The Sakai Art Program is based on four main cornerstones. These are: 1. Identification of personal imagery. Students identify images and ideas that are important to them, and begin to use them to personalize their own artwork. In a sense, they begin to tell their own story in their artwork. This aligns with my strong belief that art making should be about vision made visual. We explore personal meaning and discuss the use and meaning of symbols throughout the history of art and across cultural lines. Students become responsible for the content in their artwork, and I am responsible for developing their skill levels in a variety of media, as well as basic design principles. 2. Journaling in a sketchbook. Students record their images and ideas daily in a 'sketchbook journal' that incorporates both written words and drawings. Each time the student comes to the art room, they spend about 4-5 minutes working in their sketchbook journals, using their own ideas or idea starters incorporated in the journal pages. 3. Developing a repertoire of media experience. Each grade level concentrates on three or four main media areas. Students receive an intensive experience in these media areas, using professional quality materials and tools. This allows students to understand and experience mastery of materials, so that the media becomes the vehicle for their own content. 4. Presenting the portfolio of artwork. Each student is responsible for maintaining a portfolio of artwork throughout their time in the art room, using any and all technology available to their use. Additionally, students informally exhibit their work throughout the school as the year progresses.