Our middle school art program is evolving! This year, we’re transitioning from a traditional art curriculum to a more dynamic, career-focused approach. While students will continue to explore foundational art techniques and creativity, the new curriculum will introduce them to real-world applications of art through exposure to art-related careers. From graphic design and animation to architecture, photography, fashion, and product design, students will learn how their creative interests can translate into high school electives, college majors, and fulfilling careers. This shift aims to inspire students to see art not just as a subject, but as a pathway to their future.

• Quarter 1: Drawing – August 4^th – October 3^rd
  • Project 1: Blackout Poetry
    • Blackout poetry is a creative process where students transform a page of text into visual art by blacking out words to reveal a hidden poem. This activity encourages critical thinking, interpretation, and design skills as students select meaningful words and use visual elements to enhance their message.
    • This project aligns with Art Standards, including:
      • VA: Cr1.2.7a – Develop criteria to guide making a work of art or design to meet an identified goal.
      • VA: Cr2.1.8a – Demonstrate awareness of ethical responsibility when producing images or objects.
      • VA: Re7.1.6a – Identify and interpret works of art or design that reveal how people live around the world and what they value.
    • Blackout poetry merges literacy and visual expression, helping students explore personal voice through both language and design.
  • Project 2: Textbook Illustrator
    • Textbook illustration is a creative and technical process that combines strong drawing skills with subject-specific knowledge to support student learning. Illustrators work closely with editors, educators, and designers to create clear, engaging visuals that align with curriculum standards.
    • This project aligns with Art Standards, including:
      • VA: Cr1.2.7a—developing ideas and planning for art
      • VA: Pr4.1.8a—selecting effective visuals for communication.
    • This career path highlights how art can educate, inform, and inspire on a national scale.
  • Project 3: Landscape Designer
    • Landscape Designers blend creativity and environmental planning to design outdoor spaces like parks, gardens, campuses, and urban areas. They consider aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability in their work, often using hand-drawn and digital renderings to communicate ideas.
    • This project aligns with Art Standards, including:
      • VA: Cr1.1.8a - apply methods to generate and conceptualize artistic ideas)
      • VA: Cr2.1.8a - demonstrate willingness to experiment and innovate)
      • VA: Pr4.1.8a - analyze, select, and curate artworks for presentation)
    • Through this career path, students see how art can shape the world around them.
  • Project 4: Tattoo Artist
    • Tattoo artists use their drawing and design skills to create permanent body art. They work closely with clients to develop custom designs, requiring strong communication, precision, and knowledge of safety and sanitation practices. The process involves sketching ideas, transferring designs to skin, and using specialized tattoo machines to ink the artwork.
    • This project aligns with Art Standards, including:
      • VA: Cr1.1.7a – Apply methods to generate ideas for art-making.
      • VA: Cr2.1.8a – Demonstrate willingness to experiment and take creative risks.
      • VA: Pr6.1.6a – Analyze how art is displayed and preserved in various contexts.
      • VA: Cn10.1.7a – Make art inspired by personal experiences and outside influences.
    • Exploring tattoo artistry helps students see how creative expression can lead to meaningful, real-world careers.
• Quarter 2: Painting – October 20^th – December 19^th
  • Project 1: Art Historian
    • Art Historians study, analyze, and interpret artworks, architecture, and cultural artifacts to understand their historical and cultural significance. Their work involves research, writing, curating exhibitions, and often teaching at museums or universities.
    • This project aligns with Art Standards, including:
      • VA: Re7.2.7 – Perceive and Analyze artistic works
      • VA: Re8.1.7 – Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work
      • VA: Cn11.1.7 – Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding
  • Project 2: Caricaturist
    • A caricaturist is an artist who specializes in exaggerated, often humorous portraits that highlight a person's distinctive features and personality. These artists work at events, theme parks, or freelance, combining strong observational skills with creativity and quick execution.
    • This project aligns with Art Standards, including:
      • VA: Cr2.1.7 – Apply visual organization strategies to solve artistic problems.
      • VA: Re7.2.8 – Compare and contrast contexts and media to deepen understanding of artistic expression.
      • VA: Cn10.1.7 – Explore how art connects to career opportunities and personal meaning.
    • Learning about caricature encourages students to think critically, refine technical skills, and understand how art can become a professional path.
  • Project 3: Museum Curator
    • A museum curator is responsible for acquiring, organizing, and interpreting art and historical collections for public education and enjoyment. They research artworks, plan exhibits, and collaborate with artists and educators to create meaningful experiences
    • This project aligns with Art Standards, including:
      • VA: Re7.1.7 – Identify and analyze cultural associations suggested by visual imagery.
      • VA: Cr3.1.7 – Reflect on and revise work in response to feedback and research.
      • VA: Cn10.2.7 – Understand how art reflects and influences culture and history.
    • Exploring the role of a curator helps students connect art with storytelling, critical thinking, and community engagement.
  • Project 4: Garden Ornament Designer
    • A garden ornament designer creates decorative and functional pieces such as sculptures, fountains, and planters that enhance outdoor spaces. This role combines artistic creativity with knowledge of materials, design principles, and environmental considerations.
    • This project aligns with Art Standards, including:
      • VA: Cr1.1.7 – Use multiple approaches to begin creative endeavors.
      • VA: Pr4.1.7 – Analyze, select, and curate artifacts for presentation or exhibition.
      • VA: Cn10.1.7 – Investigate careers in the visual arts and how art connects to personal and community life.
    • Exploring garden ornament design encourages students to apply artistic problem-solving and understand the practical impact of art in everyday environments.