Ursuline Academy

In 1st through 8th grade, the curriculum encourages students to be creative, discerning, expressive, and successful according to their potential and developmental levels. Numerous materials and methods are used to teach basic art principles so that students learn new skills. Good art composition is emphasized, and the elements of design are a part of every art lesson. A substantial art history program is enhanced by the use of slides, prints, and visits to museums. Students are encouraged to participate in local student art exhibitions, the Artist-in-Residence program, and art service projects for local institutions.

Art classes in the Middle and Upper School, which include AP Studio Art/ Art Forum (Salesianum Exchange class), Introduction to Painting, Introduction to Photography, Studio Art 1, and Drawing, cover four key areas: Exploration and Discovery, Materials Manipulation, Tonal/Color Values, and Editing Work/Finishing.

Visual Arts Projects at Ursuline Academy strive to provide each student with a well-rounded learning experience. The projects often require group work or partnering with classmates, stress “out of the box” problem-solving, provide public speaking experience, and always have an application to the real world. Here are some examples of projects produced by Visual Arts students:

Sounds & Stripes…an integration of art and music, this year’s project got noticed by famed stripe painter, Kenneth Noland!

Word Art.…an art forum production that incorporated AP English this year, displayed in a public space each year.

The Great Painting Caper.…Stolen works of art are reproduced and hidden around UA’s campus to engage all students.

Needs for Sale service project…a new idea this year—to paint the needs of Sojourner’s Place.

Toys that Teach..…why not invent something to engage children in the arts through Museum shops? The News Journal featured our class in a recent Crossroads article that described how the students presented their ideas to a panel of experts.

Project PIE…an annual end of the year treat for Art Forum students. Create your own label and pitch your pies for a charitable cause. A la Donald Trump’s “Apprentice”, only one team wins! This is a group project, with a lot of hands-on marketing and baking too!