Topa Topa Art Program
Follow Topa Topa School art curriculum at pinterest.com/topatopaschool
| Topa_Topa_Art 2021.pdf |
Who are We:
Our current art program is made up of parent/grandparent volunteers. We support each teacher's classroom curriculum in addition to exposing our students to more advanced art techniques, history and theory. Most classes are held in the PTA funded STEAM room, which your PTA funds fully stock with art supplies for all to use.
Our current Art Coordinators are: Kim Kaufman, Sydney Jones & Rachel Garahan.
What about Art:
The Goal of Topa Topa Art is to help our young students explore and appreciate art and develop their own artistic expression. At the elementary level, art is an integral connection to all learning & academic subjects. Art is a way of life. Art allows us not only to think for ourselves but feel for ourselves. Through art people can express what they are feeling when words fall short and convey an entire story without saying a word. Art was the first means of communication and it is universal. It is art that connects us with the rest of the world and connects us with ourselves. Art allows us to take what we see and feel and put it into something others can see and feel too.
In addition to the academic skills of art, students learn patience, generosity, honesty, respect for themselves and others, selflessness and humility. On top of this, art also builds individual and team skills.
There is value and power in the arts to kindle the imagination, encourage creative thinking and enhance human development. The universal language of art allows students to make connections and comprehend themes of expression around the world, past and present.
The Vision is to:
• Empower our volunteers to nurture artistic creativity
• Celebrate the artist in every child and develop pathways to explore the arts
• Understand & appreciate cultures through experiences with indigenous art forms
• Make the arts enjoyable and a part of everyday life
Vision Statement:
To develop and teach a sequential art program which includes the basic art elements/principles of design, art appreciation, visual awareness and is fundamental to intellectual growth and creative self-expression.
Goal:
To help students develop both their intellectual capabilities and the capacity to express their thoughts and feelings in a creative expressive way.
Philosophy:
Art Is...
• The universal language of visual communication and refines perceptual skills
• Form, content, and context
• A discipline which requires reflection and revisiting of concepts
• An ongoing process and essential for life-long learning
• Essential for all students
