The studio arts program is a sequential visual art education from pre-kindergarten to high school that provides depth of knowledge, skill acquisition and achievement. From their earliest years at the Primary School, MKA students are encouraged to live the life of a practicing artist. From their lines and shapes in the fashion of Paul Klee to their self-portraits, and from their architecture studies of their homes and dream homes to their innovative African mask designs, the displays of Primary School artists demonstrate not only their understanding and growing mastery of the elements of design they study-line, texture, value, shape and color-but also their creativity and self-expression.
Middle School students pursue their interests in the fine arts through an art class each quarter. As they move through the Middle School, they focus on one or two concepts each year as they experiment with a wide range of materials, such as paint, papier-mache, printmaking, clay, craypas, fabric, charcoal and animation technology. In addition to the classic skills of perspective, composition and color, areas of study may include works as diverse as medieval architecture, the mobiles of Alexander Calder, or self-portraiture through collage, and additional electives in studio art, technology and design and graphic art are available to eighth grade students. As well as on-going artwork displays, annual art exhibitions at both the Primary and Middle School campuses afford the opportunity to showcase student work to the general public.
At the Upper School, students continue to pursue their interest in the fine arts as they select from a wide variety of elective courses. The disciplines within the fine arts teach students to develop, express and evaluate ideas; think critically and imaginatively in problem solving; produce and interpret images and creative work; understand the artistic achievements of others; and develop self-discipline and focus. Fine arts offerings allow students to experiment with the fundamentals of art and studio art as well as to explore two levels of sculpture and four different photography courses, including The Digital Darkroom. Students interested in developing their skills and their portfolios to pursue art in college are encouraged to take Senior Studio, an Honors course, or Advanced Placement Senior Studio. Students often exhibit their works in the halls at the Upper School and invite a wider audience to their gallery openings.
