Holy Cross students from Kindergarten through 6th grade explore the exciting, multi-faceted world of fine art each week. They use hands-on activities in many media to solve artistic problems, to think creatively and critically, and to express ideas and feelings. Above all, the children have fun in art!
Goals for personal fulfillment are a central part of the art program in all grades. Art provides an enjoyable and ongoing means for our students to develop skills and self-esteem, to learn to value beauty, and to realize their talents.
Numerous national studies show that a variety of art experiences contribute to enhanced learning and achievement across the school curriculum. At Holy Cross, we use thematic lessons in art to enhance classroom topics of study, including language arts, mathematics, religion, science, history, Spanish and our Global Studies program.
Art Classes incorporate the discipline-based art education (DBAE) model that includes: art production (drawing, painting, sculpting, printmaking, multimedia); aesthetics (learning) to view and interpret art as a means of human expression); and, art criticism (observing, describing and understanding the elements that make up a work of art). Even the youngest students happily engage in art criticism with the help of our art puppet affectionately known as “Vincent van Goat.”
Virginia Speirs, Kindergarten
Special art projects are popular with the students, including entering works in local and regional art exhibits and contests. They also enjoy the opportunity to see their work in the professionally printed annual school calendar and on the cover of the school Christmas card.
A special feature of the art program is the student permanent art collection. These art works, made by students in various grades throughout the years, are professionally matted, framed and displayed in the hallways, where they beautify the school and pay tribute to the students’ creativity.
