The unique task of the artist is to look at the world, reflect on, interpret, and re-present it : to give the world to itself for reflection and interpretation. With insight, imagination, and creative skill the artist's view is like a window on the world. This view, with its limitations, perspective, and qualifications of light and shadow, color, texture, shape, and line are the context within the frame or boundary of the artist's choice. Whether the artist reveals the world in its God-made creation or human constructed forms, whether the artist uses symbols to communicate a message about it, or whether the artist provokes, challenges or persuades by the ideas conveyed, the artist provides the stimulus for the reaction of the viewer. The power of the image transcends time and space. It is with this in mind that the window metaphor is used. At each grade level the focus of vision will, at times, be prescribed. The task of the teacher is to assist the student to see. By providing experiences to develop perceptual and artistic awareness, the teacher leads the student to know, make judgments about, and appreciate the world of art and the environment. Interwoven are religious values, which are integral to Christian life and development.
© 1997 ArtEduTech, All Rights Reserved.