“When we tap into the things that bring us deep joy - our passions, our talents, our bright ideas - we ignite possibility, attract prosperity and live on purpose.” - Peter Benson
Student creations are displayed, and their processes are documented throughout Riverfield, including the Pre-School, Lower, Middle and Upper Schools. In Pre-School, following the Reggio-Emilia philosophy, art is in every aspect of their learning. Lower School students participate in discussing their work and the work of classmates as well as the artwork of Middle and Upper School students, expressing ideas, emotions, and perspectives about individual pieces or collections. Each year, student-created works of visual art are featured in BLUEprint Magazine, community art shows, and throughout galleries in the school.
The Lower School builds on the opportunities that the children have experienced in the Pre-School making learning visible through a multitude of “languages”. From Kindergarten through Fifth grade, students explore the Elements of Art (line, shape, texture, color, value, form and space) and the Principles of Art (balance, contrast, emphasis, movement and unity/variety) through various activities and experiences. Students create in the Atelier (Art Studio) of the Lower School both during their Specials time and on an individual or small group basis, working closely with the classroom teachers, administrators and students. Opportunities in the Atelier are provided for students to work individually, in pairs and in small groups on concepts and projects. The Atelier offers opportunities and experiences that develop skills through the manipulation of materials in creative and meaningful ways. Students are inspired by contemporary and historical artists with diverse cultural contexts and various art forms, including, but not limited to, drawing, textiles, painting, clay, polymer clay, wire, 3D sculpture, mixed-media, collage, printmaking, and kinesthetic sculpture.
Each Kindergarten through 5th grade classroom contains a mini-atelier that supports students’ relationship with materials and provides opportunities for deepening understanding and making learning visible in regard to on-going investigations. Mini-ateliers also support practicing techniques and skills introduced in the main Atelier. Often the Atelierista will work with small groups to extend and expand concepts broached in classroom investigations.
Lower School art students enhance their experiences through encounters with local artists and craftsmen as well as field trips to large local museums like Philbrook and Gilcrease, as well as the smaller museums and galleries. 4th/5th grade students take a biennial field trip to Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas to experience one of the best art collections in the United States.
Student creations are displayed, and their processes are documented throughout Riverfield, including the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools. Lower School students participate in discussing their work and the work of classmates as well as the artwork of Middle and Upper School students, expressing ideas, emotions, and perspectives about individual pieces or collections.
Studio Art students in the Middle and Upper Schools at Riverfield are involved in the art-making process through a variety of media, prompts and projects. Our students are inspired by the arts and craft of many cultures throughout history and are particularly in tune with contemporary art of all kinds. Using 2-d and 3-d design principles, they build their skill sets through a variety of practices and then concentrate on their personal vision and voice.
Riverfield students are fearless and passionate makers of art often working across media illustrating their love of beautiful images combined with a concern for their world and the planet. They have high expectations of their responsibility to make art that is aesthetically pleasing and always compelling.
Students use photography, collage, paint, drawing tools and sculpture to express their desire to be makers of great things during their school years and throughout the rest of their lives.
Each year many students apply and gain entry to a variety of arts programs such as Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI), Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) as well as studies at top Architecture programs.
Most students who are a part of the Visual Arts at Riverfield will not pursue a career in the arts but will use their practice here to become better visual thinkers, prepared for whatever their futures may bring.
