Students in visual art classes at LEAP are initially introduced to the language of art through the teaching of the art elements: line, shape, color, form, texture, and value. These concepts are introduced through the creation of drawings, paintings, prints, and sculpture. This approach to art instruction allows students to acquire the visual and verbal tools they will need to illustrate ideas in their art work. By learning the elements and principles of art, students learn concepts that help them become critical observers of the visual world. Students study works of art, nature, architecture and the environment. They also use creative and thematic ideas related to their individual experience and interpretation in creating their own work.

At LEAP a special emphasis is given to acquiring language skills through the study of art. Students are encouraged to reflect on their native country's traditions, landscape and architecture. Many of the images posted on the site reflect our students’ personal experiences as well as their knowledge and experience in demonstrating their traditional art forms.

Art Department

Art Project at LEAP

News

The art department received a National Education Association Arts Award in 2008 to create a patterned floor installation in the hallway leading to the gymnasium. The design for the floor is based on symmetrical pattern motifs created by LEAP art students.

With support from 3M, the Knight Foundation and the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, LEAP student self portraits were reproduced into a 40’ X 40’ mural that was displayed on the Ordway Center for the 2008 Flint Hills Children’s Art Festival. The original student self-portraits were displayed in the windows of the Travelers Insurance building near the Ordway Center.

Self-portraits created by female art students were on display at the Minnesota Museum of American Art in October 2007. These portraits were part of the closing celebrations of the exhibition, In Her Own Right, Minnesota's

Honors Exhibit

First Generation of Women Artists.

With support from Public Art Saint Paul students worked with artist Peter Morales and LEAP’s visual arts teacher Jill Michell in creating free standing animal sculpture and a 4’ X 20’ dragon relief mural.  These works were temporarily on display at the Minneapolis Institute of Art during the celebration for the opening of their new addition in 2006.

Artist Peter Morales worked with LEAP students and LEAP’s visual arts teacher Jill Michell again in 2007 with the help from a Saint Paul School’s Arts for All award.   Wood relief murals inspired by the work of Minnesota artist George Morrison were created for the entryway.