2026-2027 School Year

Art Explorations for Middle School TR

Mondays AND Wednesdays

Course Description

Students will focus on creative expression, art history, and art appreciation. They will use techniques and media to create art pieces such as drawing, painting, mixed media, textiles, sculpture, and printmaking. They will be introduced to art vocabulary organically, including the Elements of Design (line, shape, color, form, texture, value, and space), as well as the Principles of Design. Students will study several artists (modern, contemporary, and a few from other art periods) while also learning how to critique their own works of art.

To be successful in this class:

The curriculum is based on a three-year rotation to accommodate students from grades 6-8 and those taking the course more than once. Students have no need of prior experience or particular talent but should be willing to try new things and enjoy the process. Participation and effort are the keys to success. Weekly participation grades will be based on effort, weekly homework sketchbook entries, and improvement during class.

 

Grades: 7th Grade, 8th Grade

Course Tuition and Enrollment Fees can be found HERE. If applicable, see below for additional course fees (supply, lab, textbook, etc.)

Additional Course Fees: $35 supply fee

Required Materials

Textbook: none

Other Materials:

  • One Liquid Elmer’s Glue
  • 2B Pencils
  • One Pink Eraser
  • One Grey Kneaded Eraser
  • One Clear Ruler
  • 9”x 12” Spiral Sketchbook (to be brought to class each week)
  • One Folder with Pockets
  • One pack of baby wipes or Clorox wipes (to be left in class)
  • Small zippered pouch to hold small art materials

Meet Mary Elise Masters

Education: Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Psychology from Shorter University and Master’s Degree in Evangelism and Leadership from Wheaton College.

Experience: Mary Elise began teaching as an assistant in experiential learning classes with Wheaton College. In 2015 she became an adjunct professor at Toccoa Falls College. Since then she has been a lead instructor in the outdoor education field.

Homeschool Experience: She began homeschooling in 2021 and has been involved with other homeschooling families from informal co- homeschooling to formal drop off programs.

UHC Courses Taught:Elementary Art and Middle School Art Explorations

Began teaching at UHC in 2026.