Art
Instructor: Kathleen Hodges
At Walnut Glen Academy, students learn about the elements of art and the principles of design through four disciplines: art production, art history, art criticism and aesthetics. Examples of student art are consistently displayed and rotated throughout the building. Student art can also be viewed during the annual GISD Elementary Art Show and during the Walnut Glen Academy Literary Fine Arts Festival, both held each spring.
Amazing art spotlight
Tips for parents
- Give your child easy access to paper, crayons, markers, colored pencils and simple paints (watercolor/tempera) at home. Do not pressure your child to create. Give them the space and materials they need and allow them to discover their imaginations on their own!
- Visit museums with your kids! The DFW area is full of great art! In Dallas, check out The Dallas Museum of Art, The Nasher Sculpture Center, The Crow Museum and The Meadows Museum of Art. In Ft. Worth, visit The Amon Carter Museum, The Kimbell Museum and The Modern Art Museum of Ft. Worth.
- Ask your children to share with you what they have learned in art class and proudly display their work in your home/office!
Technology in the computer lab
Each six weeks grades 1-5 are able to create art in the computer lab during their normal Art Classes. We use Corel Painter Essentials with Wacom Intuos pens and drawing pads to create digital masterpieces through the wonders of technology.
Art rules and procedures
Please allow me to welcome you and your student(s) to another fun and creative year in the Walnut Glen Academy art room! Having the Visual Arts as part of the school curriculum not only serves to advance the development of fine motor skills, but art education also produces a population of students who are creative thinkers, problem solvers, and visual learners. Art teaches kids how to generate new ideas and how to justify decisions. Art enhances cultural awareness and is associated with improved academic performance. Here at Walnut Glen Academy, we believe art is essential!
I would like to ask that you please review the following Art Room Expectations with your student(s). I have discussed these directives with all of my classes. It is my wish that every student at Walnut Glen Academy becomes part of a positive educational environment. The following rules will be in effect at all times.
Art Room Expectations:
- Listen and follow directions the first time given.
- Be seated upon entering the classroom and have personal materials. (Students in grades four and five only are required to bring a pencil to art class every day.)
- Talk quietly.
- Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself. (Be respectful to others.)
- Keep work areas clean.
I often receive questions in reference to my grading practices. Students are graded on their own personal artistic achievement and effort in accordance with the Garland Independent School District’s grading policies, the GISD Fine Arts curriculum, and the National Standards for Art Education. Students not achieving success in art class or displaying poor behavior will receive a progress report. Progress reports are sent every three weeks and must be signed by a parent and returned.