Aseltine’s Fine Arts Program exposes students to a variety of artists, styles of art, and materials along with the positive reinforcement, encouragement, and extra attention needed to find the confidence to express themselves in a healthy, creative way. Students explore inventive new ways of looking at objects – and the world – and use their new knowledge and skills to create their own original works of art.
The fine arts program not only provides students with a knowledge of artists, techniques, history, and criticism, it also offers opportunities to discover and develop their creativity while building their imagination and providing a medium through which they can safely and confidently explore and articulate their view of the world – and their place in it.
Students begin to master vital problem-solving skills because art at its core is problem-solving – from mixing and blending colors to designing a layout to building a robot with moving joints. Art at Aseltine challenges students to think outside the box to solve their problems and to exercise patience. Expressing themselves through art helps students develop their imaginations and creativity – vital tools for effective problem-solving. Fine art enables students to envision new and better possibilities for their lives – and the way they live them. In addition, art teaches Aseltine students to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and opinions in healthy ways – a skill with which they have struggled greatly in the past. These tools enable Aseltine students to successfully manage the anxiety, stress, frustration, and conflicts that arise as a natural part of life.
Students’ success in art increases their self-esteem and confidence in their abilities. This new sense of confidence can be seen in the classroom – and at home – as students’ develop an interest in learning and begin to realize their own self-worth and value as members of their communities.
Annual Spring Arts Festival
Each spring, Aseltine holds its Festival of the Arts. Family, friends, and community members tour the school and view and purchase student art. The Festival validates students’ hard work, talent, and effort – and gives them a sense of accomplishment and value previously unknown to them. The annual Festival of the Arts allows students to share their enthusiasm for art – as well as their artistic abilities – with their families and the greater San Diego community.