Visual Arts Program

The visual arts studio at Fort Hill is a centrally located space within the school available for all preschool children to visit on a daily basis. For an extended period of time each day, children from each preschool classroom are given the agency to choose when they would like to visit the arts studio. While in the space, visitors are free to explore as they wish, and leave when they are ready. At Fort Hill, we believe that this system helps to create an environment within the school where children from each classroom can work collaboratively and creatively at their own pace.

The art studio is unique, in part because of the materials that are available to children. The studio teacher offers traditional and high quality materials such as watercolors, paint, pencils, clay, etc. However, it is not uncommon to find recycled materials, natural objects, and other items conducive to visual expression or language, yet not usually seen in a preschool art space.  It is our philosophy that access to and experience with open-ended materials provide the space for multi-modal expression and discovery. The unique presentation and offering of a wide variety of materials allow children to freely explore innovative ideas.

The studio teacher brings experience and knowledge of both the arts as well as child development and uses this knowledge to create thoughtful and beautifully presented provocations inspired by children’s observed interests. She inspires interdisciplinary work to take place which strengthens formed connections to their learning in the classroom, other children’s work, their prior knowledge, and their experiences both in and outside of school. As they make these connections, their understanding of their experiences and their world, grow.

Ready to apply? Learn more.