IMMANUEL ART
"The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance."~Aristotle
My Educational Philosophy
The arts teach children that problems can have more than one solution and that questions can have more than one answer.” – Elliot Eisner
As an educator, I have the opportunity to inspire and nurture young minds. The Art room is a place that provides students with the opportunity to learn and explore the world’s different cultures as well as the communities around them. The Visual Arts introduces students to the practices of artists and their thoughts, and I hope that my classroom will foster a greater appreciation of creativity. Artists are always searching for new and innovative ways to think, plan, and build, which is the spark of curiosity. Curiosity is something of great value. It is that strong desire to learn that led me to become an educator, and this love of learning is something that I will instill in my students.
This being said, I feel that the value of the Visual Arts is often times overlooked in schools. There is a disconnect and a belief that Art is separate from all other subjects, but I believe that Art is present in all subjects. Students can incorporate ideas and concepts that they learn in an Art room and apply them to any other subject. The Visual Arts promote the development of skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, reasoning, analysis, interpretation, self-direction, planning, adaptability, communication, collaboration, and cooperation. All of these valuable skills can be applied in any realistic or classroom setting, which I will always emphasize in my classroom.
Art is a place for all types of diverse learners to succeed because it is a place where inquiry is encouraged. I believe in giving students various choices when it comes to art-making, which places them into the role as the artist. When students think through their problems and achieve their goals, they experience authentic learning. My classroom will always be a safe environment and community for students to grow and collaborate with their peers. My students will learn about responsibility, tolerance, and acceptance, which is necessary to ensure a kind and promising future society. The Visual Arts is an ideal place to support the students’ emotions, beliefs, and ideas and I look forward to learning and growing alongside my students.
~ Advocacy for the Visual Arts ~
Michigan and National Core Visual Arts Standards
Our Visual Arts Curriculum at Immanuel:
In the Immanuel Art room, students are learning in a student-centered, choice-based, collaborative, hands on atmosphere. Our program is directly linked to both the State and National Core Visual Arts Standards. A detailed overview of our program at every grade level is listed to the right.
Immanuel Fine Arts 2019-2020 Curriculum
The following curriculum is based on both the Michigan Merit Curriculum of Visual Arts and the National Core Arts Standards for the Visual Arts.
Kindergarten: Introduction to the Art room as well as how to properly use and care for all artistic tools and materials. Introduction to Visual Literacy and Visual Thinking Strategies to help read and understand imagery in and around the students’ world. Students will experience a variety of art mediums such as drawing, painting, and sculpting. Students will begin to encounter the Primary and Secondary colors and will learn how to work collaboratively with others to solve artistic problems. Students are encouraged to explore their imagination and use artistic tools and techniques to express their ideas. Storytelling techniques will also be used and discussed in the creation of art works.
Grade 1: An in depth exploration of color theory and an introduction to the Elements and Principles of Art. Students will experiment with materials and mediums to illustrate personal life and experiences. Introductions to a variety of historical and contemporary artists and their practices. Cross-curricular activities that lead to the discovery of a connection between the Visual Arts and other core subject areas. A review of Visual Thinking Strategies to strengthen the students’ understanding of Visual Literacy.
Grade 2: Review of the Elements and Principles of Design and an introduction of how they communicate ideas. Students will explore more historical and contemporary artistic practices that can be used to solve visual problems. Students will begin to develop a Visual Arts vocabulary and will begin to understand how to properly use art terminology. Students will also create artistically to express ideas, feelings, and opinions. Students will discover the artwork and practices from various cultures and explore their significance. Cross-curricular activities that connect the Visual Arts to other core subject areas. Continued practice of Visual Thinking Strategies to strengthen the students’ understanding of Visual Literacy.
Grade 3:Introduction to the use of various materials to communicate specific intentions and ideas. Students will have more creative choice when it comes to artistic mediums and materials and will be encouraged to discuss their artistic ideas and intentions. Students will also be able to model the Elements and Principles of Art in personal artwork. Students will explore various ways to present and evaluate artwork, and create artwork that visually communicates meaning through symbolism. As a class, students will examine real world trends that influence the creation of art and the viewers’ reaction to it. The exploration of different customs and traditional ways of creating art. Cross- curricular activities that connect the Visual Arts to other core subject areas, and continued practice of Visual Thinking Strategies to strengthen the students’ understanding of Visual Literacy.
Grade 4: Introduction to collaboratively evaluating and critiquing personal artwork and project proposals. Students will continue exploring a variety of approaches to creatively problem solve when creating art. Intentionally modeling the Design Principles and Elements of Art. Introduction to visual culture and symbolism in both historical and contemporary artworks. Students will examine how subject matter, symbolism, and traditional practices influence the meaning behind a work of art. An introduction to art being a reflection of current society and students creating using real world experiences. Cross-curricular activities that connect the Visual Arts to other core subject areas. A greater look at Visual Thinking Strategies to strengthen the students’ understanding of Visual Literacy.
Grade 5: Students will be able to create project proposals with meaning and explain their artistic choices. Exploration of how technology and the digital age have influenced the process of art making. Introduction to art appreciation and aesthetic. Review of historic and contemporary artistic practices. Students will examine how the creative process is a reflection of individual expression and individuality. Introduction to composition and three-point, two-point, and one-point perspective. Students will understand the effectiveness of one’s own composition and make revisions when necessary. Introduction to various careers within the Visual Arts. Cross-curricular activities that connect the Visual Arts to other core subject areas. Visual Thinking Strategies will be used by students to uncover the meaning behind works of Art.
Grade 6: Students will develop and understand project proposals with deeper meaning to showcase their artistic intentions. Introduction to artist statements and how to write one effectively. Students will be encouraged to refine craftsmanship and individually focus and plan for future creative endeavors. Students will develop a plan, draft ideas, and make revisions to project plans. Demonstrate the thinking practices of both historical and contemporary artists. Students will also develop a personal aesthetic and appreciation of one’s own work and others. Visual Thinking Strategies will be used by students to reflect and describe artwork. Cross-curricular activities that connect the Visual Arts to other core subject areas.
Grade 7:Students begin to write artist statements and will be introduced to artwork critiques. Students will develop more defined aesthetic opinions when critiquing personal work as well as the work of others. Refine project planning skills. Students will create artwork that expresses and depicts individual experiences. Recognize how to visually read artwork and discover artists’ intent and meaning with Visual Literacy skills. Review of career options in the Visual Arts and Art appreciation. Cross-curricular activities that connect the Visual Arts to other core subject areas.
Advanced Art (6th,7th, & 8th Grade):Students will complete proposal based projects connected to a central idea, concept, or theme. Students will be introduced to portfolios to document their work for the entire year and will be required to keep a sketchbook for project planning ideas and assignments. Advanced techniques used in the Visual Arts will also be introduced, but inquiry and innovation is always encouraged. Students will greater explore the techniques of both historical and contemporary artists. Imagery being used as a storytelling device will also be introduced. Introduction to sketchbooks as a tool for planning and problem-solving. Students will begin to develop an individual aesthetic and participate in critiques. Collaboration with peers and initiating individual creative goals to build upon students’ artistic skills. Students will learn how to fully translate their ideas into works of art and be required to plan and prepare extensively for display. Over the course of the school year, students will work on building a body or collection of artwork to showcase at our yearly Spring Art Show.
Maria Cardaris
Art Teacher
About Me: Miss Cardaris
Hello and Welcome to the world of Immanuel Art! I’m Miss Cardaris and I am so blessed to be the Art teacher here at Immanuel. This is my third year at Immanuel and I cannot wait to see what creativity is in store for us this year. I absolutely love creating alongside of all of my students. Along with teaching K-8th grade Art, I also teach two different sections of Advanced Art for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. It is always a privilege watching my students grow into budding, young artists. Aside from teaching Art, I am the director of student anchors for our weekly broadcast, “The Charger Cast” as well as a leader of our 412 Club for 6th grade that I co-run with Mrs. Mead. I am so excited to Choose J.O.Y. this year with my students!