Program Spotlight: Art @ FSH
“The Best Day Ever!” - The Magic of Art at FSH
At Friends School Haverford, young minds and hearts shine bright in all of our specialist subjects – art among them Here, art for young children isn’t just about putting paint on paper, it is about discovering a world of possibility, expression, and joy.
Art with teacher Amy Kiely is a buzz of excitement every week as our students dive into a world of colors, textures, and sounds. For many children, art specialist is the time when they can feel free—it is a moment to experiment and create.
“More than anything else, I want the children to be comfortable and try new things,” says Amy. “I can explain how to use materials, but letting children feel and play with them brings the real magic to life.”
Over the course of the year, Amy introduces clay, vibrant paints, beads—and even fabric arts like weaving—giving children the chance to experiment with each one at their own pace. The sense of excitement is palpable, as children feel clay squish between their fingers, learn to make paintbrushes “dance like ballerinas” across the paper, and watch their creations come to life.
“Whenever the clay comes out, there are cheers!” Amy laughs.
At FSH, art begins with simplicity, encouraging children to focus on the present moment with their materials–whether it’s working with collage, sculpture, or paper mache or participating in printmaking, sewing, and finger knitting. Students learn that sometimes, art is more about enjoying the process—rather than rushing toward a finished product. Amy works with each child as they learn various tools and techniques—how to hold scissors for the first time, or how to control a paintbrush by swirling it gently instead of tapping.
“Once our children feel comfortable,” she explains, “they can then focus on their own creative ideas.”
The magic is in the details
Small group settings at FSH make a difference. They enable teachers like Amy to meet each child exactly where they are: offering gentle guidance as they build fine motor skills and hand strength. She wants them to feel empowered to try new techniques and work through challenges. “Some students may struggle with drawing but find they really shine in weaving or sculpture,” she says. “It’s about exploring and finding what fits for each child.”
A focus on connecting the children’s artwork with what they’re learning in the classroom makes the art program unique to FSH —with the recent preschool study of trees, for example, children created their own golden, swirling trees inspired by artist Gustav Klimt’s “Tree of Life.” Similarly, Kindergartners learning about culture and place created their own three-dimensional “shacks” from cardboard and colorful popsicle sticks, similar to Beverly Buchanan’s sculptures reflecting the self-built homes of Black communities in rural Georgia.
The Celebration of the Arts is an annual culminating event every spring, with each student choosing pieces to display for friends and families in a gallery-like setting. During this very special event, each work of art is celebrated as a true reflection of each unique child and their individuality.
At FSH, “There are no mistakes in art” is more than just a mantra. It’s a way of teaching young children to be resilient, to embrace surprises, and to value their own individual perspective. Children learn that art—and also life—is about exploration and self-discovery.
Don’t Miss Out! Register for Open House!
Join us at the next Admissions Open House to learn more about our art program and how FSH might be the right fit for your and your child. We look forward to welcoming you to our community and sharing the joy, exploration, and creativity that make our school so special!
Open Houses run November 7, December 6, and April 24 from 9:30 am-11:00 am.
Register here for Open House!