Self-portrait by Stephanie Adams, grade 7. In this project, self-reflection was encouraged as students were asked to contrast who they truly are with how others see them.
Boston Prep students and teachers will have the exciting opportunity to showcase their artwork to the public in an upcoming exclusive art show.
Visual art classes are a core element of education at Boston Prep. As art teacher Patrick Foran explains, “Through art, students develop self-awareness, persistence, and creative thinking. They must learn to be independent and problem solve in scenarios in which they are not told exactly what to do.” As a result, art serves as a means to both help students develop the skills necessary to succeed in college and help them become reflective, ethical people.
All Boston Prep middle school students participate in art class for a semester each year. In 10th grade, students take an art history course, in which they learn about Greek, Roman, and Renaissance art, in conjunction with their trip to Rome. Finally, 11th and 12th grade students may select art as an elective.
Mr. Foran works collaboratively with content area teachers and views art as a way to deepen learning. Students regularly engage in cross-curricular projects, building on their learning in science, math, and literacy. For example, while learning about microscopes in science, 6th grade students will learn about microscopic embroidery in art, then learning the skills of embroidery themselves.
Looking ahead, Mr. Foran is excited by the possibilities afforded by an exclusive art classroom in Boston Prep’s permanent home. Currently, he travels by cart from classroom to classroom, limiting the materials students can use. Once in the new facility, he is looking forward to adding 3D art forms, such as sculpture, to the curriculum to enhance students’ artistic experience.
Please join us for the Phoenix Rising art show opening in the MassArt Arnheim Gallery on June 16 at 7:00. Refreshments will be served, and interactive art stations will allow guests to engage in the creative process.
Guest artist Sa'rah Melinda, a designer for the Adidas custom men's line, visited Boston Prep art classes to teach students about the application of art in the design profession. Here, Rodney Owens creates his own show design.