Art at Middlebrook

Middlebrook offers 6th - 8th grade students a program where students attend two 40-minute sessions during a five-day rotating schedule for the full year. Middlebrook’s art curriculum provides a studio experience that encourages every student's art-making process. Personal sketchbooks are used throughout grade levels for all three years to provide a place for students to interpret and explore ideas, as well as support the previous year's curriculum.

In sixth grade, students participate in a skill building curriculum focusing on sculpture, color theory, human profile, watercolor painting, printmaking, and various drawing exercises focusing on animals and perspective. Units are designed to encourage personal interpretation and encourage visual problem solving.

In seventh grade, students continue their exploration of skills gained in 6th through sequential units including a front view self-portrait, painting, exploration of printmaking techniques, still life drawing studies, tonal values in drawing, illuminated letters and creating ceremonial clay masks where the principles of design are used as assessment criteria.

In eighth grade, students continue their sequential learning in figure drawing, still life drawing, perspective unit, three dimensional sculpture in clay or plaster, reduction printmaking, acrylic landscape painting and clay containers focusing on various hand building techniques.

Various school and community based art shows, demonstrations and exhibitions are planned for displaying student work throughout the year.

Our Programs

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. Each year teens aged 13 and up can enter work in twenty-eight art categories and compete in the Connecticut region. Link to site
The Visionary Art Award was created when Middlebrook School expanded. Through the vision of adult community members, administrators, and a dedicated group of students, two large student-created sculptures were built in the main lobby and the courtyard the first year. More sculptures, murals, and mosaics were added throughout the school and we will always remember Matthew Shaw’s visionary project from 8th grade, the spectacular mobile in the front lobby, a lasting legacy to the Middlebrook family. The Visionary Art Projects are collaborative projects designed by advanced art students, who are willing to work on their own time, after school, before school, and during lunch periods to accomplish this permanent piece.
Please see Ms. LaBarbera for more information.
6th-8th grade students have an opportunity for an enriched art club experience. Projects are self driven based on students' desire to learn and explore a variety of materials. Students get personal attention to develop in their areas of interest. Meet once a week right after school for an hour. Contact your art teacher if interested for more details.
Before school, lunch and/or after school by appointment. Please email the individual teacher in advance to schedule.