Visual Arts

Statement of Purpose

At the Academy for Classical Education, we believe that creativity is a foundational element of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through the lens of Visual Arts, students will utilize creativity as they learn skill sets that enhance abilities beyond the art classrooms. Scholars will enjoy painting, collage-making, drawing, sculpture, installation work, and more. Our artists will be fostering an enjoyment of curiosity and exploration without even realizing it! Through various art materials and mediums, our scholars learn to interact with the world, engage in self-expression and enhance their critical thinking ability. Students will build interpersonal skills through creating collaborative artwork with their peers. Our primary goal is to develop the student's appreciation, understanding, and creation of art to the point that the scholar becomes a lifelong Artist. The skills they learn in art class can be applied to all areas of their lives and help them flourish as scientists, mathematicians, dancers, writers, athletes, and beyond!  Perhaps our students will become great full-time artists, a lawyer who creates art as a part-time hobby to relax after stressful days at the office, or simply a fan and supporter of the arts in the community in which they live. Our goal is for them to learn to love and appreciate art, and creative processes, express themselves, and work with others. 

 

About our instructors

 

Grammar School - Vidhi Patel

Ms. Vidhi Patel is the Grammar school, art teacher. She graduated from Mercer University with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education/special education. She also has an associate's degree in arts from Middle Georgia State University and a Master’s in elementary education from Georgia Southern University.  Ms. Patel teaches all K-5 students which are approximately 865 scholars. She started her teaching career at the Academy for Classical Education in 2016. In the classroom, scholars will focus on the 7 elements of art (line, color, texture, shape, space, value, and form). Scholars will learn to improve their skills by understanding the different types of art materials. They will also explore both contemporary and historical artists and artworks. Scholars will learn to work with all kinds of media, including, coloring pencils, markers, watercolors, paint, and clay. Our main goal is to create lifelong artists who love creating art.

 

Jr. High/Sr. High - Whitney Hazen

Ms. Whitney Hazen teaches all Jr. High scholars. She graduated from Middle Georgia State University with an associate's in Arts and a bachelor's In Child and Adolescent Psychology. She went on to complete her Master's in Education at Grand Canyon University. She began teaching at Academy for Classical Education in 2020. In class, students will build their skills using the Elements of Art and start learning about the Principles of Design. Students learn to hone their skills and knowledge by completing projects using a variety of media. The media used in class include colored pencils, paint, pastels, clay, and more! Students will create artwork while developing critical thinking and creative skills they can use in all areas of life.  

 

Sr. High - Mandy Vinson
Mrs. Mandy Vinson is a Senior High art teacher.  She graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor's degree in both Ceramics and Art Education. Over the course of her career in education, she has taught art to elementary and high school students.  She is currently teaching Visual Arts and Ceramics classes at ACE.  In the Visual Arts course, scholars will learn foundational drawing and painting skills such as shading and color theory.  Scholars will also have the opportunity to explore a variety of materials and mediums like watercolor, colored pencils, and printmaking.  Ceramics scholars will learn various hand-building techniques, surface techniques, and glaze applications.

 

 

Sr. High - Dannah Minton

Ms. Dannah Minton graduated from Mercer University with a bachelor's degree in art education. She began her teaching career at Southwest High School. She later transferred to Westside High School and then started the art program at ACE in 2014. Ms. Minton teaches various subjects including Visual Arts, Ceramics, and Drawing & Painting.