Art Department Philosophy

Art Education enables students to perceive the world in which we live by interpreting their perceptions into visual form. This artistic process encourages problem solving skills coupled with innovation and imagination.  Donegal School District’s balanced and sequential art program develops basic skills, encourages visual awareness and is fundamental to intellectual growth and creative self-expression.

We are committed to assisting students in achieving the full extent of their abilities by setting the following goals for Art Education:

Perception:

·         Perceive and understand relationships among the elements and principles of 

         design as they appear in natural and man-made environments, their influence on          mental images and the interpretation of works of art.

·         Develop an appreciation and interest of visual arts via the study of historical     

         periods and cultural contexts.

Production/Skills:

·         Develop and master basic and technical skills for using various art mediums as a 

          means of personal expression and communication.

·         Utilize the 8 Studio Habits of Mind – Develop Craft, Engage and Persist, Envision, 

          Express, Observe, Reflect, Stretch and Explore, Understand the Art World – to     

          encourage design-based thinking and 21^st Century Skills.

Creativity:

·         Think and act creatively through problem solving and responding with         

          originality, flexibility, fluency and imagination.

Knowledge/Interrelationships:

·         Develop a working knowledge of the language of art to communicate an 

          understanding of the relationship of visual arts to other fields of knowledge.

Critique/Assessment:

·         Utilize critical analysis and aesthetic judgements about works of art created by 

          the student and others.

·         Interpret ideas and use self-assessments to identify successful individual 

          learning.

The Donegal Art Department curriculum embraces the Elements and Principles of Design with a strong emphasis on artistic process skills and problem solving. Additionally, students are engaged in art criticism, art aesthetics, and art history to enrich the visual vocabulary and creativity in the art classroom. In all, the goal of the art department is to prepare, challenge, and foment artistic development through the creative process of art making.

In Kindergarten through grade six, students are introduced to art production, art history, criticism and reflection. Through a range of media from 2D to 3D students are encouraged to explore and experiment with new materials, while foundational concepts are being introduced.

In grades seven and eight, the art curriculum focuses on developing a greater student understanding of form, materials, techniques, and content to develop and create works of art. Student choice is greatly encouraged, as well as divergent, critical and creative thinking through the creative process of art making.

Once in the high school, students are given the freedom to select which path(s) interest them the most. After the completion of Introduction to Art, students may decide to enter:

           - Graphic Design
           - Ceramics/Sculpture I*
           - Studio Art 
           - Drawing/Painting I*

    Photography I* 

             A separate digital arts course that does not require prior HS art course 

             experience. 

    AP Studio Art 

            Offered to any serious 12^th grade visual arts student who has completed 

            multiple art courses.

The high school is an opportunity for students to further explore the art world, begin mastering skills, further developing their critical thinking skills, and encouraging the discovery of their artistic voice.  

*These courses offer a 2^nd level option– Ceramics/Sculpture II, Photography II, 
  Drawing/Painting II.