Often times our view of the world is shaped by temporary matters, such as becoming engulfed in everyday menial tasks. In this way we are often disillusioned by our circumstance, our situation, or our life as a whole. Though it may be idealistic to think of life as components of an artistic masterpiece, some argue that it is conducive to feeling fulfilled during the cyclical nature of our everyday lives. The elements of design are the concepts that art students and teachers hold dear to their studies. These elements such as texture, color, shape and space are incorporated in the curriculum across all art classes here at Saint Stephen’s.  They are the building blocks to perceiving life as consistently beautiful.

With the rigorous academic curriculum Saint Stephen’s offers, there can be a tendency to get caught up in the chaos of school work. Students are required to take at least one art credit during their time at SSES and rightfully so. In my own experience, after having taken an art classes all four years of high school, these classes have relaxed my school day in many ways, and the classes have altered my perspective by providing a positive light. From day one, the elements of design are incorporated in every art class. These components are deemed essential to every piece of work submitted for grading.

At first, students tend to struggle to find the aspects of design that art teachers like Ms. Johnson and Ms. Grady look for. However, later on, the ability to identify them becomes second nature.  Ms. Grady spoke about the impact that the elements of design have on her classes: “The elements of design happen naturally because they are built into the world around us. Once you know they exist, you learn to utilize them.”

At this point of understanding in an art class, students begin to realize how applicable the lessons learned in art are in other classes and even outside the classroom.

Senior Beatrice Brunschwiler has been enrolled in art classes since freshman year and agrees with how essential her artwork has been in her own life as a student. She said, “The art classes that I’ve taken have taught me to appreciate and analyze how things are created and how they come together. With ceramics, you start with a slab of clay and can end with a tall vase with spouts or with a pierced flared bowl. Because of this, when I approach problems in other classes, I am able to take a step back and look at the big picture and see how things might come together for a solution. I can pick apart a problem to understand it better.”

Beatrice explained how her course scheduling in studio ceramics has contributed to managing her stress from other classes. When asked to describe her class in three words she said, “calming, fun, and enriching.” These qualities of class are the building blocks to this relief that students like Beatrice have learned to appreciate during their day.

A general appreciation of art has been brought to life at Saint Stephen’s through the gallery displays in the art hallway of the Russell building. Upper School students display their work throughout much of the year. Walking to class, students may look to the left and right to see students’ work, ranging from introductory art classes like Art 1, all the way through AP 2D Studio Design. This ability to be fully immersed in another curriculum without having to take classes in that area is one of many advantages Saint Stephen’s students have. Teachers and students alike are very open to sharing their interests with one another and the gallery is an example of this.

This creativity is sparked especially during Homecoming Week at Saint Stephen’s. With events like lip sync, dance-off, float-building, banner-painting and cheer-writing, the students are put to the test in generating ideas and presentations to win the competition. By utilizing original ideas founded upon the elements of design, students are able to work together to create artistic pieces that most couldn’t imagine being a part of. Though some students don’t further pursue the arts after their required one credit, the elements learned seem to stick with them.

Saint Stephen’s is a school of diverse curriculum standards. By incorporating the elements of design into the art courses, Saint Stephen’s differentiates itself from other schools and broadens the horizons of student perspectives.