Fine Arts

In Ecclesiastes 3:11 it says...

He has made everything beautiful in its time...

Here at Fredericksburg Christian Schools our goal is excellence in every area. What is accomplished is a sacrifice to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Getting to know the meaning and reaches of the "fine art" concepts is rather difficult. According to Webster's dictionary, art is "concerned primarily with the creation of beautiful objects, an activity requiring a fine skill." Our goal in the visual and performing art is to encourage and teach our students how to... create beautifully. Whether it is a drawing, a dramatic production or a concert, it can all be a sweet fragrance to our Lord. As we perform, as we sing, as we play instruments, as we draw, paint or sculpt, we are able to teach our students that we do all of these things to glorify our Lord. We do it all for the audience of ONE. 

In the Fine Arts, students and their teachers give expression to the musical, artistic, dramatic and creative writing abilities given to them so abundantly by our Creator God. There is probably no area in the school day where more creativity is exercised and where opportunities to reflect biblical principles and glorify the Lord are greater. The theme verse for our Fine Arts program is the same as that chosen as foundational to our library book selection philosophy:

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”  Philippians 4:8

Our Christ-centered philosophy permeates the Fine Arts activities of the school, so there is a difference in the content and quality of the art, music, drama and writing performed and produced. In the secular realm, a piece of music, a work of art, play or piece of writing is often an end in itself. In the Christian realm, these expressions can and should be means to the end of integrating some biblical truth and spiritual message so that the focus is on things that will last.

Creative expressions in the Fine Arts are not only God’s gifts to us; they are vehicles for praise, worship, teaching and sharing the message of God’s provision through Christ. They reach the heart and emotions in powerful ways, either creating an appreciation for and responsiveness to God’s Word or promoting a lust for the things of this world. Their potential for both good and evil purposely necessitates a discerning spirit in all who utilize and promote them.

Students must draw,  paint, make music, perform drama and write all “to the glory of God.” They must learn to appreciate the beauty of this world that is the reflection of a creative Lord and express it fully and well. Creative expression allows for the release of much of man’s potential.  In its highest form, it is a celebration of God’s goodness and the infinite variety of His handiwork. Our responsibility is to fill the eyes, ears and minds of our students with that which is of wholesome quality and which motivates them to think biblically. It is a challenging task requiring diligent prayer and teamwork; and it is a great adventure through the fine arts.