We consider artistic activity to be cognitive activity - a way of reasoning in which perceiving and thinking are indivisibly intertwined. The idea that form comes through perception and that to understand perception is to understand thought, transcends the craft of art, leading the student toward a world of understanding well beyond the classroom. For us, the modes of thinking, the sources and the intuitions realized by visual perception are among the most powerful experiences that can be shared with students.
To help our students realize these experiences, we direct them in exercises to inform and deepen their understanding of the creative process and its place in their world.

For our students we promote:

• the importance of actively looking and working from observation
• respect for the unique value of each individual and each individual's contribution
• the confidence to respectfully receive divergent or unfamiliar ideas within their community as well as beyond their familiar world, through historical and topical references, and through the Bonsack Gallery as well as other venues outside the school