MICDS student artists have continued to produce beautiful, thoughtful and creative works of art during distance learning, so much so that their art teachers decided these works of art—and in the case of Beasley, pieces from on-campus learning earlier this year—must be shared more broadly through virtual means.
Middle School artists in 6th, 7th and 8th grade have been working on independent choice projects. Students created a project of their choice or a themed sketchbook. First, they constructed a planning sheet, which included research on an inspirational artist and an outline of their planned artistic approach for their projects. After each online class, students logged their work and process as they worked towards their finished masterpieces.
Middle School Fine Arts Chair and Visual Art Teacher JoAnne Vogel said, “Many students chose to visually express their experience of the COVID-19 pandemic for their choice projects. I am impressed with their thoughtfulness and personal interest in documenting their new ‘normal.’ Using the arts to communicate how they are feeling is a healthy outlet and helps all of us understand that we are not alone in this experience.”
Enjoy a selection of Middle School art in the photo gallery below, and explore the full virtual art gallery from Vogel’s classes to see each student’s work and read their artist statements.
Beasley Art Gallery Night is typically a much-anticipated and well-attended event each spring; however, this year, with distance learning, Lower School Art Teacher Sarah Garner had to invoke her own creative juices to find a way to celebrate Beasley artists virtually. She created an online gallery for students, parents, family and friends to explore and applaud the imagination and beauty of Beasley artists from the comfort of their own home and at their convenience.
Garner said, “Although this is a unique way to recognize the visual accomplishments that have been achieved this school year on campus and through distance learning, it is also an opportunity to appreciate the students’ ability to persevere, stretch and explore ways to create, and to connect with our community through the visions, artistry and expressiveness of our artists.”
Be sure to explore the virtual art gallery of each Lower School grade level below.
Want to engage with even more visual art? Be sure to check out the recent story featuring 5th and 6th grade artwork.
Thank you to all of the student artists—and their support network of teachers and family members—for giving the MICDS community a virtual gift of peaceful, inspiring and joyful art!