Ever Ancient Ever New

by Catholic Heritage Curricula

ArtGrades 5–12

About This Curriculum

<cite index="2-6,2-7">This program combines art history, art appreciation, art theory, and hands-on art practice. The purpose of Ever Ancient Ever New is not merely to teach fine arts skills or develop a familiarity with famous artists, but still more to cultivate in children a sensitivity to beauty and to the way God speaks through art.</cite>

What makes it unique: <cite index="2-7">cultivate in children a sensitivity to beauty and to the way God speaks through art</cite>

Ever Ancient Ever New: Classical Catholic Art History and Practice Curriculum

Ever Ancient Ever New is a comprehensive art curriculum from Catholic Heritage Curricula that combines art history, appreciation, theory, and hands-on practice across two levels for grades 5-12. The program emphasizes religious art throughout Western civilization and aims to cultivate sensitivity to beauty and God's presence in art.

Best for

Catholic homeschooling families and classical education schools seeking comprehensive art instruction that integrates faith perspectives with serious art history and technique instruction for grades 5-12

Evaluation Criteria

5 strengths · 1 neutral

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum facilitates direct instruction through well-structured chapters and clear instructional sequences. The format supports teacher-led demonstration and guided practice.

The consistent four-section chapter structure and detailed Art Pad instructions enable teachers to provide explicit instruction, with projects designed to transfer theoretical knowledge into practice.

Structured Vs OpenStrength

The curriculum demonstrates excellent balance between structured instruction and creative application. Each chapter follows a consistent four-part structure while allowing for creative expression in projects.

Every chapter includes Art History, Picture Study, Art Theory, and Let's Do Art! sections that build upon each other, with hands-on projects that apply learned concepts while encouraging artistic interpretation.

Vocabulary BuildingStrength

The curriculum includes explicit vocabulary instruction through dedicated glossaries and systematic introduction of art terminology. Terms are integrated throughout instruction rather than isolated.

Each textbook features a Glossary of Terms, and the author suggests using glossary terms for regular quizzes, indicating systematic vocabulary development throughout the program.

Art History KnowledgeStrength

The curriculum provides extensive art history coverage with chronological progression through Western civilization from cave art to modern times. The program emphasizes the relationship between historical events and artistic development.

Level 1 covers ancient art through Renaissance, Level 2 continues from Italian Renaissance to modern American art, with detailed coverage of major periods, artists, and historical contexts including religious influences on art.

Technique InstructionStrength

The curriculum provides structured technique instruction through explicit art theory sections and guided practice projects. Each chapter includes dedicated art theory sections teaching elements like color, form, value, and composition, followed by hands-on applications.

Art Theory sections teach specific elements of art, and Let's Do Art! sections transfer theory into practice with projects involving drawing, painting, tooling foil, sculpting, pastels, and acrylics where students learn to imitate techniques of famous artists.

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum provides good teacher support through detailed Art Pad instructions and comprehensive supply lists, though it appears designed for teachers with some art background. The Catholic Heritage Curricula review indicates thorough preparation materials.

Art Pad books include detailed project instructions and complete supply lists, and the structured format with clear sections supports teachers in delivering consistent instruction.

Review Sources

cathyduffy

Cathy Duffy

Key Facts
GradesGrades 5–12
SubjectArt
PedagogyClassical
Faith-BasedChristian/Catholic
FormatPhysical
Pricing<cite index="1-8,11-1,11-4">Level 1: text - $44.95, Art Pad - $14.95; Level 2: text - $44.95, Art Pad - $14.95</cite>

Looking for something different?

If none of these options feel right, explore a non-traditional approach. Pallas Center offers a unique curriculum, or design your own with Palladay.

Data sources: cathyduffy