During a visit to The Rockwell in December, seventh grade students considered how artists use color, composition, perspective, and symbolism to shape viewers’ responses. They reflected on how color choices can shift mood or meaning, and how changes in point of view, such as zooming in or stepping back, can draw attention to different details. Students also examined how artists use symbols rooted in personal or historical experiences, and how audiences bring their own perspectives to reinterpret those symbols. These close-looking exercises and group discussions support critical thinking and encourage deeper engagement with the artwork.
In their choice-based art class, students experimented with materials, color, and techniques to create original works that incorporate symbolism and personal meaning. These artworks express aspects of students’ identities, experiences, and ideas. The choice-based art curriculum at ASMS fosters curiosity, independence, and creative problem-solving, supporting the development of individual artistic voices. On view here are the students’ unique interpretations and creative responses.