About our Program
About Our Program
The Visual Art program at the Downingtown STEM Academy offers students a wide variety of experiences in many different art-making media, techniques and styles. Open-ended projects in the foundational Art in the 21st Century courses provide students with opportunities to explore their own creative process. Art in the 21st Century curricula were designed to prepare students for the specific challenges and requirements of the International Baccalaureate Visual Art course, which focuses on communicating, methods and art in context. |
Course Descriptions
Art in the 21st Century I (Grades 9/10)
Experience the creative process for personal enjoyment or for the pursuit of additional art courses. In context training and practice of tools and materials in various media will jump-start students’ imagination and understanding of the world around them. Areas of study include drawing, painting, graphic design, digital imaging and sculpture. Emphasis is on creative and critical thinking, problem solving and personal expression through inquiry and project based instruction.
Art in the 21st Century II (Grade 10)
This course is designed to inspire the student to build upon the skills, techniques and worldly perspective acquired in Art in the 21st Century I, and to reflect and demonstrate their abilities in body of work for a portfolio. A wide range of materials and skills will be integrated into the curriculum through inquiry and project based instruction.
IB Visual Art (Grades 11/12)
The IB Visual Arts course encourages students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. It is a thought-provoking course in which students develop analytical skills in problem-solving and divergent thinking, while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers. In addition to exploring and comparing visual arts in different contexts, students are expected to engage in, experiment with and critically reflect upon a wide range of contemporary practices and media. The course culminates in an exhibition of the student’s body of work, a process portfolio and a comparative study. Students in the Higher Level course complete additional assessment requirements that allow for greater breadth and depth in art-making and critical reflection than Standard Level students. |
A class of 2015 student at Downingtown STEM Academy discusses how she applies the scientific method in her art. She also describes the creative mindset learned in Art that she uses in Math class.
|
Community Involvement
STEM Academy student artists also participate in many art events in our community
World Cyanotype Day online exhibition - Annually in September
Longwood Gardens Children's Christmas Tree Exhibit - 2022
STEM Academy Art Exhibition at Downingtown Library – Annually in the Fall
Students helped paint Children’s Room mural at Downingtown Library – Fall 2017
Chester County High School Excellence in Art Exhibition – Annually in the Spring
Downingtown Community Education Foundation Gala and Exhibition – 2017, '18, '19
Flying Colors Art Exhibit - 2018 & 2019
Trestle Place Gallery at DASD Central Office – ongoing
IB Honors Gallery, STEM Academy main office – ongoing
STEM Academy’s Rotating Gallery Wall in the Knowledge Commons – ongoing
STEM Academy student artists also participate in many art events in our community
World Cyanotype Day online exhibition - Annually in September
Longwood Gardens Children's Christmas Tree Exhibit - 2022
STEM Academy Art Exhibition at Downingtown Library – Annually in the Fall
Students helped paint Children’s Room mural at Downingtown Library – Fall 2017
Chester County High School Excellence in Art Exhibition – Annually in the Spring
Downingtown Community Education Foundation Gala and Exhibition – 2017, '18, '19
Flying Colors Art Exhibit - 2018 & 2019
Trestle Place Gallery at DASD Central Office – ongoing
IB Honors Gallery, STEM Academy main office – ongoing
STEM Academy’s Rotating Gallery Wall in the Knowledge Commons – ongoing