Elementary School Art

During their time in art the students in Grade K – 2nd are working hard on projects that help develop their fine motor skills.  Some art history is introduced and they have the opportunity to “mimic” the styles of some famous artists.  Basic knowledge of the color wheel and color mixing is usually accompanied by a visit from “Dr. Colorful”.  This is always an exciting time!  During the year the children complete many mixed media projects and they begin to learn to draw using basic shapes.

The 3rd – 6th Grades use a variety of media including clay, watercolors, various paints and colored pencils.  The students continue to learn about artists and their styles.  Some of these include George Seurat, Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse and Paul Klee.  They are excited to design their own mosaics, clay jewelry and crafts.  Extra emphasis is placed on the process as well as the presentation of their work.  We believe these disciplines help make a well-rounded student.

Course: 7th Grade Art

The 7th Grade program will attempt to “unleash the creativity” of each student.  As they continue to develop their drawing skills they begin to learn more about shading and realistic vs. abstract art.  Furniture refinishing as a “Trash to Treasure” project is a highlight this year and also a 3-D creation from “stuff around the house”.  Technical skill in watercolor, colored pencil and pastels is developed as they learn to use basic art principles.  There is a brief study of major artists and their styles.

Course: Art History and Creativity
Theme: “See things not as they are…but as they can be.”

The art program for high school is for those students who may be more serious about developing their creative strengths.  They will gain experience in watercolors, acrylics and charcoal.  Special focus is placed on developing their drawling skills with great emphasis on presentation.  There is specific study in the area of “Life Skills”.  These include the “Trash to Treasure” project of furniture refinishing and the “Curb Appeal” project that requires an old home be prepared for resale.  The students will be presented with an overview of many of the great masters and their styles.  Included in this study will be several weeks of study on cubism, impressionism and pointillism.  Emphasis is placed on the importance God places on art and creativity as expressed in the book of Exodus in the building of the Tabernacle. 

Fine Arts Night

In May of 2007, the Creative and Performing Arts Departments joined forces to produce a beautiful event of laughter and creativity.  Hundreds of people attended as our Drama Department presented comedy skits from the “Carol Burnett Show”.  The gymnasium walls and hallways became a gallery of artwork produced by gifted Life Center Academy students.  Laughter, food, fun and prizes made this an evening to remember!

“Trash to Treasure”

This is one of our most popular projects for 7th Grade Art and High School Art History.  The focus of this project is the step-by-step process of refinishing an old or damaged piece of furniture to give it a new look.  This is as much a lesson about God as it is about furniture.  It is taught as a beautiful story of God’s goodness.  When the world has tossed us “to the curb” like an old piece of furniture that no one has use for…God comes along. 
He picks us up and begins the refining and refinishing process step by step.  In this way, we are prepared for a new purpose and a new look.