VISUAL
ARTS
The Art Department offers many elective opportunities
for students to pursue their creative interests. The Art Major program is for students with a serious interest in
a career in art.
FOUNDATIONS OF ART Grades
9, 10, 11, 12 5
Credits
This
foundations course is for students interested in a well-rounded experience in
the visual arts. A wide variety of art materials and techniques will be
explored including drawing, painting, and printmaking. Students concentrate on the elements and principles
of design and learn how to talk about art and understand it from a historical
perspective. This course is a required
prerequisite for all art studio classes.
ART THEORY AND PRACTICE Grades 10, 11, 12 5
Credits
PREREQUISITE: Foundations of Art
Students
will examine the artistic contributions and innovations made by people from a
variety of civilizations and cultures.
They build on their skills and techniques in a variety of media and use
art vocabulary to analyze and criticize artwork. They explore the type of work
and qualifications required to be successful in a variety of art related
careers.
DRAWING AND PAINTING Grades 10, 11, 12 5
Credits
PREREQUISITE: Foundations of Art
This course
is a continuation of the drawing and painting aspects of the foundation
course. It is designed to reinforce and
expand the learning skills in drawing and painting as well as to develop
personal expression with the emphasis on practical applications.
CERAMICS I Grades 10, 11, 12 2 ˝ Credits
PREREQUISITE: Foundations of Art
The student
will explore various approaches in clay and how the material influences
three-dimensional ideas. Ceramics includes hand-building, wheel throwing
methods and glazing techniques. An individualized
approach permits students to further develop their creative potential.
CERAMICS II Grades
10, 11, 12 2 ˝ Credit
PREREQUISITE: Foundations of Art and Ceramics I
This course offering
provides the advanced Ceramics student with the necessary skills and techniques
to further their interest in both hand-built and wheel-thrown pottery. It allows a more in-depth study of
sophisticated techniques in the building of complex forms and expands their
knowledge and skills of glaze application and pottery finishing techniques.
3 D DESIGN (CRAFTS) Grades 10, 11, 12 2 ˝ Credits
PREREQUISITE: Foundations of Art
Students
will be introduced to a variety of materials ranging from wood, paper, wire,
foam core and stone. With each project
students will be introduced to historical contemporary artists who have
influenced the American Crafts Movement.
PRINTMAKING Grades 10, 11, 12 2 ˝ Credits
PREREQUISITE: Foundations of Art
This is a course
designed to provide students with a sound technical and conceptual base from
which to explore image making through various print processes. Students will learn monoprinting, relief
printing, intaglio, silkscreen and lithography. In addition, the elements and principles of design will be
emphasized to build each student’s visual literacy.
INTERIOR DESIGN Grades 10, 11, 12 5
Credits
The student
will learn that aesthetics and function form the basis of interior design. A
range of concerns to be studied includes color and design theory and
application, space planning, selection of furniture and its history, textiles,
art, and other accessories.
INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY Grades 10, 11, 12 2 ˝ Credits
This course is for students interested in learning basic
photography. Emphasizing the history of
photography and technical fundamentals, camera formats, darkroom skills and
composition are explored.
PHOTOGRAPHY
II Grades 10, 11, 12 2 ˝ Credits
PREREQUISITE: Introduction to Photography
Students continue
to develop their camera and darkroom techniques as well as create a portfolio
of images based on personal project (approved by the instructor). Contemporary and historical photographers
are introduced as they relate to the individual projects.
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY Grades 11, 12 5
Credits
PREREQUISITE: Photo II and portfolio review
This course
builds upon the foundation started in to Photo II. Students will use digital cameras; digital editing programs and
advanced lighting techniques. Students
will be required to create a fine art portfolio as well as a series of images
including still life, portraiture, product shots and fashion. This course is designed for students who are
highly motivated, able to work independently and who have a strong interest in
pursuing art and photography as a major in college.
GRAPHIC DESIGN Grades 11, 12 5 Credits
PREREQUISITE: Photo II and portfolio review.
This course
introduces the student to the field of commercial art. The focus is on using the computer to communicate
information visually. Studies include
layout and design concepts using illustration, digital photography, and
typography. This is an essential class
for students who are considering commercial art or advertising as a major in
college.
PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT Grades 11, 12 5
Credits
PREREQUISITE: Art Theory and Practice and portfolio review
The major
focus of this course will be on portfolio development with intensive emphasis
placed on the student’s skill development and style. Various historical, social, and cultural influences which have
generated artistic accomplishments throughout the ages and which continue to
shape contemporary art will be covered in this course.
PREREQUISITE: Portfolio
Development and portfolio review
Art Studio is a mastery level course. This class is a combination of class assignments and independent portfolio development. Students will be expanding on their prior years of experience. They will demonstrate significant personal expression through risk-taking and decision-making.