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At Broadwater, we believe that a firm foundation in the Visual Arts is an important part of each student’s development. From Pre-K through Grade Six, students attend art class once a week. They are lead through an exploration of the elements of art, producing various artworks using media such as marker, watercolor, tempera paint, cut paper, oil pastel, chalk pastel, and clay. To introduce each project, the teacher shows and describes the artwork of a famous artist who has excelled in a specific technique or medium. In Grades Seven through Twelve, the concentration is on the principles of design through an even more expansive use of materials including acrylics, found objects, oils, and glass.
The results are outstanding, as visitors to the annual school-wide art show attest each May. The Broadwater Art Show is divided into four age divisions with eight categories each; the variety of work speaks to the talent of the Broadwater student body and the careful nurturing taking place inside and outside the art classroom. Local professional artists make up each year’s panel of judges, who award ribbons and select a Best in Show entry from each age division.
Local artists and artisans are sometime visitors to the classrooms, with additional support from parents and friends of the school. The Eastern Shore is an incredible resource for art awareness and the development of each individual’s strengths in the visual arts.
We feel the study of art and the making of art help to form the foundation for advanced problem-solving and creative thinking. Often, the most productive and talented art students excel in academic and athletic pursuits as well. Broadwater’s AP Studio Art class provides the framework for seniors to achieve college-level goals; as part of students’ preparation for the rigors of college, AP portfolio development can result in a higher grade point average and placement in advanced art classes during post-graduate studies.
In addition to the more traditional fine arts classes, Broadwater’s Art Department offers two computer-based art classes: Digital Photography and Photoshop; and Web Applications. Students use Photoshop, InDesign, and various other professional-level programs. Students link their traditional studies of the elements and principles of design to digital projects such as 3D building design, a digital sketchbook, and manipulating and correcting their photographs using advanced techniques in Photoshop.
Come and visit the artrooms at Broadwater—we’ll lend you a smock!
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