Art Department
Inside The Art Department
The district's highly acclaimed art program consists of a robust curriculum for all students and a comprehensive high school program, which boasts the Academy of Visual Arts in both High Schools. The district curricula are aligned with the current New York State Learning Standards for the Arts.
A dedicated staff of art teachers includes many who are actively involved in the New York State Art Teachers Association, and local artist groups. West Seneca also has a number of art teachers who are successful practicing artists.
The Art Department presents a District-wide student art show for grades K-12 at the West Seneca Community Center in the Martha Burchfield Richter Atrium. This celebrated event features over 300 student works by K-12 students from all buildings in the school district. This impressive exhibit annually attracts hundreds of visitors and even has had pieces sold to community members. In addition, district sponsored student art shows have also appeared throughout the community including such venues as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the Karpeles, The Burchfield Penney Nature and Art Center, and the Enjoy the Journey Art gallery. The Department also holds additional events for High School Art and Academy students such as the annual Portfolio Adjudication, National Art Honor Society Events and student art auctions.
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Our Mission
The mission of the Art Program within the West Seneca Central School District - a community characterized by diversity, high expectations and support for learning - is to ensure that through the study of art all students will:
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Design ways to develop an independent and critical thought process.
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Create ways to visually communicate in their own unique style.
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Critically analyze and visually interpret works of art.
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Discover ways to create, present, respond, and connect with artworks to make cross-curricular connections.
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Engage in opportunities and roles within the arts community.
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Celebrate and recognize their achievements and success in the Visual Arts.
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Understand that visual art can be reflective of many different cultures and civilizations over time.
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Mastering the Craft: A Guide to Our Art Programs
Art for Grades K-5:
Our K-5 art curriculum provides all students with unique hands-on experiences to create, present, respond, and connect with art and its role in our lives. In alignment with the New York State Learning Standards for the Arts, students will develop foundational skills through various media and art making approaches and exploration.
Art for Grades 6-8:
The middle school level art curriculum includes unique hands-on opportunities to create, present, respond, and connect for all, while celebrating the works and influences of various artists throughout history. In alignment with the New York State Learning Standards for the Arts, students in grades 6-8 explore and develop skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and art criticism.
Art for Grades 9-12:
The Academy of Visual Arts is an enrichment program for students who demonstrate extraordinary ability and interest in the visual arts. The goal of the program is to provide students with a more mature understanding of visual concepts, enhance cultural awareness, as well as develop the students’ artistic abilities at a more sophisticated level. Students will have the opportunity to explore more challenging studio endeavors, participate in gallery and college visitations, be exposed to visiting artists, as well as receive college credit upon successful completion of the Advanced Placement portfolio.