IMMANUEL ART
"The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance."~Aristotle
My Educational Philosophy
The arts teach children that problems can have more than one solution and that questions can have more than one answer.- Elliot Eisner
As an educator, I have the opportunity to inspire and nurture young minds. The Art room is a place that provides students with the opportunity to learn and explore the world’s different cultures as well as the communities around them. The Visual Arts introduces students to the practices of artists and their thoughts, and I hope that my classroom will foster a greater appreciation of creativity. Artists are always searching for new and innovative ways to think, plan, and build, which is the spark of curiosity. Curiosity is something of great value. It is that strong desire to learn that led me to become an educator, and this love of learning is something that I will instill in my students.
This being said, I feel that the value of the Visual Arts is often times overlooked in schools. There is a disconnect and a belief that Art is separate from all other subjects, but I believe that Art is present in all subjects. Students can incorporate ideas and concepts that they learn in an Art room and apply them to any other subject. The Visual Arts promote the development of skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, reasoning, analysis, interpretation, self-direction, planning, adaptability, communication, collaboration, and cooperation. All of these valuable skills can be applied in any realistic or classroom setting, which I will always emphasize in my classroom.
Art is a place for all types of diverse learners to succeed because it is a place where inquiry is encouraged. I believe in giving students various choices when it comes to art-making, which places them into the role as the artist. When students think through their problems and achieve their goals, they experience authentic learning. My classroom will always be a safe environment and community for students to grow and collaborate with their peers. The Visual Arts is an ideal place to support the students’ emotions, beliefs, and ideas and I look forward to learning and growing alongside my students.



Michigan and National Core Visual Arts Standards

Our Visual Arts Curriculum at Immanuel:
In the Immanuel Art room, students are learning in a student-centered, choice-based, collaborative, hands on atmosphere. Our program is directly linked to both the State and National Core Visual Arts Standards. A detailed overview of our program at every grade level is listed to the right.
Grade 4: Introduction to collaboratively evaluating and critiquing personal artwork and project proposals. Students will continue exploring a variety of approaches to creatively problem solve when creating art. Intentionally modeling the Design Principles and Elements of Art. Introduction to visual culture and symbolism in both historical and contemporary artworks. Students will examine how subject matter, symbolism, and traditional practices influence the meaning behind a work of art. An introduction to art being a reflection of current society and students creating using real world experiences. Cross-curricular activities that connect the Visual Arts to other core subject areas. A greater look at Visual Thinking Strategies to strengthen the students understanding of Visual Literacy.
Grade 5: Students will be able to create project proposals with meaning and explain their artistic choices. Exploration of how technology and the digital age have influenced the process of art making. Introduction to art appreciation and aesthetic. Review of historic and contemporary artistic practices. Students will examine how the creative process is a reflection of individual expression and individuality. Introduction to composition and three-point, two-point, and one-point perspective. Students will understand the effectiveness of one?s own composition and make revisions when necessary. Introduction to various careers within the Visual Arts. Cross-curricular activities that connect the Visual Arts to other core subject areas. Visual Thinking Strategies will be used by students to uncover the meaning behind works of Art.
Grade 8: Students will apply their understanding of the Elements and Principles of Design and use of a variety of materials and mediums. Mastery of color theory and independent exploration of desired materials is encouraged. Students will develop a greater understanding of collaborative art making by working with peers. Review of artist statements and participation in class critiques. Mastery of Visual Literacy and Visual Thinking Strategies. Mastery of two and three-dimensional artistic processes and techniques. Cross-curricular activities that connect the Visual Arts to other core subject areas.

Maria Cardaris
Art Teacher
About Me: Miss Cardaris
Hello and Welcome to the world of Immanuel Art! I’m Miss Cardaris and I am so blessed to be the Art teacher here at Immanuel. This is my sixth year at Immanuel and I cannot wait to see what creativity is in store for us this year. I absolutely love creating alongside of all of my students. Along with teaching K-8th grade Art, I also teach two different sections of Advanced Art for 7th and 8th graders. It is always a privilege watching my students grow into budding, young artists. Aside from teaching Art, I am the director of student anchors for our weekly broadcast, “The Charger Cast” as well as the leader of our 6th grade 412 Club that I co-run with Mrs. Mead.
Art Schedule 2022-2023
Monday: 6th Grade- Barnes, 4th Grade- Blickensdorf, 3rd Grade- DeVoy, 1st Grade- Neumeyer & Plopper, Advanced Art “A”, 5th Grade- Roberts, 2nd Grade- O’Meara, 7th Grade- Neumeyer
Tuesday: 4th Grade- Horvath, 3rd Grade- Krease, Kindergarten- Lanning & Peters, Advanced Art “B”, 5th Grade- Siekmann, 2nd Grade- Pettibone, 8th Grade- Mead
Wednesday: Please note that each month, ALL classes will get 1 extra Art class. This schedule varies each week depending on the Art rotation your child’s homeroom teacher is apart of.
Thursday: 4th Grade- Blickensdorf, 3rd Grade- DeVoy, 1st Grade- Neumeyer & Plopper, Advanced Art “A”, 5th Grade- Roberts, 2nd Grade- O’Meara, 8th Grade- Ennis
Friday: 6th Grade- Hackbarth, 4th Grade- Horvath, 3rd Grade- Krease, Kindergarten- Lanning & Peters, Advanced Art “B”, 5th Grade- Siekmann, 2nd Grade- Pettibone, 7th Grade- Riley