Curriculum>Electives>Art
ART
Instructor: Karin Alexander
Iron Horse Middle School prides itself in the incredible program of fine art that students may choose as an elective. These art classes are designed to give middle school students the professional tools and techniques they need to become confident successful artists. It would be difficult to find an art program with more choices of activities and more professional materials available to students than this one.
Ms. Alexander teaches art at the university level as well, so she brings much of her college program to our students here at Iron Horse. In these classes, 7th and 8th grade students of all ability and experience levels are exposed to a vast array of techniques in fine art. They are encouraged to experiment with as many different techniques as possible.
Students have daily choices of projects. They are encouraged to experiment with different mediums, different professional tools, and apply varied professional techniques to create artworks they will value. Some of these daily choices include: acrylics, watercolors, oil pastels, scratchboard, hand/face painting, ceramics, clay, mask-making, stippling, paper mache, glass sculpture, wire sculpture, spray paint, jewelry, weaving, scarf-making, layered books, origami, and more. (Please visit our section of photos of some completed student projects.)
Students in art have a great time while they create their works. They may talk as much as they wish, as long as they work as much as they talk. In addition, Ms. Alexander has a great selection of music to play while her students work on projects. There is no homework in art class, although many students, out of excitement for learning new skills, continue to do art outside of the classroom as well.
Art work is not graded. The student is graded on his/her willingness to experiment with new tools and techniques, and his/her wise use of time to accomplish personal goals in art. Even though the process is considered more important than the product in class, the artwork of Ms. Alexander’s students is amazing. Many enter contests with their artwork; Ms. Alexander always keeps them notified of contests available.