Fine Arts DepartmentThe quality of a student’s life is uniquely enriched in essential ways by the development of skills and values learned in the creation and performance of the Fine Arts. The Fine Arts encourage the student to function on multiple intellectual, analytical, thoughtful, spiritual, and expressive levels.
Students in the CCS Fine Arts Departments will understand and apply knowledge of terminology, structures and functions. They will choose and evaluate a range of subject matter, symbols and ideas promoting independent thought and constructive imagination. CCS students will understand the Arts in relation to history and cultures, reflect upon, and assess the characteristics and work of others, focusing on the development of a sense of quality and appreciation of craftsmanship. Our students make connections between the Arts and other disciplines.
It is our belief that the Fine Arts students should apply I Peter 4:10: “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to help others.” The Fine Arts program is designed to provide students with a broad exposure to the visual and performing arts and develop skills necessary to not only pursue further training in the Arts but to use them to minister to others.
The curriculum is comprehensive, and includes courses such as Music Appreciation, Band, Choir, Clay and Advanced Clay, Painting, Photography and Advanced Photography, Stained Glass, Jewelry, Textiles, Performance Theatre, Technical Theatre, and more. Introductory level courses build upon the foundations in each discipline. Upper level courses offer specialized studies, building upon the experiences of the creative process. Students prepare for the intense competition they will meet in colleges, universities, conservatories, art institutions and the professional world.
Fine Arts classes provide opportunities for faculty to work closely with students to assist the development of ideas and honing technical skills. The faculty strives to develop God-given abilities, intellectual rigor, technical and formal skills, spiritual discernment, and a strong work ethic. The department strives to produce young men and women who are art practitioners who display the mind of Christ.
The Fine Arts Departments of CCS strive to:
• Create rich learning environments
• Recognize unique talents and skills of each student
• Nurture artistic expression
• Acknowledge cultural and economic diversity
• Motivate student inquiry and exploration
• Develop creative thinking skills
• Instill personal confidence and respect for others
• Model and encourage constructive criticism
• Value artistic expression and individual opinions
• Provide opportunities for self-direction and leadership
• Encourage student interaction and collaboration
• Produce students who are able to creatively influence society in a godly way
Letter from the Department Chair:
Artist…an interesting term describing those expressive individuals with the ability to share their imaginative vision. Artists find new ways to view the past, explain the present, and influence the future. They posess the ability to compress the most fascinating elements of life into a single experience. Art enriches our lives, cheers our darkest days, stirs our emotions, and stimulates our intellect. Our world needs artists whose work reflects not only skill and creativity, but godly wisdom and insight.
It is my hope as an educator that our students at CCS will experience a rigorous training within a diverse Fine Arts program. My desire is to help students develop as artists and scholars, and, ultimately, expand the depth and breadth of creative energy and expression for the glory of God. As a CCS Fine Arts student, they will have opportunities to develop an understanding and appreciation for the important role of the Arts in society. We not only encourage use of materials and methods, we integrate faith with knowledge and creativity. As a Christian art student, our students may acquire an understanding of the role of the Arts as a means of expression of ideas of religion and culture, and grow in appreciation of the heritage of the Arts in Christian worship.
To be a serious artist requires discipline, hard work, perseverance, and dedication. It is richly rewarding. The goal of our department is to maximize our students’ potential and help them realize their dreams as we challenge them to be the best they can be. It is our objective to give the best and most thorough Fine Arts education we can provide, and to encourage each student.
The Fine Arts Department faculty are highly qualified creative individuals who possess artistic expertise as well as a passion for teaching. They provide helpful guidance and encourage personal discovery, development of skills and character, and a means to become proficient in each area of study. We embrace the traditional means of artistic expression as well as the latest technical advances.
Our department boasts award-winning teachers who are committed to excellence and are leaders in the community. Our Visual Art faculty have exhibited their work in numerous venues regionally, nationally, and internationally. Their work has been on exhibit in private and corporate collections. They have served as visiting artists, speakers, and workshop presenters across the state, region, and abroad. It is their privilege to creativity influence society and glorify God.
Our art students have claimed numerous awards-National Scholastics Art Gold and Silver Key winners, Association of Christian Schools International Best in Show, Governor’s Award winners, and more. They have received many scholarships and appointments to the top art universities in the nation.
Committed faculty…passionate students…faith-integrated curriculum. It doesn’t get any better than this. Cincinnati Christian Schools Fine Arts Departments is a wonderful place for your student to experience God in a creative way.
In His Service,
Carol Pinkston