Issue link: https://trevordayschool.uberflip.com/i/646497
"Please look outside at the sky and tell me what you see. Only you can't include the word 'blue' in your description." So starts High School Fine Arts Teacher Stephanie Knowles' Painting and Drawing class. One student notes previously undetected yellow- gray and pink, but there are no right answers. e High School visual arts program intentionally reinforces values for an open-minded life. It reminds students that there are many solutions to any problem and enthusiastically encourages them to seek and value alternate approaches and views. e exercise is one of many in which grade 9–12 students will be challenged to drop their assumptions, to look beyond the obvious, to embrace nuance, and simply observe. Only by doing so will they be ready to fully inhabit the creative process and discover their own unique expression. How do students in High School visual arts build on their experience in Trevor's innovative Lower and Middle School art curriculum? (Visitors to the Annual Art Show are routinely astounded by the level of sophistication in the art created by students at all grade levels.) Visual Arts Department Chair Michele LiCalsi likens the process to an English class: As students progress from Middle to High School, they tackle more complex, demanding texts and writing assignments. And that increased ability to write analytically is surprisingly important in visual arts. Students are required to write artist statements, keep a sketchbook, and review exhibits. Even more important, with practice they become fluent in "visual language," so that they can analyze their own projects and offer meaningful insights about their classmates' work. Classmates expect more from their peers than mere compliments. ey covet suggestions based on an in-depth understanding of the process of art making and, in fact, value their peers' opinions as much as their teachers' views. Student-to-student mentoring is highly encouraged. 1 6 T R E V O R D AY S C H O O L n W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 – 2 0 1 6 T R E V O R T R A N S L AT E S : high school visual arts