Art

Magnolia Montessori Academy uses the Atelier method for art instruction. The current Atelier method is a form of fine art instruction modeled after the historic private art studios of Europe. An atelier consists of an artist, usually a professional painter or sculptor, working with a small number of students to train them in art. Atelier schools can be found around the world, particularly in North America and Western Europe.

Our students have an opportunity at least once a week to visit Magnolia’s art studio. Students are encouraged to connect projects (history, science, geography, etc.) they are making in class to their art creations. Our Atelierista (studio artist-leader) shares the art making process through responsive attention and inventive provocation.

Art in the primary classroom begins with different sensorial experiences within the students’ classroom. From this, the students are provided with the materials to create his/her own art. Students are brought into contact with each of the areas and elements of art (line, shape, form, color and texture) and have experiences during the school year with: drawing and coloring, painting, printing, rubbing, paper work (folding, tearing, cutting, collage, weaving), modeling, fabric, and designing. Students are exposed to the work of great artists and various cultures’ art which exposes the student to history of that culture. Art is an avenue for expressing one’s identity and communication, and art is valued at each level in Montessori.