Enhancement Services: Art

The art program at The Vanguard School nurtures creativity in each student, building skills and self-confidence through the artistic process. The program is taught at four different levels: Preschool/Kindergarten, Lower School, Middle School, and High School, taking into consideration individual strengths and differences.

Art instruction at the Preschool/Kindergarten level is geared towards familiarizing students with art materials, how to use them, and having fun. Projects are seasonal, and follow the classroom curriculum.

Lower School students work with a wide variety of media, learning basic art elements such as color. They are introduced to famous artists from America and abroad, as well as the art of other cultures. Student work is displayed often on bulletin boards throughout the year and in a yearly art show. Some student work is also entered in the Children's Seashore House Art Show, where our students have won several prizes.

Art instruction at the Middle School level focuses on developing skills in using various art media and learning new techniques. Students study artists, their methods and cultures more in depth, creating projects in the styles they learn about. Communication and expression through the creative process is encouraged. Student work at this level is also displayed and entered in contests and shows. In the 2003-2004 school year, middle school students created a large, colorful mural in the main hallway of the Upper School building. Each student participated in the design process that included a trip to Philadelphia to tour ten of its murals. Back at Vanguard, each student drew and painted a part of our mural. This was an exciting, year-long project with wonderful results that the entire Vanguard community enjoys.

Art instruction at the High School level is on an elective basis. Students are offered four classes to choose from: Drawing/Painting, Studio Art, Commercial Art, and Crafts. In all classes except Crafts, students are expected to complete a sketchbook each quarter as a homework assignment. In Drawing/Painting, students are instructed in a technique and style each quarter and complete a class assignment. Once the class assignment is complete, students create a project of their choosing. In Studio Art, students complete two projects of their choosing: a drawing, painting, sculpture or print. In Commercial Art, students complete two projects a quarter based on the graphic arts that have included advertising, greeting card design, and book jacket designs. In Crafts students complete two projects a quarter, or a single long-term project, such as latch-hook. Students choose their own projects and may bring in items from home. Student work at this level is also displayed and entered in contests and shows.