Visual Arts

The visual arts are an integral part of General McLane’s curricular programs.  Our visual arts classes at the elementary level focus on the process of CREATING using Line, Shape, Color, Value, and Texture, incorporating drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and ceramics.  Our District believes that young children are inherently creative, therefore, our formalized art classes allow students to discover their inner artist and explore new techniques.

Half of our middle school students elect to take art classes during all four years they attend James W. Parker Middle School.  Each year, many middle school students submit their work to the National PTA Reflections Contest.

With two full-time art teachers on staff, approximately 420 high school students enroll in visual arts classes, including Drawing (I & II), Painting (I & II), Artistic Metalsmithing, Ceramics, Art in 3-D, Video (I, II, III), Graphic Design (I & II), and Photography (I &II). Each year, General McLane High School students have their artwork accepted into Edinboro University’s D-10 High School Art Invitational, which represents one of the largest showcases of the talented young artists in our region.

All four schools have events that celebrate our student artists:
– McKean Elementary Art Show takes place on January 24, 2020 in conjunction with the PTA’s Family Fun Night.
– The Creative Arts Expo at the Middle School takes place April 2, 2020. Last year, more than 550 people attended this event.
– Edinboro Elementary’s Art Show takes place on May 7, 2020, in conjunction with their PTO Ice Cream Social.
– The GMHS Art Show takes place May, 2020.