Students Share Sense of Place through Art
The visual arts offer multiple avenues for students to develop not only creative techniques but also critical thinking and communication abilities. At Principia, students at all levels hone their skills in drawing, painting, and digital artistry—while also connecting their artwork to curricular learning and School experiences.
For instance, during the spring semester Painting class, Upper School students decided to create a series titled “Sense of Place,” depicting meaningful images from places they had visited on experiential or service trips while at Principia—including Greece (a Bible class trip); South Africa (the Simunye service trip); and the shores of Lake Michigan (senior retreat).
Our Middle School students also decided to depict their travels, specifically the three grade-level trips to New England, New York City, and Costa Rica. The twist? They did this by creating “live art” in real time before an audience. The skillful use of special lighting effects and energetic rock music accompaniment had onlookers clapping and cheering throughout the creative process.
Even our kindergarteners shared their understanding of community and the city they live in through art and audience participation. During their “St. Louis Fair” in the Lower School Gym, they took preschool visitors on a “train tour” to view the “animals” at the Saint Louis Zoo.
Enjoy an armchair art tour via the slideshow below!