Department Philosophy

The philosophy of the Visual Arts Department of the Hempfield Area School District consists of five parts:

• The study of tools, techniques, and safety requirements in the production of art works in a studio environment - "Studio Arts"

• The study of the great and exemplary works of art from the past and present - "Art History"

• The study of art evaluation on a group and personal level - "Art Criticism"

• The study of cultural and individual concepts of value in the arts - "Aesthetics"

• The study of invention, imagination, and innovation - "Creativity"

We accept the premise that these five points are of equal value in the visual arts education of our students. It is essential that each student be evaluated on an individual basis and in accordance with stated objectives for each given visual arts task. It is our responsibility to expand our students awareness of potential visual arts related careers and to make provision for the visually artistically gifted student with necessary assistance and advanced curricula.

Visual arts education contributes to the total growth (social, emotional, aesthetic, and creative) of the individual. It encourages cultural awareness, social responsibility, visual literacy, creativity, and personal worth.