As temperatures begin to soar, students in Spartanburg One experienced a different kind of summer steam through the Summer Studios art program held at Chapman High School.

During the week of June 6-10, a select group of artistically talented fourth and fifth grade students from Spartanburg School District One participated in a one-week summer program that reached beyond regular classroom arts experiences, allowing students to develop a global perspective of world-class skills and knowledge.

Summer Studios provided a high level of arts instruction that encouraged and empowered students’ love of the arts and enriched creativity and problem-solving skills which will nurture and develop their talents.

Throughout the week, teaching artists presented multiple art disciplines such as encaustic painting, assemblage, metal relief sculpture and clay.

Media arts such as filmmaking, sound effects, theatre skills concentrating on voice and narration, and animation were integrated with a focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math). Best practices in K-12 literacy were  integrated through the use of visual literacy, musical literacy, the language of dance, literacy development through theatre, traditional print concepts to digital ones and aligning reading comprehension strategies through the arts.

Coordinator of Fine Arts Cindy Riddle said, “Expanding the clarity of literacy as it relates to STEAM promotes broader understanding for our students, communication, individualized instruction, and inclusive learning environments. We are excited to provide this student-centered experience for our children.”

The art program concluded on Fri., June 10, with a Summer Studios Film Festival, designated as a culminating, community showcase. Students used iPads to share their work from the week in a digital art gallery.

– article submitted
by Cathy McMillan