Art

"Art is to me the glorification of the human spirit, and as such it is the cultural documentation of the time in which it is produced." — Hans Hofman

Art at St. Gregory features curriculum-integrated lessons in a wide variety of mediums and artistic styles. Through the study of art and art history, the information presented in other subjects (religion, history, social science, literature, etc.) are supported and enhanced thereby increasing a student's understanding of what they've learned and helping them place abstract concepts into relevance.

The Importance of Art Education

• Art education engages students and honors various learning styles.
• Art education helps students develop observation, analysis, interpretation and evaluation skills that transfer to other areas of study.
• Art education promotes an understanding of personal identity, community contexts and global cultures.
• Through art education students acquire the skills and exercise the creativity necessary for success.
• Art education can bring every subject to life increasing interest in historical and geographical topics, math and science, literature and language arts, social science and religious

Curriculum Overview

K-3rd: Curriculum based on building a foundational knowledge of both the vocabulary and technical aspects of art through a project based examination of the elements and principles of art.

Lunch Art 1st-4th: This drop-in program is for students who are looking for an alternative to lunch recess. Students work on daily lessons at their own pace. Projects use different types of media, and recycled materials. This class is a fun and creative way to spend lunch.

4-5th: A theme based curriculum that ties into grade level history/social science lessons as well other core subjects (math, science, literature, religion). Students will analyze, interpret and discuss art both in content and composition, and demonstrate their comprehension of each lesson in their own art work.

6-8th Art Elective Course: Students explore and experience creative expression in a mixed grade and level elective class, where exploration, inquiry and collaboration of ideas on the project-based lessons is encouraged. At the end of each trimester students will have developed more self-confidence and creative experience, and will have reinforced their learning and expanded understanding of art theory and 2D and 3D art forms, using a wide variety of tools, techniques and art media. There are typically three projects per trimester period.

The success of the Art program at St. Gregory’s relies on the support of parent volunteers. Please take a moment to check out the different volunteer opportunities available.

How to Volunteer

Teacher’s Assistant: Teacher’s Assistant: Volunteer to provide teacher assistance in the classroom by setting up art materials, aiding students, collecting finished artwork and helping with clean-up at the end of the lesson. No artistic ability required. Sign-up to volunteer by contacting your class’ Art in Action Teacher or by emailing Marisa Mendoza.

Lesson Material Preparation: Help prepare lesson materials (cutting paper, refilling supplies, etc.) This can be a work-at-home project.

Art Work Labeler: Most artwork is mounted on paper and all artwork needs to be labeled with the student’s name. Labels for each project/class will be provided. This is a great take home project.

Art Show Helper: Help with set-up and take-down for our school art show(s)

Contact: Marisa Mendoza, mmendoza@stgregs-sanmateo.org