Art

The Upper School arts curriculum is designed to support student’s knowledge about and skills in various art forms. Students are given opportunities to integrate the lessons and experiences from general studies and Judaics into media projects and art exploration. In fifth and sixth grades the sketchbook assignments are an integral part of their learning. The sketchbook is used as a journal for observation, self-expression and reflection and expanded lessons. Assessment of students is based on effort, improvement of artistic skill, creativity and cooperation. Practice, incorporating new techniques, and being comfortable taking risks improve Art skills. We hope our students will have a life-long appreciation of art, interest in learning more and continue to be creative. Projects and units of study are subject to change or rotation on a varying schedule.

The Day School fifth grade art curriculum continues the use of sketchbooks for observation of their world outside of the classroom and to journal self-expression and reflection. Students share their sketches with classmates weekly to gain experience in talking about their work and giving constructive feedback. In class lessons are given to support the homework assignments. Written reflections after sketching are expected also. Fifth graders make a group public art mural, sculpture or signage to contribute to the larger Day School community. This is also an opportunity for students to learn about an art form more in depth, for example sculpture or mural art in public spaces. 5th graders are also offered art electives during their weekly elective block. These elective offerings change from year to year. Some past elective offerings have been photography, printmaking and paper sculpture.

Instruction includes:

  • Design: sketchbook covers, Team mural, sculptures for Public spaces are created, cover and focus on principles and elements of design, calligraphy
  • Drawing: sketchbook assignments, landscape, lines and shapes in nature, patterns in your world, fruit and vegetable still life, expressing music in abstract painting, life drawing, perspective
  • Painting: color star, mix secondary and tertiary colors, tints and shades, monochromatic mood painting, acrylic on canvas: grid transfer of master art work from Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA).
  • Collage and Photography: photomontage, visiting photographer, self expression in mixed media collage
  • Sculpture: Papier Maché fruit and vegetables for the Sukkah decorations, ceramics: clay portrait bust
  • Architecture / Interior Design: history of architecture, read plans, build model
  • Aesthetics: What is art?
  • Art History & Appreciation: Art Adventure program from the MIA, visit Sabes JCC art gallery, meet the artist, review the exhibit in writing
  • Art portfolios: review, reflect and share art work

“The School’s art program succeed in exposing my child to a wide variety of genres and cultures, materials and technique, all at an age-appropriate level, with increasing depth and complexity each year.” – HMJDS Parent

Sixth graders continue to use their sketchbooks to explore their world around them. They continue to share their homework in class and give classmates constructive feedback. Second semester the main focus in art class is creating a personal tallit. The tallit is an integrated Judaic, Hebrew and art project. The project is described as such:

Instruction includes:

  • Students brainstorm personal symbols to express what is important to them.
  • They study their Bar/Bat-Mitzvah portions in Judaic Studies and then illustrate important images in art class.
  • They learn to transfer small to large-scale drawing.
  • They learn a new batik process using wax and dye.
  • They share and wear their tallitot with the Day School community at the end of the year.
  • 6th graders also have a 20th Century Art History class that meets every other week throughout the year.
  • Students learn about the major art movements and artists of the 20th century.
  • 6th graders also have art electives offerings during their weekly elective period.
  • These elective offerings change from year to year.
  • Some past electives have included photography, printmaking and paper sculpture.

The focus in seventh and eighth grade art options is offer the students a variety of experiences that broaden their understanding of what art is and how art and artists contribute to our lives everyday. Students explore their identity, thoughts, and feelings through art. The student experience is enhanced by the use of more mature art materials, and in some classes, computer programs used by professional artists and designers.

Seventh and eighth grade students are offered an array of art classes throughout the year. Students can learn and practice:

  • clay sculpture
  • digital design – Adobe Illustrator
  • photography – Adobe Lightroom
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Judaic Paper Cuts
  • Jewish Lens Project – a national photography initiative
  • Drawing & Painting classes that may include: “Me, Myself & I”, “Expressive Drawing & Painting”
  • HMJDS Yearbook (digital layout)
  • HMJDS Literary Arts Magazine (digital layout)
  • iMovie – film creation and editing