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Background Artwork by: Micah G
One of the primary standards by which societies are judged is the quality, creative freedom, critical insight, and formal and technical innovation of the art they produce. The skills learned in Art class provide the basis for a fulfilling and culturally enriched living. Check out what we have to offer...
Your first year in Art will be in our foundation class (Art I). From there, you can take a few different paths in a focused area of study. Each of these paths give you new learning experiences in the Visual Arts. You can take more than one Art class during the year, but you must complete levels in order (ex: You can take photography and ceramics at the same time, but you can't take ceramics II and ceramics III at the same time). Juniors who have taken Studio Art I, Ceramics I and Photography I are eligible for our AP course options. Keep scrolling down to read about these courses!
Think you have upper level skills? Want to bypass Art 1? Email Mr. Fallis
Art I
Whether this is your first art class or tenth, Art I is the gateway to Visual Arts at Alamo Heights High School.
Art I is designed as a foundation course and prerequisite for all other Art course offerings at AHHS. In this art course, students will explore a variety of media and techniques meant to be personally challenging but also inspire creativity. Students will develop a strong foundation in drawing and visual design as well as an understanding of the Elements and Principles of Art and Design. This class contains a mix of grade levels and experience, so the curriculum has been designed to help students achieve at their level. Students will come away from this class with new skills, original artwork, and a new appreciation for Visual Arts.
This course fulfills the state requirement for 1 Fine Art credit for graduation.
Need more information? Email Mr. Fallis
2D Studio Art I, II, III
Studio Art builds upon knowledge and skills developed in Art I to expand technique and conceptual exploration of two-dimensional artworks while demonstrating knowledge of the application of the Elements and Principles of Art and Design. Media covered in the class includes drawing, painting, printmaking, and mixed media. Students will work with professional grade materials and learn to create their own project criteria through a program that encourages experimentation, collaboration, critique, and inquiry-based investigation to master skills and techniques used to develop personal works of art. This course prepares students for AP 2D Art and Design and/or AP Drawing as well as a lifetime of self-directed art making.
Studio Art I is a prerequisite course for AP 2D Design and/or AP Drawing.
Prerequisites: Art I
Need more information? Email Mr. Fallis
Ceramics I, II, III
Ceramics I, II, & III are focused on working within the medium of clay. The focus of these courses will be on the development of hand-building and throwing techniques as well as an understanding of glazing and firing. Students will progress through each level of this course building the skills and experience toward becoming a better potter. Functional as well as sculptural applications will be explored with an emphasis on the application of the Elements and Principles of Art and Design.
Prerequisites: Art I
Need more information? Email Mrs. Griffin
Photography I, II, III
In Photography, students will familiarize themselves with a camera and build an appreciation for the artistic process behind taking pictures, discovering how to become an artist behind the lens. Students will develop an eye for fundamental photography skills like organizing composition, adjusting lighting, and creating depth of field. They will explore complex studies such as color theory, storytelling, and photographic history, among other engaging and fun areas of study. Students who choose to explore photography in depth will learn valuable professional skills that will carry them beyond the selfie and into the professional world.
Photography II is a prerequisite course for AP 2D Art & Design.
Prerequisites: Art I
Need more information? Email Mr. Hermes
Sculpture I/II/III
Sculpture introduces students to the fundamental context, history and creation of sculpture and three-dimensional art. Using Art 1 as a prerequisite, Sculpture is intended for students interested in exploring art in a three-dimensions. This course introduces students to a variety of materials, various techniques, essential studio safety measures, and artistic concepts commonly found in the world of sculptural art. Sculpture is a project based, studio art course that follows a thoughtfully crafted curriculum and challenging artistic framework. This course model gives students a balance between guided instruction, exploratory practice assignments, and self guided projects that allows them the opportunity to explore their creative voice, personal aesthetic and artistic identity.
Prerequisites: Art I
Need more information? Email Mr. Gold
AP 2D Art & Design
AP Drawing
Through a process of sustained investigation and inquiry, students develop a portfolio appropriate for submission to the College Board of Education for consideration of Advanced Placement credit. Using skills developed over 2-3 years of high school art courses, students work within individual investigations that inspire students to create works of art that are thought provoking and engaging. Students enjoy the self paced/freedom to explore format of these classes.
The 2D Art & Design Portfolio is based upon successful use of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design using a variety of 2D media which may include digital drawing and photography.
Prerequisites: Art I, Studio Art I / Photography II
The Drawing Portfolio is based upon successful use of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design using "physical mark-making applications" such as drawing and painting, rendering of light and shadow, and depiction of form.
Prerequisites: Art I, Studio Art I
*These are AP courses with the expectation of submitting a quality portfolio to the College Board for consideration of AP credit. Work inside and outside of class is required for a successful portfolio. There are reading and writing components to this class that are required for the successful completion of the AP Portfolio.
Need more Information? Email Mr. Fallis
AP 3D Art & Design
AP 3-D Art and Design is an introductory college-level three-dimensional design course. Students will work to develop a 3D design portfolio at the level of quality appropriate for submission to the College Board for consideration for Advanced Placement credit. AP 3-D Art and Design will introduce students to the fundamentals and technical principles of working three-dimensionally. Students will experiment with a variety of construction methods and materials used to create, represent, respond to, and reflect on form in space.
*This is an AP course with the expectation of submitting a quality portfolio to the College Board for consideration of AP credit. Work inside and outside of class is required for a successful portfolio. There are reading and writing requirements outlined by AP College Board.
Prerequisites: Art I, Ceramics I / Sculpture I
Need more information? Email Mrs. Griffin
Fundamentals of Visual Art
Fundamentals of Visual Art is a High School Credit Aligned Art 1, Art Appreciation College Credit: 3 Hours
Description: This course is a general introduction to the visual arts designed to create an appreciation of the vocabulary, media, techniques, and purposes of the creative process. Students will critically interpret and evaluate works of art within formal, cultural, and historical contexts.
*This course fulfills the Creative Arts foundational component area of the core and addresses the following required objectives: Critical Thinking, Communication, Teamwork, and Social Responsibility.
Prerequisites: Must take TSIA and Apply to St. Phillip's College
Need more information? Email Mrs. Griffin
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