Art

Art at SRV: Celebrating Creativity and Individuality

Art has been an integral part of the whole-child curriculum at The School in Rose Valley since its founding. Grace Rotzel, SRV’s principal from 1929 to 1967, beautifully expressed the school’s philosophy:

“There are two views of education; one, that a man should be educated to be what he is, and the other, to be what he is not. The progressives took the first view, and therefore adopted the broad definition of art as concerned not only with form, color, and movement in a variety of media, but with the uniqueness of the individual.”

At SRV, art is both a subject and a way of thinking, creating, and communicating. Students explore a wide range of materials and techniques, working with paint, clay, ink, fabric, and natural materials gathered from the outdoors. They build cardboard sculptures and three-dimensional creations, experiment with printmaking and collage, and discover how different media can bring their ideas to life.

The art studio is a space where curiosity and imagination lead the way. Children engage in both open-ended exploration and projects that connect to classroom themes, outdoor learning, or community events. Students are encouraged to notice beauty in everyday life, reflect on their experiences, and express their ideas in authentic and meaningful ways.

By celebrating each child’s unique perspective, the art program nurtures creativity, confidence, and appreciation for diverse forms of expression. It reflects SRV’s broader mission to honor individuality, cultivate curiosity, and empower children to see themselves as capable creators in the world.