At Agape Christi Academy, art is not an elective. The apostle Paul instructs us to set our minds on that which is true, noble, just, pure, lovely; we are to meditate on those things which are of good report, virtuous, or praiseworthy. This lifestyle of contemplation is a habit that needs to be trained and art class is a conducive setting for that training. Furthermore, because the invisible Word became visible, the pictorial expression of idea is a Christian concept, necessitating the study of art in a Christian education.
The Arts
Fine Art
The focus of art study in the lower school is drawing with an emphasis in copying God’s works. Students begin with learning the five basic elements of shape through contour drawing. As they progress, students incrementally learn and apply the seven elements of art, composition strategies, and color theory. Students in all grades analyze and discuss the works of classical and modern artists with an emphasis on identifying worldview themes in the upper grades. As a Christian school, we seek to instruct our students to: glorify God in their handiwork, reject aesthetic relativism and nihilism, and make aesthetic judgments in humility. Understanding that the best art critic is an artist, all students work to hone their creative abilities.
Drama
The dramatic arts are a wonderful avenue for developing rhetorical skills. The class plays based on beloved literature are a highlight of the year for lower school students. Some favorites are The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; The Hobbit; and Pilgrim’s Progress. Starting in 7th grade, students may audition for a role in the upper school drama production for extracurricular credit or they may prefer the more structured court setting of Mock Trial. Some students enjoy both!