The Pierce Middle School Visual Arts program strives to develop students with active and creative minds through engaging problem solving art opportunities. The Pierce art program is rich in multicultural connections, promotes challenging skill development, and focuses on the encouragement of critical thinking skills and metacognition for all students. It is the goal of the middle school art program to foster an appreciation of visual arts in students of all ability levels. Students are encouraged to be thoughtful risk takers, and to develop both personal pride and self-awareness. The student-centered curriculum is designed to connect to students’ daily lives and relationships within the community.