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- In visual arts, students at all grade levels work with a variety of materials and fine craft techniques.
From learning the fundamentals of art and exploring the principles of design, to experimenting with various materials, to learning that the history of art is a record of different civilizations and cultures, Charlotte Country Day's visual arts program develops students' abilities, often with award-winning results.
Lower School
Visual arts at the Lower School level focuses on growth, exploration, and enjoyment. Children learn the fundamental elements of art and principles of design. In addition to painting, drawing, printmaking, and collage, students work with a variety of fine craft techniques such as weaving and clay. Learning experiences in the studio are designed and presented in a manner which allows children to develop and exercise creative thinking and decision-making skills. The art curriculum often enhances the broader Lower School curriculum, enabling students to make authentic connections between their arts learning and other curriculum areas such as science, literacy, social studies, technology, and math. Young artists develop a larger art vocabulary while investigating historical works of art, artists, and cultures.
Middle School
The Middle School visual arts program is centered on the development and discovery of each student's artistic abilities within a variety of mediums. Art design principles are introduced, and design elements and principles are applied. Art history and art criticism are utilized as tools for learning and appreciating former and present day cultures within the U.S. and throughout the world. Art is used as a basis for creative thinking, problem solving, and decision-making.
Upper School
Upper School visual arts courses include visual studies, painting, drawing, ceramics, printmaking, 3-D design, photography, computer graphics, and art history, as well as Advanced Placement (AP) studio and AP history of art. Student works are entered in the National Scholastic Competition, the National Congressional Arts Competition, and the Matthews Art Fest Competition. In addition, students exhibit their works in local art galleries, as well as the Mint Museum of Art.