needed through written notes, phone calls, and conferences.

The purpose of displaying projects is to build self-esteem; visual appreciation by parents, administration, and students, and to communicate the value of art. All schools have an annual art show and a display of student work at The Board of Education building. The art work of students will be displayed on bulletin boards, in showcases, and/or on the walls of each building.

The involvement of parents is appreciated by both students and teachers. Parents are needed to encourage the meeting of student deadlines, help with exhibits, and chaperone art events. Donations of old crayons, plastic and metal containers, ribbon, yarn, buttons, sequins, paint brushes, Velcro, magazines, and anything else that may be of value to the art classroom are welcome.