the WILLOWS Academy

WIthLe LOWS Academy

VISUAL ART- GRADES 6-12

Demanding that one think beyond the given, the arts utilize and
expand the imagination.

VISUAL ART CURRICULUM

The Willows Academy visual art program is Students within the program begin with

structured to help students identify their artistic traditional foundations as they progress to more

talents through the development of technical conceptual work. Through the study of different

abilities and the fostering of individual creative processes and media students will create their

expression. Students at each grade level build own personal aesthetic.

critical thinking skills through The visual art program
the analysis of art while introduces students to career
learning to utilize, as well as opportunities in the field of
develop, an understanding of visual arts, provides field trip
the basic elements and experiences, enriching
principles of 2-D and 3-D extracurricular clubs- art/
design. photo, and gives students the

The studio experience chance to exhibit work within

includes sketchbooks, critiques, the Willows Academy

lectures, and demonstrations. Dominika Twardowski- Class of 2011 community and regional
Fused Glass Artist Studio Experience- venues.

Senior Year

Maureen Brown- Class of 2011
Watercolor Painting- Junior Year

Emma Diez- Class of 2014
Aztec Warrior Unit- 6th grade

Middle School Art

6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade

Students will be exposed to a Students will be exposed to a Students will create art that

variety of studio art projects, art variety of studio art projects, art exhibits refinement, control,

appreciation, and art history. history, and art styles. Students technical ability and personal

This instruction enables students expand upon previous knowledge style utilizing a variety of art

to attain a higher understanding and continue to explore the media, techniques, and processes.

of the world, as well as, increased connections between art and A focus is given to group based

levels of critical thinking. A focus geometry. Students will projects that promote

is given to multicultural art understand the vocabulary of collaboration, communication,

(historical and cultural geometry, the tools of geometry, and problem solving. Students

connections), the vocabulary of and develop an awareness of will embark on the critique

art, basic geometry within art, spatial sense. A focus is given to process of art: examining,

and cultural/world significance hand eye coordination through evaluating, and revising their

of art. the fiber arts consisting of artwork and that of others.

knitting and hand sewing.

Maria Kaiser- Class of 2018
Native American Totem Pole Unit- 6th Grade

Mandy Mongoven- Class of 2016
Watercolor Folk Art- 8th Grade

HIGH SCHOOL ART

9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade

This class is designed for Students will be The emphasis in Art III The emphasis in Art IV
students experiencing presented a variety of is on a more technical is on independence and
art for the first time at experiences that will plane. Students will original creativity.
the high school level. foster self-expression create projects with Students will create
Students will create and communication major emphasis on projects with major
original art by exploring through the visual arts.   individual skills and emphasis on individual
a variety of materials The course will techniques rather than skills and techniques.
and developing encompass principles the multiple experiences The main focus in Art
beginning skills.  The and elements of art. of Art I and II. All IV is personal identity
course will encompass Students will areas will be explored and original creativity.
principles and elements experiment with with emphasis placed on By students learning to
of art. Students will be different techniques to drawing techniques, be creators with
exposed to a variety of give a visual vocabulary watercolor painting, and integrity about
studio art projects, art and sensitivity to subject printmaking. Two field themselves and their
appreciation, art history, matter. Students will be trip experiences are own identities, they will
and aesthetics. This exposed to a variety of planned to enhance be better able to
instruction enables studio art projects, art students knowledge and understand, empathize,
students to attain a appreciation, art history, understanding of visual and respect the efforts of
higher understanding of and aesthetics. art. those other than
the world, as well as, themselves. All areas will
increased levels be explored with
of critical emphasis placed on
thinking. independent projects,
contemporary/modern
art, and oil painting.
Two field trip
experiences are planned
to enhance students
knowledge and
understanding of visual
art.

Dan Park- Class of 2008 Bevin Lucas- Class of 2009
Industrial Design Major Illustration Major

University Of Illinois Advanced ArtMaine College of Art & Design
Students will further their exploration of art through semester
long independent self-driven projects. The focus will be on all
media, including but not limited to: computer animation,
digital photography, architecture, digital film and all facets of
the "Fine Arts.” This class is geared toward the student that
will pursue a career in the arts.

Clubs- Art & Photography

Art Club decorating
tree in Des Plaines

Haley Sullivan- Class of 2016 Art club is structured towards a service oriented goal. Every year a project
Digital Photography is created for the local community, another project for the school

community, and money is raised for various organizations-donations. Digital
Photography Club is offered to students at the high school level. Digital
photography club guides students in using digital SLR cameras combined
with the latest digital photography computer programs to create and
experiment with digital media.