Visual Arts foster self-expression, creativity and an appreciation of the beauty of art and our world. The process of creating leads to a greater awareness of the creations of others, and to a heightened sensitivity to one’s surroundings. Students develop technical skills in 2-D and 3-D projects, working in various media such as drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and working with clay in hand building and wheel thrown pottery. The fine and gross-motor hand skills of force, pressure, pinching, and grasping required for art projects also help students to gain muscle strength, dexterity, visual-motor and bilateral coordination skills.

Student using a roller to flatten ceramics

Hands on with Visual Arts

Art challenges students to develop individually by building their persistence, care, and choice-making ability, while enhancing their feelings of self-esteem and creativity. Students have the opportunity to be recognized as artists and participate in community art exhibits with other local artists. They also sell handmade ceramics, soaps, and student-designed T-shirts at the “Higashi Store” during various school events throughout the year.

Annual Art Show

Every year we host an Annual Art Show in the winter where artwork from every student is displayed in our main school lobby. Students are involved in every aspect of setting up and putting together the art show so that they can have the pride of displaying their hard work. While this display is up, we invite parents and families to a Parent Training event that includes bringing their students through the Art Show to practice behaviors that can be used when out in public with family later.