Visual Arts Program
Kathy Barbro, Visual Arts Professional Expert

The goal of the Visual Arts Program at Dixie is to bring lessons into the classroom based on the California Visual Arts Standards. California developed the grade-level Standards for the Arts a few years ago; they provide a great template for building on yearly skills. The Standards recommend that:


- Kinders start by just making shapes with color
- 1st graders mix primary colors such as blue and yellow to make green
- 2nd graders learn the difference between warm and cool colors
- 3rd graders make color tints and shades
- 4th graders identify complimentary colors
- 5th graders use their color knowledge to enhance their own expresssive artwork

Whenever possible these lessons are also tied to themes from Open Court curriculum, as well as any associated art history. As 3rd graders study City Wildlife they will learn how to draw city buildings in perspective, after reviewing how Michelangelo brought depth to his paintings through the use of 1- and 2- point perspective. While keeping all lessons fun and diverse, this program provides educational groundwork for all participating students, so that they will be better prepared to continue their art education. But even more fundamentally, learning how to work and think creatively can enhance every aspect of a student's life.

	VIVA ART Gallery - Click Here to view the Viva Art Gallery featuring Dixie Canyon Student Art
	Artsonia.com - View your student's artwork online and view available products
	California State Standards - Downloadable pdf with standards by grade level
	Project ideas - Coming soon
	Resources for art docents - View a list of books with great lesson plans!