I am honored to be sharing my passion for art and art education with the students at East Hanover Middle School. The community, administration, faculty and support staff continuously offers positive influence and inspiration for our Visual Arts Program. During an exciting journey over the past five years my students have engaged in a variety of art experiences that encourage increased awareness of the arts, appreciation for the work of peers, positive self-esteem, and pride. Every sixth grade student has art as part of their daily cycle schedule, while seventh and eighth grade students have art only once during their remaining two years in the school. To this end, the art room is open at least four times each week during the middle of the day for any student who wishes to be creative. Additionally, we have established the school's first chapter of the National Junior Art Honor Society. At East Hanover Middle School I have the opportunity not only to teach art, but to teach the art of life.

In a thirty day cycle, students will experiment with a variety of media to create visual art. The elements of art, (e.g., line, space, color, value, texture, and form) are stressed in two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional work. Students will begin to apply art principles, (e.g., rhythm, movement, balance, proportion, variety, emphasis, and unity) in their art expression. The development and application of basic techniques and skills are stressed. Students will express their ideas by using art as a form of communication. As students work toward an appreciation and understanding of art they will relate visual arts to various historical and cultural traditions. Students learn to respect their own ideas and artistic expressions and those of others as they analyze and evaluate works of art.

During a thirty-six day cycle, students continue building on the exploratory experience of visual arts begun in the 6th Grade. This course offering is designed to assist students in gaining more meaningful experiences with art. An inquiry approach provides students with a foundation for understanding and appreciating the visual arts and their relationship to society. Time together includes the study of a broad range of artistic styles, media, and ideas from past and present cultures. The students participate in aesthetics, art criticism, art history, art production, and interdisciplinary activities that promote visual literacy. Emphasis is placed on further developing craftsmanship and presentation of artwork. Since this is the last formal art class to be offered during their time at EHMS, students are encouraged to pursue art courses at the high school level.

A mirror image of our 7th Grade Visual Arts, this is also a thirty-six day cycle rotation. Students continue building on the exploratory experience of their first visual arts class at EHMS taken in the 6th Grade. This course offering is designed to assist students in gaining more meaningful experiences with art. An inquiry approach provides the students with a foundation for understanding and appreciating the visual arts and their relationship to society. Time together includes the study of a broad range of artistic styles, media, art criticism, art history, art production, and interdisciplinary activities that promote visual literacy. Emphasis is placed on further developing craftsmanship and presentation of artwork. Students are encouraged to contemplate the many career opportunities available in the arts and pursue their interests at the high school level.

East Hanover Middle School
Cathy Shott