Walking into the art room immediately makes you want to grab a paintbrush or some modeling clay. The spacious area gives students room to spread out and be creative. And the room itself provides plenty of inspiration with student paintings covering the stools and the floor.

Art formally starts with the art teacher in Senior Kindergarten. Students learn about topics such as pointillism, perspective drawing, Japanese paper marbling, and more. They look at the work of a wide range of styles and perspectives from Paleolithic cave art to contemporary printmaking, from Renaissance painter Michelangelo to comic book artist Scott McCloud. And most importantly, they create. Sculptures, paintings, cartoons, prints, books, and more. They love having the independence to create their own ideas and develop their art.

In addition, art projects frequently integrate with and reinforce classroom learning. For example, fourth graders who have been studying Native American culture create small basket weavings. The prolific young artists’ work flows from the art room to decorate the halls, the Haven Art Gallery, and the Community Center.