Art at Explorer West – Fostering the Creative Process

Explorer West’s art program emphasizes “process over product’ where the joy of the creative process is the focus instead of creating a “perfect picture”. The idea is to stimulate imagination and recognize each student’s genuine efforts, so they will continue to take pleasure in the arts; continuing their art education outside of school, visiting museums, and looking at and discussing art with interest, knowledge and understanding.

Equally important to the creative process are evidence of quality time spent on projects, willingness to learn new skills, finishing assignments in a timely manner, attention to craftsmanship, contributing to a positive learning environment, and using unique solutions to think “outside the box”.

The art department collaborates with other subject areas to maximize learning opportunities. History and social studies are natural companions to art, but other projects also align with the world music, science and math curricula. Some integrated topic areas include:

· 6^th grade - ancient cultures: Egyptian, Aztec, Mayan, Greek and Chinese

· 7^th grade - historical focus on the United States, Pacific Northwest Coast Native American cultures, and Washington State

· 8^th grade – global studies cultural inspirations

With the new expansive, dedicated art studio, the art program can now focus on larger projects and will have the space to store more artwork (such as ceramics which are fired in an on-site kiln). Explorer West student art is profiled throughout the halls of the school and are also regularly showcased in public exhibitions throughout Seattle.

Not all Explorer West students are going to become the next Georgia O’Keefe or Frank Lloyd Wright. But with an average of three art classes per week, they are exposed to the work of some famous creative minds and stimulated to use new tools and methods in the creation of their own art.

Please visit our faculty page learn more about, Sarah Robertson Palmer, our lead art teacher, or contact the school to learn more about our art program.