Visual Arts

The studio art program integrates art appreciation, history, criticism, production and multicultural awareness to promote an authentic enjoyment of art for every child. This comprehensive approach provides lively opportunities for all students to observe and participate in the making and understanding of art. While the curriculum is based on National and State Standards, our program frequently integrates subjects introduced in In-depth Investigations and Expeditions to reinforce classroom concepts. Major objectives of our visual arts program encourage children to develop:

  • A visual awareness of the world around them.
  • An appreciation of their own creativity and the creativity of others.
  • Skills and craftsmanship to master materials and techniques.
  • Application of artistic techniques to express their ideas and feelings.
  • A verbal and non-verbal vocabulary to express what they see and feel.
  • Creative and analytical thinking skills.

Art enables students to understand and connect with the world around them through active and creative participation. Drawing and painting, as well as three-dimensional projects, promote risk-taking and problem solving in a fun and supportive environment. Art appreciation, class critiques, portfolios and student exhibitions serve as assessment practices that help students understand, reflect on, and take responsibility for their own learning.

In addition to the visual art program, fifth and sixth grade students are given the opportunity to participate in an after-school Art Club Program at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Download examples of the Visual Arts program by grade level:


Art Club


(l-r) Posing in the Great Stair Hall of the Philadelphia Museum of Art; Gallery Exploration at the Museum

The Art Club Program is a 20-week visual arts education program for fifth and sixth grade Russell Byers Charter School students held after school hours at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The Delphi Project Foundation covers all costs of the Art Club, which includes art supplies, transportation to the museum, exhibitions and celebrations and healthy after-school snacks.

The goals of the program are to develop self-expression through art, to enhance critical thinking skills through artistic problem solving, introduce students to career opportunities in the visual arts through interaction with Museum staff, and to provide a safe, welcoming and supervised environment where students can spend after school hours in stimulating, creative activities with friends.

Students work with a variety of artistic media including painting, ceramics, sculpture and printmaking. The students are exposed to a multi-cultural curriculum, studying art from places such as China, India, Europe and Japan. A special emphasis is placed on African America and Latino contemporary artists.

After the 14th week of the program, The Philadelphia Museum of Art holds an exhibition of student work in its Education Gallery. To celebrate the exhibition and the students' accomplishments, the students and their families are treated to a special reception at the Museum and a performance in their honor.