Little Artists, Big Imaginations
January 28, 2026
Lower school art is much more than crayons and paper. When students walk into my classroom, I want their imaginations to come alive. Entering into this year, I wanted to create interactive walls that allow students to take ownership of even the very space where their creativity comes to life.
Beyond fine motor development as they cut, color, and shape materials, taking a piece of art from idea to finished product is an exercise in creative problem-solving and enriches academic curriculum.
The goal of lower school art is for students to acquire an appreciation for art and art-making. Students will draw, paint, sculpt, collage and design using a variety of media, from crayon to pastel, markers to watercolor and more. Students are introduced to the elements of art, principles of design, and selected artists and artistic styles. We build a diverse portfolio, and our art show celebrates our work by giving each student the chance to showcase a favorite project.
As an art teacher, I love watching students grow in confidence and creativity from one project to the next, to make each piece their own, and even learn how to turn mistakes into “design changes”. I love seeing students so excited about art that they can’t wait to show me a piece they worked on at home like this third-grader below! He took the initiative to create this artwork on his own at home. When he brought it in to show the class, his enthusiasm for his artwork and the skill he demonstrated inspired us all. Cultivating this love for art and creativity is what it's all about!
Necie Allen is in her fifth year at CHS and currently serves as the Lower School Art Teacher. In addition to this role, she teaches 8th grade math, serves as the Lower School Yearbook Editor, and is a member of the PTL Leadership Team. Outside of school, Necie enjoys crafting with her little one, cheering on her kids at the sports they love, spending time with family, and traveling. A proud CHS graduate herself, Necie is also a CHS mom of three: a 2025 grad, a junior, and a second grader.