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At Dalian American International School, creativity is at the heart of everything we do in the Visual Arts program. Our passionate instructors guide students on personalized artistic journeys that go beyond technique, encouraging them to think independently, take creative risks, and express their unique perspectives. No matter if students are just beginning their artistic journey or already have a strong interest in developing their personal visual voice, our program gives them the space to explore ideas, experiment with techniques, and grow into confident, thoughtful artists.
The Art program is based on four main fields: Color – painting, Line – drawing, Form – modeling, and Mixed Media – constructions. We call them "The Four Cores", the main stations where students engage in learning diverse techniques, procedures, vocabulary, and concepts. These cores support brain development and function, providing diverse sensory experiences that help students develop different skills. Developing fine motor skills is one of our goals, and throughout their education, we see how these enhanced abilities positively impact students' reading and writing. This framework allows our teachers to provide balanced and strong instruction.
Our school fosters a relevant Art Education program – Art as a subject that develops essential skills our students will need in the future. We asked our parent community: Have you ever wondered what your child will need to be successful in an ever-changing world? The answer is Creativity.
We don't teach traditional art focused solely on learning techniques or replicating others' artworks. We encourage our students to explore new ideas through Art and to see themselves as true artists. That is why we teach Creativity through artistic experiences, techniques, concepts, and procedures.
Every single artwork reflects the diverse ideas generated by our students. In the Arts department, Creativity is the main skill that we teach. At the Elementary school level, we define Creativity this way: "At DAIS Elementary, creativity is using our imagination to make new ideas, find different solutions, and think of new ways to express ourselves in any subject."
This definition guides and supports our regular instruction in Elementary School. As a result, creativity becomes an integral part of our community values, expectations, and is connected to our SWLOs.
The Secondary Fine Arts Foundation curriculum focuses on introductory techniques in acrylic and watercolor painting, as well as drawing the human figure and exploring perspective. Students are expected to complete four major paintings and two mixed media works or sculptures throughout the year. We develop our instruction around art history and its context to deepen students' understanding of techniques and to improve critical thinking skills.
2D Art & Design is a studio class with a tailored approach to art, where students have agency over the subject matter of their works. There, we focus on furthering students' understanding of the principles of design. It aims to expand students' know-how of acrylic, watercolor, pastels, charcoal, and other media.
3D Art & Design introduces students to the elements of art and principles of design in a three-dimensional sphere, where craftsmanship and ingenuity are at the core of the subject. Students develop sculptures, work with architectural models, and are in control of the media used on their projects.
With the motto "Building a Culture of Creativity in Our School," the Art & Design Department has created more opportunities to share knowledge within our community.
The Creativity Hub is a space to share Creativity as a part of our everyday lives. Guest speakers (parents and community members) come to share how creativity plays a role in their profession or business. We had professionals from catering, design, technology, music, architecture, and other fields, all of them showing how they needed to be creative in these changing and competitive times. These presentations were held in the Elementary school and were attended by our students and families.
As part of our efforts to build bridges with the community, we launched our first ASA (After School Activity) for parents this year. This marked the first time our school offered an activity designed for parents to learn, socialize, and connect in a creative environment. Led by two of our colleagues, the Arachne Workshop provides parents with hands-on experience in sewing and knitting, using our art classroom resources in a supportive and creative learning environment.
On May 29, our school community came together to celebrate the annual Art Show, themed “Creative sparks ignite the flame of imagination.” Organized by Head of Department Mr. Martin Moratillo and our dedicated Visual Arts teachers, the event was a vibrant showcase of student creativity and growth.
The show began with a lively opening performance featuring singing, Chinese Drum, and a Kung Fu demonstration by secondary art teacher Mr. Bandeira. The energy and enthusiasm set the tone for a day filled with artistic wonder.
Throughout the school, visitors explored colorful exhibitions of student artwork. Each building – elementary and secondary – was beautifully transformed into its own gallery, featuring expressive paintings, detailed drawings, imaginative sculptures, and mixed media creations. Every piece reflected the unique perspectives and creative journeys of our students.
Our annual Art Show is more than an exhibition – it’s a celebration of imagination, curiosity, and innovation. It offers students a chance to learn from one another, share their growth, and take pride in their achievements. Each year, the quality and creativity of the work continue to grow, and this year was no exception.
