IPSWICH MIDDLE SCHOOL VISUAL ARTS

Painting by 7th gr. student

''Mixed Media with a Message'' project by 8th gr. student ''I know why the caged bird sings''

The Ipswich Public Schools Visual Arts Philosophy The Visual Art Department of the Ipswich Public Schools believes that studying the visual arts is fundamental to human development and the human experience. The visual arts nurture and validate inspiration, intuition, creativity, and the recognition of beauty through study, practice, and reflection. Contributing beyond their intrinsic value, the visual arts benefit a range of learning environments, the local community, and the society at large. Students are challenged to appreciate beauty, problem solve, and to better understand and respect themselves and others through their study of the visual arts. The visual art program of the Ipswich Public Schools explores essential questions of art while integrating problem solving, critical thinking, art history, and technical skills. It fosters appreciation, passion, and understanding of the visual arts while nurturing the students’ artistic confidence and expression. Problem Solving • The Visual Art program is challenge based and presents students with an articulated purpose in their art making. • A variety of creative solutions are valued and students are encouraged to experiment with materials. • Personal motivation is fostered through shared passion, personal connections, and technical skills. Critical Thinking • Students are challenged to appreciate beauty and consider what makes something beautiful. (Aesthetics) • The Visual Art program fosters reflection and discussion about artistic decisions, the creative process, and the product. • Students are taught to interpret and utilize a visual language to communicate. Art History • The study of art history is integrated into the art making process. • Students are introduced to the contemporary art community and a variety of artistic careers. • Students are exposed to a variety of art experiences outside of school, including museums, galleries and art studios. Technical Skills • The Visual Art Program teaches students to learn and master technical skills that will further artistic skills. • Students are taught to embrace a spirit of vigorous, rigorous play. • Throughout the art making process, it is emphasized that the journey is the destination.

master artist painting by 8th gr. student

The Pet Project by 8th gr. student

Additional Art Programs... In addition to the Specialist Rotation program of five days a week, for nine consecutive weeks, the visual arts department also provide free to all students, a weekly after-school art program. Our ''open studio'' format allows students to work on any project or in any medium they desire--including access to our four pottery wheels. For the student who needs more direction; assistance is always available. Our after-school program is held on Wednesdays from 2:10 to 3:30 and based on a weekly-sign up, first come first serve to the first 25 students. An additional benefit for students in the art club is occasional special visiting artist opportunities as well as visual art field trips.

Visual Art Field Trips/ Visiting Artists... Future field trips, visiting artist programs and special opportunities for our after-school art club students will always we featured at this web site.

Art Club 2006, Blue Print Project Challenge, The Concept; Darwin's Evolutiuon

Parent Visitor at the Winter IMS Art Show

Winter and Spring Annual Art Shows... The highlights of the year are our two annual Art Shows which feature at least one piece from each student.This year's winter show will be held Tuesday, January 8th 2008. It will feature the 1st semester students, and the spring show, (May 2008) will feature the 2nd semester students. Each show will feature over 450 works of art including paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, digital photography, jewelry making, mosaics, sewing & fabric construction, mixed-media projects and much more. The Art Shows are always held in the Performing Arts Center Lobby. We are always please to have refreshments and music provided by I.M.A.D.A., our Ipswich Music, Art & Drama parent group. Other Art Shows scheduled for this upcoming school year; The Ipswich High School Winter and Spring Show, The Senior Portfolio Show, and the Ipswich Fine Arts Faculty Art Show.

Deconstruction-Reconstruction project by 8th grade student

The Icon Project by 7th gr. student

Grading Policies: Students are graded on studio/classroom habits and the outcome of their project assignments. For a copy of our grading rubric open the attached link below.

IMS VA rubric 9.06.doc

Master Artist pastel drawing by 8th gr. student

artist statement Students are also graded on their ability to critically assess their own artwork. Attached is a copy of the personal ''Artist's Statement and Critique'' students use to write about their own work.

Personal Artist statement 9.06.doc

Sculpture by 7th grade student

''Master Artist Project by 8th gr. student

Summer Art Studio In addition to our regular school year opportunities, we offer a week-long Summer Art Studio experience. Applications available in April for the Mid-August camp. Contact Ms Eaton directly at (978 804-3539)

Summer Art Studio Participants on location at Gould's Creek Bridge, July 2006

Summer Art Studio participants in the studio, July 2006

Recent works by Ms Eaton... Below are some of Ms. Eaton recent works. As a practicing painter, Ms. Eaton shows her work regularly at local galleries. In addition to painting, Ms Eaton is a co-partner in a Professional Wedding Photography business, as well as Professional Scenery Painter for local community theatre.

32'' x 30'' oils on wood, ''stones throw away''

''red berries''

Parent Volunteer Opportunities... Parents who are interested in helping out can become involved in I.M.A.D.A. our Ipswich Music, Art & Drama parent organization. You can also be a chaperon for our field trips, or assist with winter or spring art show preparations.

Contacting Me... I am delighted to talk with you any time concerning your child and/or any of our programs. Please feel free to call me at the Ipswich Middle School at (978) 356 3535x 174 or by email at virginia.eaton@comcast.net

The URL of this page is http://users.freshpond.net/v/virginiaeaton/imsart.html E-mail this Web page to a friend Last updated 12/10/2007 6:06:41 PM Click here to view disclaimer. Author: Virginia Eaton (virginia.eaton@comcast.net)