The Nursery 3 class at JKHA loves art, and have recently been introduced to an art appreciation unit. For the next couple of weeks, the children will be learning about several artists that use different techniques and mediums.

This learning experience will not only be fun, but also growth-oriented. Studies conducted of preschoolers show that exposure to art encourages exploration, self-expression and critical thinking, builds self-esteem and supports imagination and creativity. Art exposure helps develop visual literacy, a pre-reading skill, and grants each child the opportunity to express their thoughts and listen to others.

This week, the artist introduced was Michelangelo. As both a painter and a sculptor, he was able to convey emotion in his sculptures unlike the previous sculptors. Although he preferred sculpting to painting, he painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel as requested by Pope Julius II. It took Michelangelo four years to complete the work. This week, the nursery class experienced how Michelangelo felt while painting the ceiling on his back; they engaged in painting upside down.

Future artists to be introduced include Paul Cezanne, Henri Matisse and Jackson Pollock.