At JVA, the art class taught by Mr. Heidenfelder, offers an exciting and innovative approach to learning that focuses on creativity, contemporary ideas, and very engaging projects. Mr. Heidenfelder believes in making art accessible and enjoyable for every student that takes his class, no matter their skill level or experience.
Held virtually online, with in-person sessions every other Thursday, Mr. Heidenfelder’s art class is flexible and adaptable to students’ schedules. “I try to implement activities and art opportunities that the kids are interested in,” says Mr. Heidenfelder. “We focus on ideas like anime, comic books, and mashups. I want students to create something they care about.”
Throughout the year, students dive into some exciting projects like the “Mashup Project,” where they combine a random object, character and place to form a unique art piece. This encourages students to think outside the box and express their creativity with their ideas. For example, students might create art that fuses their favorite superhero with an everyday object, pushing the boundaries of imagination.
While students are most certainly honoring their artistic techniques, Mr. Heidenfelder ensures that they are also building important life skills as well. “We focus on creativity and teach students to think like an artist,” he explains. One standout project in Quarter 4 is the “Trash Art Project”, which challenges students to create a unique piece of artwork without using any traditional art materials. “It’s about being resourceful and thinking outside the box,” he says.
For students who feel unsure about their artistic abilities, Mr. Heidenfelder fosters an encouraging, non-intimidating environment. “Every artist starts somewhere,” he assures. “We focus on sketchbook work and break down projects into smaller, manageable tasks. The goal is to make art fun and approachable, not scary.”
Students love the final project in the class, where they get the opportunity to create their favorite movie posters or album covers. “It’s a great way for students to explore their interests and create something personal,” Mr. Heidenfelder says.
