Studio Arts - Mount Tamalpais School

The studio arts program fosters a lifelong appreciation of art by introducing students to a wide variety of media and concepts, from basic drawing to advanced color theory.

With the help of instructors who themselves are talented artists, students are inspired to achieve phenomenal results. We encourage exploration, creativity, and self-expression, while promoting mastery of basic art skills. The art teachers have the opportunity to work with every student in the school from kindergarten through 8th grade, and the sequence of lessons within each grade level is carefully planned and constantly evolves to accommodate the specific interests, skills, and abilities of the students. Developmental design and responsive classroom are core teaching principles used throughout the program.

Art History

Art history is a foundation of the curriculum. Students are exposed to a wide array of artists, techniques, and styles throughout history, and students’ classroom work is enhanced by field trips to local museums. We focus on a diversity of artists, cultures, ethnicities, and materials.

Creativity, Process & Confidence Building

A strong focus is on developing foundational tools and techniques to empower students to become creative problem solvers, build confidence through the process, and realize their vision.

Project Based Learning

The studio art department frequently uses project based learning to enhance the students’ depth of understanding.

Learn More About the Arts at MTS!

Music

PERForming arts

Faith Ringgold Story Quilts

In this all-school project, MTS students examined Faith Ringgold's role as an artist and storyteller focused on creating positive change.

Using the concepts in her art as a foundation, the students examined the ideas shared between Ringgold's work and our schoolwide discussion on what it means to be a "community that cares." Each student reflected on how they care for their own community and through Ringgold's artistic process, they created a deeper understanding of our own roles, hopes, and aspirations.

Andy Goldsworthy PBL

The 4th grade class undertook a PBL curriculum focused on the intersection between art and climate change.

The class began with a short unit on climate & climate change in science class. Next, the group was introduced to the dynamic land sculptures of Andy Goldsworthy and considered the driving question “How can art highlight the connection between man and nature?” Over the next few weeks, students engaged in creating their own Andy Goldworthy style installations around campus.

Minpins Art Project

Inspired by Roald Dahl’s book, The Minpins, 1st graders created their very own Minpin tree houses in art class.

Art teachers Evy and Tyler used the book as a springboard and tool to teach students how to create 3-dimensional space, scale & perspective. Using reused and recycled materials, students built on skills learned in previous years, such as color theory, foreground, middle ground & background.