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Visual Arts

OVERVIEW

The Visual Arts Program at Hickory Grove is rooted in a Biblical worldview, using age-appropriate curriculum enhanced by online resources to teach art skills and foster an appreciation for art. Through art, students are encouraged to become more observant of the natural beauty around them, with the goal of recognizing God as the ultimate artist and drawing closer to Him through the creative process.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The elementary art curriculum lays the foundation for the HG Visual Arts Program.

  • Kindergarteners begin by learning to use shapes and primary colors, developing fine motor skills through tracing and drawing.
  • First and second graders focus on the elements of texture and shape, becoming more independent in their artistry.
  • Third and fourth graders are introduced to various artists and techniques, mastering lines and shapes as they continue to build their skills.
  • Fourth and fifth graders expand their artistic vocabulary, learn to apply value for creating depth, and experiment with 3D objects.

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL

In middle school, students move beyond copying and focus on creating original works. The emphasis is on refining skills to enhance creativity and foster individual artistic style.

  • A new vocabulary is introduced along with class projects that encourage practice in mixing colors, exploring the full range of secondary and tertiary hues.
  • Students are exposed to modern artists such as Pablo Picasso, initially replicating their techniques before developing their own unique styles. Projects include portrait paintings using mixed media, allowing for further exploration and personal expression.

 

 

HIGH SCHOOL

The high school offers a range of art courses, suitable for beginners and those pursuing a college-level arts education.

  • Art I introduces foundational skills, including the elements and principles of art, alongside art history.
  • Art II builds upon these foundations, advancing technique and practice.
  • Art III, Art IV, AP Studio Art 2D, and AP Studio Art are geared toward serious students who may pursue art beyond high school. These classes require portfolios and mastery of advanced skills, with AP students consistently scoring 3 or 4 on the AP exam, though scores saw a slight dip during remote learning due to the pandemic's impact on technical skill development.

Art Appreciation provides a broader understanding of art’s various forms through study, discussion, critique, and creation. By the end of the course, students gain a deeper understanding of art and how to incorporate its fundamentals into their own lives.

YEARBOOK

Hickory Grove also offers a four-level Yearbook program.

  • In Yearbook I, students learn the basics of photography, journalistic writing, publication, and business.
  • Students can continue with Honors Yearbook I, II, and III, where they not only contribute to the school yearbook but also publish three to four school magazines annually.