The Woodland Fine Arts Academy Art Program exists to inspire creativity and nurture artistic skill in a Christ-centered environment. Through hands-on exploration of a variety of mediums and techniques, students are encouraged to express their God-given creativity with purpose and passion. Our desire is to equip artists of all ages to grow in confidence, craftsmanship, and vision—using their gifts to glorify God and reflect His beauty in the world around them.
BENEFITS OF art EDUCATION
As young children explore paint by putting it all over their hands, or create collages with torn paper, it’s noticeable how involved they get in their activities. Children delight in exploring and creating with art materials. These art experiences help children develop many life skills.
Art is important for children especially duringtheir early development. Research shows that art activities develop brain capacity in early childhood. Art engages children’s senses in open-ended play and supports the development of cognitive, social-emotional and multi-sensory skills. As children progress into elementary school and beyond, art continues to provide opportunities for brain development, mastery, self-esteem and creativity.
Art helps to develop cognitive skills. As children draw, paint, and make collages, they are learning about the world (color, shape and size of objects). When they use paints, glue, and markers, children are planning, experimenting, and problem solving. As children mix paint, they learn to understand cause and effect. Art gives children chances to make decisions, and to learn from the experience of making choices about their art work.
Art offers opportunities for self-expression. Children express how they feel and think about the world through their art, which gives them a way to express the feelings and ideas that they don’t have the words to talk about. This way of expressing themselves helps childrento cope with the natural stresses of growing up. Art helps children to develop a sense of their own individuality, a sense of self-respect, and an appreciation for others’ work.
New to our academy or our leveling system? Learn more here. All of our Art Classes will develop a final piece to be presented in our end of season Art Gallery!
level 1
explore it all art
K-2nd Grades In this introductory art class, young artists explore a variety of materials and techniques while developing their creativity and confidence. Projects include drawing to build fine motor skills, coloring to learn about color families and coordination, painting to experiment with color mixing and brushwork, sculpture to explore shape and form, and portraiture to begin understanding how to represent people. Through hands-on activities and imaginative projects, students discover the joy of making art, expressing ideas, and appreciating the beauty of their own creations and those of others.
level 2
Build it up art
3rd-6th Grades (& 2nd Graders who have been placed) In this intermediate art class, students build upon foundational art skills while exploring new techniques and materials. Projects focus on drawing with perspective to create depth and dimension, composition to arrange visual elements effectively, and painting to develop color mixing and brush control. Students will also create paper mâché sculptures, learning how to construct three-dimensional forms, and design oil pastel landscapes that emphasize texture, blending, and vibrant color. Through these projects, students strengthen their observation skills, experiment with creative problem-solving, and gain confidence in expressing their ideas through art.
cartoons & animation
3rd-12th Grades Delve into the exciting world of cartoons, comics, and animation—captivating art forms that shape our popular culture. Through expressive drawings and sequential images, artists tell engaging stories, share thought-provoking ideas, spark laughter, and bring memorable characters and emotions to life.
In this class, students will explore a variety of cartooning styles and techniques—from comic strips and editorial cartoons to comic books and animated shorts. They’ll develop their drawing, cartooning, and basic animation skills while learning principles such as proportion, anatomy, expression, exaggeration, motion, composition, lighting, color, dialogue, and more.
Along the way, students will craft their own unique characters, stories, cartoons, and comics—infused with humor, personality, and creativity—to share with others.
digital art studio *NEW*
3rd-12th Grades Digital Art Studio is a hands-on class where students explore the exciting world of creating art on tablets and computers. Young artists will learn to use drawing apps, digital brushes, layers, color tools, and effects to bring their ideas to life in a whole new way. From digital painting to vector art, image editing to graphic design, students will experience how digital media opens up a whole new world of creativity and artistic expression. No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and imagination!
Throughout the course, students will use class-provided iPads and software such as Procreate and/or Photoshop to draw, paint, edit, and design. They’ll practice sketching, coloring, shading, and adding effects while developing confidence with digital tools used by real artists and designers. By the end of the class, each student will create a small portfolio that showcases their growth and unique vision, with select pieces displayed in the WFA Art Gallery. Whether they love to draw, design, illustrate, or simply experiment, this class provides a fun, supportive space to create and discover what’s possible with digital art.
digital media foundations *NEW*
3rd-12th Grades In this class, students will learn the fundamentals of photography, videography, and post-production while exploring the power of visual storytelling. You’ll gain hands-on experience with cameras, lighting, and editing tools—including Adobe Lightroom—to craft meaningful and creative content. Throughout the semester, students will develop their artistic voice, steward their gifts with excellence, and apply their skills toward a final project that reflects both technique and creativity.
fiber arts - crochet *NEW*
3rd-12th Grades From cozy creations to trendy accessories, crochet is in! Join this class to learn the timeless craft that’s making a major comeback. Whether you’re brand new or already have some stitches under your belt, you'll dive into the world of fiber arts—a creative category that includes techniques like crocheting, knitting, weaving, and other ways of making art with yarn and textiles. Students will learn foundational crochet skills, explore different textures and materials, and create unique handmade pieces they’ll be proud of. Along the way, you’ll discover just how relaxing, rewarding, and expressive fiber arts can be.
PIECES OF ME - SCRAPBOOKING *NEW*
In this class, students will explore art and creativity while building a scrapbook that tells their unique story. Through guided projects and hands-on crafting, students will capture their favorite memories, meaningful verses, and the things they love most. Each page becomes an opportunity to express who they are, reflect on God’s goodness, and celebrate the joy He’s placed in their lives. By the end of the semester, students will have a beautiful keepsake that reflects their creativity, faith, and growth.
level 3
create with confidence art
4th-12th Grades In this advanced art course, students explore a wide range of artistic media and techniques while developing their individual creative voices. Projects include printmaking and collographs, where students experiment with texture, layering, and design to create unique prints; portraiture using neurographic art, blending expressive line work with mindful creativity to produce meaningful, abstract portraits; clay sculpture, emphasizing form, balance, and craftsmanship; and landscape painting, focusing on color theory, composition, and depth. Throughout the course,students refine their technical skills, engage in artistic critique, and gain a deeper understanding of the creative process and art’s role in personal expression.