Overview
Through creative exploration in both independent and collaborative activities, students will have the opportunity to experience art as an expressive tool while also understanding its value to both them and their community.
Activities To Include: sketchbook drawing, painting, 3D collages, and more. All art supplies will be provided.
Themes
Aligning with FCPS Elementary key concepts for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade, the Art Foundations class explores big ideas of culture, time, and globalization. These may include themes like traditions, environment, visual culture, technology, diversity, and other related topics.
Course Objectives
- Express creativity: Demonstrate increased creative expression and imaginative thinking in their artwork and develop a personal artistic voice.
- Explore diverse mediums: Experiment with a wide range of art mediums, such as watercolors, acrylics, charcoal, and clay, to discover their preferences and expand their artistic horizons.
- Refine fine motor skills: Enhance fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination through detailed and intricate art projects.
- Create multistep projects: Complete more complex art projects that involve planning, design, and execution, fostering patience and attention to detail.
- Cultivate visual awareness: Develop an increased appreciation for visual details in the environment, learning to see the world through an artist’s eye.
- Art presentation: Learn how to present and exhibit their artwork, especially for the student showcase at the end of semester.
- Art appreciation: Deepen their understanding and appreciation of art through guided discussions and critiques of their own and others’ work.
Program Details
Ages: 8–11
Dates: Saturdays, 10–11:30 a.m.
March 1–May 3, 2025 (8 weeks)
Skip Dates: April 12 and April 19
Student Art Showcase: May 3, 2025 11 a.m.–noon
Tuition: $330
Location: Art and Design Building, George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia
Program Faculty
Coming Soon
The Master of Arts in Teaching in Art Education (MAT I) is a pre-service degree program that prepares students with a BFA degree or equivalent for PreK-12 art licensure by the Commonwealth of Virginia. As a transformative educational journey that empowers future educators with a holistic and immersive learning experience, one of the unique features of our MAT program is the opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to teach MCAA Saturday Art Classes before their semester-long student teaching internship at FCPS. This provides meaningful opportunity for pre-service teachers in various aspects, such as to practice curriculum design, gain insights from challenges and experience, and implement diverse teaching strategies.
Moreover, all students enrolled in Art Education courses are required to visit MCAA Saturday art classes in Fall and Spring semesters to observe and assist their peers in action as well as interact with PreK-12 students to gain knowledge about their artistic practices. This hands-on experience brings theory to life and bridges the gap between academic knowledge and real-world classroom dynamics. This collaborative approach not only enhances their own teaching skills but also strengthens the MCAA Saturday art classes, enriching the experience for all students involved.
Notes
- Please note that group classes are subject to cancellation if minimum enrollment is not reached.
- Be sure to check our policies and procedures regarding registration, withdrawals, refunds, and more for fall or spring group classes.
- All students will receive a Welcome Letter via email at least one week before the class starts with all necessary details.
- Online registration closes two business days before the first class, however space may still be available. Please contact [email protected] for more information. A $10 late registration fee may apply.
- For additional information, please contact the Academy at [email protected].