Primary School Art Program Creates Hands-On Fun

Foundation Academies’ parking lot became an outdoor gallery as Primary School students proudly displayed artwork they created this year with the help of Village Arts.

Students in K-2 spend time with “Ms. A.” every week, having fun and being creative while using scissors, drawing, and tearing paper to create personal masterpieces. Such hands-on work is helping young students develop fine motor skills they missed due to remote learning during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sessions also encourage students to explore the elements of art – color, form, line, shape, space, texture and value. Additional lessons are geared for students who benefit from projects highlighting emotion and self-expression.

Village Arts has been partnering with Foundation Academies since 2019, facilitating Friday Art Clubs for students in grades 3-12 and art classes during summer instruction. When students were learning remotely, Village Arts organized art supply kits to be distributed to many grade levels and led virtual art club activities each week.

Introducing art programs to students is rewarding because they develop skills quickly, said Carrie Weiss, co-owner of Village Arts. 

“Demystifying art concepts helps them see art in a new way (and) they are now able to participate as knowledgeable viewers and have a new appreciation for art,” she said. “Best of all, they are having fun exploring new ideas and materials together!”