Visual Arts Courses
This course will introduce artists to the elements of art and principles of design through the development of the student’s powers of observation. Artistic abilities will grow as we study contour lines, linear perspective, composition, and techniques of shading with lead and charcoal pencil, ink, conté and pastels. This course is a prerequisite for Drawing II, Painting, and Graphic Design.
Prerequisites: None
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Course Length: One semester
Credit: One-half credit
This course is an introduction to ceramics that develops an understanding of form, function, craftsmanship, and the creative thought process. The class will explore hand building and wheel throwing techniques, with an emphasis on both sculptural and functional three-dimensional form. Students are encouraged to develop their own ideas and concepts. An idea involves not only the physical but also personal interactions with that idea.
This course will continue to develop the student’s powers of observation through a variety of painting techniques. While focusing on color, students will explore the various properties of tempera, acrylic, watercolor, and oil paints.
Available in 9th grade if Drawing I has been completed first semester.
Prerequisites: 85% in Drawing I
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Course Length: One semester
Credit: One-half credit
This course will further develop students’ skills of the elements of art and principles of design through drawing in color. Drawing techniques and skills will continue to grow and enhance using previous knowledge from Drawing I by incorporating color with colored pencils and pastels and an introduction to the use of Adobe Illustrator.
Available in 9th grade with approved portfolio.
Prerequisites: Drawing I
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Course Length: One semester
Credit: One-half credit
Ceramics II is an advanced class in the art of wheel throwing and hand building techniques. Advanced wheel throwing will include the pursuit of well made functional pieces such as bowls, lidded jars, pitchers and teapots. Sculptural pieces will involve the use of reductive as well as additive techniques. Advanced surface design, embellishment and techniques will be studied. This course will also include the study of glaze and clay mixing and chemistry as well as an exploration of various kiln firing. The course may be repeated for additional credit. It may be taken both semesters.
Prerequisites: 85% in Ceramics I
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Course Length: One semester
Credit: One-half credit
This course will further develop students’ skills in painting. They will have a more student led approach and will continue practicing and gaining new insight on painting techniques. They will continue to explore various types of paint and how they can be used in original ways.
Prerequisites: Painting I
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Course Length: One semester
Credit: One-half credit
This class is designed to teach students about the principles and potential of the loom woven form. Students will weave on rigid heddle looms and also learn and experiment with harness looms. A wide variety of materials including traditional yarns and cloth to non- traditional materials will be used. Emphasis in the class will be on exploring ideas in weaving as well as exploring personal artistic expression.
Prerequisites: None
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Course Length: One semester
Credit: One-half credit
This class is an advanced independent study program for students who have completed Weaving I class and wish to continue learning weaving. Individuals will work on projects of their own design with supervision by the instructor. Exploration into new techniques and processes are encouraged. Students will work on rigid heddle and floor looms. Students will present a proposal of projects to be approved by the instructor. Teacher approval required.
Prerequisites: 85% in Weaving I
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Course Length: One semester
Credit: One-half credit
This course will explore the art of dying fabric,basic sewing,stitching and the embellishing of fabric. MX Fiber Reactive dyes, silk paints and dispersed dyes will be used. Students will learn traditional surface design techniques such as shibori and silk painting,as well as contemporary approaches to surface design including screen printing and image transfer processes . Basic sewing and the construction of garments and/or apparel will be taught. Projects may include using the processes of embroidery, beading and fabric applique.
Prerequisites: None
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Course Length: One semester
Credit: One-half credit
This class will focus entirely on creating pottery that’s thrown on the wheel. Think of it as a throwing intensive. Students will learn to throw ceramic forms utilizing the foundational skills of centering, opening, pulling up, shaping, and trimming. The class will create a series of forms from basic cylinders to bowls, pitchers, mugs, lidded jars and tea pots. All work will be fired and glazed. Whatever level you are currently at, be it a beginner or an advanced thrower this class can accommodate your skill level. Clay’s the Way!
Prerequisites: Ceramics I
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Course Length: One semester
Credit: One-half credit
Digital photography is a hands-on experience in which you will put your analytical, expressive and creative skills to practical use. This class will give you a better grasp of a digital camera and the skills to create images with strong storytelling techniques and compositions. Together, we will use hands-on demonstrations with the camera, lectures, tutorials, class critiques, and digital image editing techniques using Adobe Creative Cloud apps such as Photoshop and Lightroom. Please keep in mind that all students taking this class will need to make time outside of class on a weekly basis to create compelling images and work in class on editing and Photoshop techniques.
Prerequisites: 85% in Graphic Design or completion of Journalism
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Course Length: One semester
Credit: One-half credit
This course is designed to teach students the creative use of two-dimensional space by using the principles of graphic design, color and typography. Students will showcase these elements in projects such as: informational design, advertising, publication design, packaging design, corporate design, and web design. Students will be provided a comprehensive foundation and will be encouraged to foster their creativity through experimentation. Using industry standard software, students will develop their personal design styles and ability to solve graphic design problems. Students curious about exploring design while immersed in a client-based relationship, should enroll in this course.
Prerequisites: None
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Course Length: One semester
Credit: One-half credit
This course is a continuation of Graphic Design I. Graphic Design II is designed for serious art students wishing to continue their studies in Graphic Design. The Graphic Design curriculum builds on typographic, compositional and digital imaging skills that students started to develop in Graphic Design I. Students will continue to work with Adobe Creative Cloud as well as traditional fine arts mediums to solve a variety of sophisticated graphic design problems. Final projects will range from 2D posters and prints to 3D package design. This course creates a foundation for an art school admission portfolio relating to Graphic Design.
Prerequisites: Graphic Design I
Grade: 11, 12
Course Length: One semester
Credit: One-half credit
This course is designed for the ambitious and motivated artist who plans to study art and/or design in college. To be successful, students are required to give and receive constructive criticism, meet deadlines and grow as an artist, while creating a cohesive and expressive body of work. As a member of this class you are expected to experiment with a variety of mediums and techniques, curate your work for the Fine Arts Showcase, and create a portfolio for submission to prospective schools and colleges.
Limited to 8 students. Students interested in this course should contact the art instructor to apply before registration day.
Prerequisites: A portfolio of work approved by the instructor.
Grade: 11, 12
Course Length: One semester
Credit: One-half credit