Visual Arts
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At ESD, we believe our students learn to connect with the world around them through art. Art classes encourage students to grow in creativity, communication, knowledge of culture, and critical thinking.
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In lower school, our youngest learners build fine motor skills through sensory art play. They experiment with finger painting, mold with clay sculpting, and play with color mixing. Students are exposed to multiple genres and techniques, and are encouraged to explore and experience each.
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2D Art
Our 2D art courses teach the "language" of visual thought and expression using a variety of techniques, materials, and mediums. Students produce drawings, paintings, and prints with a focus on the fundamentals of composition, design, color theory, modeling of form, and the illusionistic creation of space.
Students at all age levels are given the opportunity to participate in 2D art, and once students get to the upper school level, they can choose between a photography or studio art course path to build upon their existing skills. All classes are designed to enrich student appreciation for their own and others’ artistic achievements.
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Photography students have the opportunity to work in a darkroom with analog film, as well as edit their images in Adobe Photoshop software to capture and enhance their work in our state-of-the-art iMac computer lab. Professional tools such as scanners and printers are available for the creation of sophisticated art pieces. There are multiple photography courses available to upper school students interested in the medium, including advanced placement courses. |
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Art helps build fine motor skills, develop skills for problem solving and critical thinking, provides opportunity to learn about various cultures, expands students creativity, get them out of their comfort zones, and builds confidence. In Early Childhood art classes, students learn about famous artists and recreate their works, exploring new techniques and mediums. Students learn about artists like Beatriz Milhazes, Basquiat, and many more throughout the year. |
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In middle school 2D art, students produce drawings, paintings, and prints with a focus on the fundamentals of composition, design, color theory, the modeling of form, and the illusionistic creation of space. An essential part of their curriculum is the study of portraits. Students begin building out their portraits proportionally before the color mixing process starts. |
Teaching our youngest learners about the arts is important because it helps build fine motor skills, develop problem solving and critical thinking, and provides opportunities to learn about various cultures, to expand their creativity, and to build confidence.
- Amber Stautzenberger, Early Childhood Art Teacher
3D Art
Our 3D studio art courses are designed for students who want to learn how to create geometric, organic, and realistic forms. Students explore construction methods in wood, metal, and various other mediums. Sculptural terms and historical perspectives are integrated with projects at all levels.
Students begin their 3D art education in early childhood art, where they carve blocks for printmaking and build sculptures to learn about other cultures. This art path continues with the option of taking a 3D sculpture class in middle school. At the upper school level, students can choose from a variety of 3D art courses that suit their particular skills and interests like hand building, wheel throwing, and sculpture.
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Art helps build fine motor skills, develop skills for problem solving and critical thinking, provides opportunity to learn about various cultures, expands students creativity, get them out of their comfort zones, and builds confidence. In Early Childhood art classes, students learn about famous artists and recreate their works, exploring new techniques and mediums. Students learn about artists like Martin Puryear, Yayoi Kusama, Tingatinga, and many more throughout the year. |
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AP Sculpture students helped build the life-size tree sculpture that sits as a focal point of ESD's early childhood "neighborhood." With their AP Sculpture teacher, Dane Larsen, the students created a design and got to work constructing the large art piece. The tree, which was installed in the new Lower School Building just prior to its August 2019 grand opening, is both visually appealing and functional, as it serves as a gathering place, playground, and learning tool for our youngest Eagles. |
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3D art hones a student's communication skills. After conceptualizing a project as a two-dimensional design, it is the student's ability to communicate their emotions and ideals that transforms that project into a 3D design.
- Middle School Sculpture Teacher
