TFS - Canada's International School

TFS 17 The goal of art specialist teachers Carly Sauvé at the Junior School and Michelle Crath at the West Campus is to make sure their students receive a wide-ranging exposure to learning about and creating art. Year over year they build on their students' skills and knowledge and, at the same time, present them with as many art forms as possible. The reasons are twofold: "We want them to develop a solid comfort level and find something within art every year that they love and can sink their teeth into," says Mme Sauvé. They also want their young artists to see themselves in the program. As a result, periods of art and artists are studied across time, cultures, races and genders. In one unit exploring still life drawing and identity, students learn about an exceptional female Renaissance painter, Fede Galizia, who was pushed aside by history – until now. During a Grade 5 unit on conflict, students look at graffiti as modern art, and are tasked with researching and reflecting on these questions: can graffiti lead to conflict? Should graffiti be considered legitimate art or always considered illegal? And why? In the end, each student produces their own graffiti-style word with a positive message. Finding ways to alleviate the effects of the pandemic is also part of the art studio experience; Mme Sauvé now begins each class by having the students colour quietly. It allows them to relax into art and the space and, as Mme Sauvé says, "It's a great way to break up the week and they love it!" "Overwhelmingly we want them to have a deep understanding of different art movements and cultural perspectives, their individual interpretations of the same, as well as cultural, and their own personal, symbols," says Senior School visual arts teacher Kathleen Hatchell. "They should develop an understanding of the cultural, political or religious context of artwork at a sophisticated level, and have a thorough grounding in elements of composition and design," she adds. Intersecting that rigour is a fierce push for experimentation and originality, especially from those students who choose to study art within the International Baccalaureate's Diploma Program. There is a distinct openness for and appreciation of students creating new art materials to work with, such as mixing paint with pencil shavings. While IB art has always demanded that students demonstrate significant self-awareness – and the ability to express that awareness in fascinating and magnificent ways – the pandemic has amplified these qualities. "Our students accept the challenges that this time has brought to them. They are embracing their artistic space and breaking out of their shell. The trust we have with our students is rare and we are privileged to share with them their vulnerabilities. These are very brave and bold children," says Ms. Hatchell. It is not only our teachers, fellow classmates and their parents who see the outstanding ability of our students; TFS' IB artists consistently rank near the top worldwide. Finally, Ms. Hatchell has this to say: "Art seems to be the medium that helps free us from isolation, reach out and communicate." DISCOVERING THE ARTIST WITHIN PLACING THE ARTIST IN THE PICTURE Artist: Clara P., Grade 5, Junior School Artist: Isabelle G., Level V, Senior School

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