STU's Art Program
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Art Teachers at STU
Nance SweetUpper School Art
Bio
Nance Sweet has a BFA in Liberal Studies and a Masters in Art Education. She is AP certified and teaches AP Studio Art here at STU. Nance has taught art classes for 28 years and enjoys the new creative adventures every year. She enjoys travel, the outdoors, animals, photography and floral design. Mrs. Sweet’s teaching philosophy is that "every child has a gift or talent to share. It is my job and honor to find that passion within all children and help them dip into their soul and create something beautiful. I strive for an innovative, creative, and engaging curriculum to help students reach their full potential." Philosophy In the Studio Art classes, creativity will thrive when students feel comfortable to truly express themselves. Foundation Art is the basic studio class. Students learn the art vocabulary and the skills and techniques needed to advance in the visual arts. In photography, a student learns not only to take a great photograph … but also how to make a great photograph with the use of Photoshop. In the painting and drawing classes, young artists are encouraged to be self-motivated and have personal ownership of their artistic growth. In the AP Studio art, an advance college credit class, the goal is to instill that in any creative art production, it is about the process, the journey, and the creative experience. If an artist has a vision and works through the creative process the successful results will follow. It is Nature’s way. For a STU art student to become truly inspired allows for expanding imagination. This in turn creates personal innovative thinking. It is this mindful, creative imagination and the self confidence to use that gift that will create the future beauty of the World. |
Karen WilsonLower School and Middle School Art
Bio
Karen Wilson has a BS in Art Education. She is a certified Art Educator in PreK - 12 grades. Karen has been involved in the teaching of art to many young artists for 32 years. She is the Lower and Middle School art teacher at Stuart Hall. When she is not teaching at STU she has offered classes at James Madison University summer studio, R.R. Smith Art Center, and Beverly Street Studio School in Staunton. She has also served as artist in residence in Harrisonburg and Staunton City Schools. Through her teaching of art, Karen believes art education helps students learn to use their senses, and to look beyond the surface of images. Art encourages students to discover other cultures, as well as new ways of understanding and communicating thoughtful expression using art media. Philosophy At Stuart Hall, our students are creative and motivated. Evidence of their successes are seen throughout our campus, and on their faces as they come in and out of the art room. Our program is based in the Discipline Based Art Education and Visual Culture philosophies. As students make art, they are learning about art history, and artist’s lives in their social context, and aesthetics. In Lower and Middle School art classes, our diverse student population are full of ideas, thoughts and feelings that find a voice in the art room. As their Art teacher I encourage students to discover the natural joy and expression of art. |