• visual art
      arts-visual

Lower School

List of 6 items.

  • Kindergarten

    Artist Journey
    Students are introduced to fundamental art skills, materials, and conceptual models that encourage them to express themselves artistically. The art program supports the Bush School mission: To spark in students of diverse background and talents, a passion for learning, accomplishment, and contribution to their community. Through interdisciplinary and inquiry-based models, students are empowered to explore the freedom of self-expression, to learn skills in observation, creative problem solving, critical thinking, visual communication, and to integrate these skills to sparks the student’s imagination.
     
    Through a method called Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), students learn to critically examine, critique, and discuss works of art from the classic to the modern, and to experiment with their developing technical skills as they begin to create their own personal masterpieces.
     
    Students learn a variety of visual art styles, and learn something of the lives of artists across many cultures in time, place, and genre. They explore the elements and principles of art and how these can serve the emerging artist in creating personally meaningful art works. Students experiment, visualize possibilities, take risks, and think divergently to discover and express their own individual artistic vision. They learn to make sometimes tough decisions, solve problems relating to content and materials, make connections between the arts and related disciplines, and to other aspects of culture. They learn to share, reflect upon, and evaluate the process and perspective of their own work and the work of their classmates, building all the while a nurturing community of art culture within the classroom.
     
    Kindergarten Visual Art Themes and Projects

    ExpressionHouses in the Sunset, Treasure Hunt: Abstract Art in the Style of Piet Mondrian
    Who We AreWeather and Feeling Painting, Expression Self Portrait
    Space and TimePumpkin Patches, Glittering City, Safari Landscape
    StorytellingMy Animal Stack-Up, Chinese Scroll Painting and Calligraphy, Animal Sculpture
    Creative Problem SolvingMy Robot Buddy, Pop Art Clay Cup Cake, A Close-up Look at Insects
    Role of ArtPainters of the Caves: Prehistoric Art, Clay Pinch Pot
    VTS (Genre & isms)Abstract Art, Cubism, Symbolism, Impressionism, Perspective, Clay Art, Calligraphy Art

  • First Grade

    • Artist Journey
      Students are introduced to fundamental art skills, materials, and conceptual models that encourage them to express themselves artistically. The art program supports the Bush School mission: To spark in students of diverse background and talents, a passion for learning, accomplishment, and contribution to their community. Through interdisciplinary and inquiry-based models, students are empowered to explore the freedom of self-expression, to learn skills in observation, creative problem solving, critical thinking, visual communication, and to integrate these skills to sparks the student’s imagination.
      Through a method called Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), students learn to critically examine, critique, and discuss works of art from the classic to the modern, and to experiment with their developing technical skills as they begin to create their own personal masterpieces.
       
      Students learn a variety of visual art styles, and learn something of the lives of artists across many cultures in time, place, and genre. They explore the elements and principles of art and how these can serve the emerging artist in creating personally meaningful art works. Students experiment, visualize possibilities, take risks, and think divergently to discover and express their own individual artistic vision. They learn to make sometimes tough decisions, solve problems relating to content and materials, make connections between the arts and related disciplines, and to other aspects of culture. They learn to share, reflect upon, and evaluate the process and perspective of their own work and the work of their classmates, building all the while a nurturing community of art culture within the classroom.
       
      First Grade Visual Art Themes and Projects

      ExpressionShape Cities-In the Style of Paul Klee, Beastie Selfie: Fauvist Collage Art, Sailing in the Wind-Impressionist Painting
      Who We AreFriendship Rainbow, Space Creature in the Style of Joan Miro
      Space and TimeSpace Rover Wood Assembly, Printmaking Textured Space-cape, Painting Natural Phenomena on Earth
      StorytellingClay Puffer Fish, My Flying Dream-How I Reach the Star
      Creative Problem SolvingCollaborative Work: Bridge Building Challenge, Chasing Shadows: Positive and Negative Space Study
      Role of ArtWangari Trees of Peace, Missing Species Project
      VTS (Genre & isms)Fauvism, Surrealism, Impressionist, Printmaking, Clay, Woodwork

  • Second Grade

    Artist Journey
    Students are introduced to fundamental art skills, materials, and conceptual models that encourage them to express themselves artistically. The art program supports the Bush School mission: To spark in students of diverse background and talents, a passion for learning, accomplishment, and contribution to their community. Through interdisciplinary and inquiry-based models, students are empowered to explore the freedom of self-expression, to learn skills in observation, creative problem solving, critical thinking, visual communication, and to integrate these skills to sparks the student’s imagination.
     
    Through a method called Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), students learn to critically examine, critique, and discuss works of art from the classic to the modern, and to experiment with their developing technical skills as they begin to create their own personal masterpieces.
     
    Students learn a variety of visual art styles, and learn something of the lives of artists across many cultures in time, place, and genre. They explore the elements and principles of art and how these can serve the emerging artist in creating personally meaningful art works. Students experiment, visualize possibilities, take risks, and think divergently to discover and express their own individual artistic vision. They learn to make sometimes tough decisions, solve problems relating to content and materials, make connections between the arts and related disciplines, and to other aspects of culture. They learn to share, reflect upon, and evaluate the process and perspective of their own work and the work of their classmates, building all the while a nurturing community of art culture within the classroom.

    Second Grade Visual Art Themes and Projects

    ExpressionMovement in Space, Mood Painting, Jazz It Up Printmaking
    Who We AreName Art, Art in the Style of Andy Warhol
    Space and TimeToucan in the Rain Forest, American Folk Art: Clay Face Jug, In the Style of Wayne Thiebaud Cake Art
    StorytellingDreamtime Dot Art, Personality Portrait
    Creative Problem SolvingIf I Build a House: 3D Sculpture, Exploring 13 Art Inventions
    Role of ArtMy Recipe for Peace: Clay Peace Dove, Peace Mural: Building Emotional Intelligence through Art, Endangered Species Poster
    VTS (Genre & isms)Aboriginal Art, Symbolism, Perspective, American Folk Art, Pop Art, Clay Sculpture, 3-D Art

  • Third Grade

    Artist Journey
    Students are introduced to fundamental art skills, materials, and conceptual models that encourage them to express themselves artistically. The art program supports the Bush School mission: To spark in students of diverse background and talents, a passion for learning, accomplishment, and contribution to their community. Through interdisciplinary and inquiry-based models, students are empowered to explore the freedom of self-expression, to learn skills in observation, creative problem solving, critical thinking, visual communication, and to integrate these skills to sparks the student’s imagination.
     
    Through a method called Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), students learn to critically examine, critique, and discuss works of art from the classic to the modern, and to experiment with their developing technical skills as they begin to create their own personal masterpieces.
     
    Students learn a variety of visual art styles, and learn something of the lives of artists across many cultures in time, place, and genre. They explore the elements and principles of art and how these can serve the emerging artist in creating personally meaningful art works. Students experiment, visualize possibilities, take risks, and think divergently to discover and express their own individual artistic vision. They learn to make sometimes tough decisions, solve problems relating to content and materials, make connections between the arts and related disciplines, and to other aspects of culture. They learn to share, reflect upon, and evaluate the process and perspective of their own work and the work of their classmates, building all the while a nurturing community of art culture within the classroom.
     
    Third Grade Visual Art Themes and Projects

    ExpressionSound Painting: In the Style of Wassily Kandinsky, Approximate Symmetry of Skeletal Images
    Who We AreColoring Our World: In the Style of Keith Haring
    Space and TimeSelf Portrait in the Style of Chuck Close, Clay Sculpture
    StorytellingJourneys: Travel Blanket, In the Weird Room: Surrealism
    Creative Problem SolvingPlant into Machine, Get to know the Renaissance Master: Leonardo da Vinci
    Role of ArtWhat is Design? Design with Harmony
    VTS (Genre & isms)Symbolism, Photorealism, Renaissance, Surrealism, Textile and Clay Art

  • Fourth Grade

    Artist Journey
    Students are introduced to fundamental art skills, materials, and conceptual models that encourage them to express themselves artistically. The art program supports the Bush School mission: To spark in students of diverse background and talents, a passion for learning, accomplishment, and contribution to their community. Through interdisciplinary and inquiry-based models, students are empowered to explore the freedom of self-expression, to learn skills in observation, creative problem solving, critical thinking, visual communication, and to integrate these skills to sparks the student’s imagination.
     
    Through a method called Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), students learn to critically examine, critique, and discuss works of art from the classic to the modern, and to experiment with their developing technical skills as they begin to create their own personal masterpieces.
     
    Students learn a variety of visual art styles, and learn something of the lives of artists across many cultures in time, place, and genre. They explore the elements and principles of art and how these can serve the emerging artist in creating personally meaningful art works. Students experiment, visualize possibilities, take risks, and think divergently to discover and express their own individual artistic vision. They learn to make sometimes tough decisions, solve problems relating to content and materials, make connections between the arts and related disciplines, and to other aspects of culture. They learn to share, reflect upon, and evaluate the process and perspective of their own work and the work of their classmates, building all the while a nurturing community of art culture within the classroom.
     
    Fourth Grade Visual Art Themes and Projects

    ExpressionA Balancing Act, 3-D Laser Wood Cutout
    Who We AreFigures in the Style of Klimt Gustav, My Spirit Animal: Carving & Printmaking
    Space and TimeFinding Elements of Art through Earth Art, Copper Fold Forming
    StorytellingDrawing I: A Day in the Life of the Shoes, Musical Moment: Art of Paula Cox, Graphic Novel
    Creative Problem SolvingOptical Illusion, One Point Perspective and 3-D illusion
    Role of ArtArt and Social Issue: Socially Concerned Plate (Judy Chicago)
    VTS (Genre & isms)Earth Art, Modern Art, Feminist Art Movement, Perspective, Observation Drawing, Tribal Art, Laser Cutting & Design Art

  • Fifth Grade

    Artist Journey
    Students are introduced to fundamental art skills, materials, and conceptual models that encourage them to express themselves artistically. The art program supports the Bush School mission: To spark in students of diverse background and talents, a passion for learning, accomplishment, and contribution to their community. Through interdisciplinary and inquiry-based models, students are empowered to explore the freedom of self-expression, to learn skills in observation, creative problem solving, critical thinking, visual communication, and to integrate these skills to sparks the student’s imagination.
     
    Through a method called Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), students learn to critically examine, critique, and discuss works of art from the classic to the modern, and to experiment with their developing technical skills as they begin to create their own personal masterpieces.
     
    Students learn a variety of visual art styles, and learn something of the lives of artists across many cultures in time, place, and genre. They explore the elements and principles of art and how these can serve the emerging artist in creating personally meaningful art works. Students experiment, visualize possibilities, take risks, and think divergently to discover and express their own individual artistic vision. They learn to make sometimes tough decisions, solve problems relating to content and materials, make connections between the arts and related disciplines, and to other aspects of culture. They learn to share, reflect upon, and evaluate the process and perspective of their own work and the work of their classmates, building all the while a nurturing community of art culture within the classroom.
     
    Fifth Grade Visual Art Themes and Projects

    ExpressionWhat is Art? Archimusic: My Favorite Song Becomes a Building
    Who We AreMuseum of Emotion, Emotional Effect of Space & Edward Hopper
    Space and TimeJapanese Aesthetic and Tea Ceremony: Clay Teapot and Teacups
    StorytellingPersonal Mandala, Photo Stories
    Creative Problem SolvingBlurring the Boundary: Art Tessellation, Personal Memorial: Maya Lin, A Strong and Clear Vision
    Role of ArtMaking Faces: Local Heroes Project
    VTS (Genre & isms)Portrait, Architecture, Observation Drawing, Value Study, Op Art, Clay Art, Monument

Middle School

List of 3 items.

  • Art E-lectives

    The Bush Middle School E-lective program offers art experiences each session. Past offerings include: Art in Public Spaces, Paper-Mache Headpieces, Plaster Molds and Casting, Stop-Motion and Live-Action, Calligraphy and Watercolor, Clay Lanterns, and more. 

  • Art E-Weeks

    Each May, Bush Middle School students embark on a one-week (or more!) adventure to study one topic in depth. Art programs are offered each year. Past offerings have included a survey of 2D media, filmmaking, raku clay, and more.

  • Philosophy

    The Visual and Performing Arts Department’s goal is to release, develop, and share our imaginative and creative selves, individually and collectively, by

    • investigating elements and principles of design and performance;
    • exploring linear and nonlinear styles of learning, risk-taking, and expressing; and
    • celebrating and integrating the pursuit of viewing the world aesthetically.

    The arts are a very important aspect of a child’s intellectual development. Study of and direct participation in the arts help foster self-confidence, a greater awareness of one’s surroundings, and acceptance of the diversity we all have to offer that makes our communities dynamic.

    Bush Middle School students study three different areas of fine arts in the course of one year. Each trimester, a student studies art, music, or drama, moving to a different arts subject at the end of each trimester. 

    Throughout the art program, students will use several media to develop and refine their artistic skills: drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking. In drawing, the students explore lines, lights and darks, proportions, and the use of space. In painting, students develop fundamental skills with watercolors. In sculpture, students work with clay, exploring geometric form and composition and decomposition. The elements of design are taught through printmaking as students work with positive and negative spaces. Students use creative thinking to make prints with leaves and found objects that represent an idea they are trying to communicate. In drawing and painting, students create a neighborhood with the characteristics unique to the people there, gaining an awareness of their place in the world as global citizens.

Upper School

List of 2 items.

  • Art Cascades

    The Bush School divides the Upper School program into fall and spring semesters, and two three-week Cascades terms occur at the end of each semester. The winter Cascades term runs the first three weeks in January, while the spring Cascades term runs for three weeks in May. During each Cascade, students take a single interdisciplinary course of study, led by interdepartmental teaching teams. These thematic immersive experiences are comprised of students across all grade levels. Cascades are academically engaging, challenging, and require students to grapple with complex problems and face real-life challenges both on and off campus.

    Art Cascades offerings have included: 
    • Telling Seattle Stories Using Nonfiction, Graphic Novels
    • Social Justice Filmmaking
    • For the Love of Books 

  • Sample Courses

    Acrylic Painting
    Computer Art
    Digital Filmmaking
    Drawing 
    Fire Arts
    Metal Design
    Multimedia Sculpture
    Painting
    Photography
    Printmaking
    Sculpture
    Silkscreen

Lower

Middle

Upper

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3400 East Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98112
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(206) 322-7978