Visual Arts

I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for. - Georgia O'Keeffe

At Laurence, we believe that visual arts should play an integral part in a child’s total elementary school experience. Arts education not only inspires our students to develop their creative talents and sense of confidence, but also, it enables them to think critically, problem-solve, and collaborate.

Here, our students are offered a diverse curriculum, which includes an education in each of the art forms. In addition, they are exposed to professional groups and performers from around the world, who showcase their artistic talents and who add to our students’ overall arts education.

Laurence’s art program provides experiences in a variety of media forms. All students focus on art concepts and instruction in painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, and collage. They are also exposed to art history, as we have found that it gives them an understanding of both current and period art movements.

Art and literature units expose our lower elementary children to the relationship between illustration and words. As students progress through the grades, they are introduced to a wide variety of materials, including: tempera, acrylic, watercolor, clay, pastel, textiles, and more. Each year, they reinforce and strengthen previously learned skills, as they acquire new techniques. The children see their studies come to life when they take field trips to local art museums, and they feel a sense of pride and accomplishment when they notice their projects from throughout the year, displayed on campus. This is especially true during our annual Open House/Art Show, when every child has work exhibited.

Interwoven throughout the curriculum, art is integrated with social studies, science, language arts, and Spanish. Some units of study include: American Artists, International Art, Crafts, and Ancient Art Forms.

Each month, a featured student artist is chosen as Artist of the Month, and his/her work is proudly framed in the Front Office for all to admire. Student artwork has also been shown in the local community.

At Laurence, art can be found on bulletin boards and coloring our gorgeous grounds, in the form of mural, sculpture, and walkway décor. Its beauty brings our campus to life and reinforces school-wide themes, such as Brotherhood, Multiculturalism/Global Education, and Environmental Education.