In Art IV, students engage in a project called “Art Journaling.” Going beyond a single lesson or the mastery of any specific skill, art journaling emphasizes experimentation with materials, discovery, and taking creative risks. Throughout the semester, students create bi-weekly mixed-media journal entries based on specific prompts. They explore new materials such as heavy body gloss, matte gel, modeling paste, glass bead gel, string gel, embossing powder, acrylic ink, and spray ink. They also learn various techniques for layering media, but these technical skills are only part of the experience.

Art journaling gives students a space to explore, express themselves, and make discoveries on their own terms. These entries are not intended for public display—they exist solely for the artist. While the finished journals are visually appealing, their true value lies in developing each student’s curiosity, resilience, and persistence in the face of uncertainty. Each entry reflects hours of playful experimentation and joy in learning.