Art
RAHS Graduation Requirements
2 Fine Arts Electives - All Arts classes fulfill this requirement
In the Art Department we focus on
Craftsmanship - building technical skills for creating engaging artworks
Composition - understanding the building blocks of art and how to apply them
Concept - Connecting who you are as a person in this world to the art you are creating
Inquiry - Developing an artistic mind through idea generation, experimentation, and critical thinking
Visual Arts courses may have a course fee for project materials
Start & Explore
Art Exploration
Course # 4010
Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: None
Description:New to art or not sure what art medium you love? Students in Art Exploration will create art using a variety of 2D and 3D media, including clay, painting, drawing, printmaking, and sculpture. For each media unit, students will explore historical and contemporary examples, and create their own original art.
Art Exploration Online
Course # 4010L
Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: None
Please Note
This online course will only run if there are enough students registered. In the case that the online course you selected does not run, you will be enrolled to the in-person version of the course.
Description: New to art or not sure what art medium you love? Students in Art Exploration will create art using a variety of 2D and 3D media, including clay, painting, drawing, printmaking, and sculpture. For each media unit, students will explore historical and contemporary examples, and create their own original art.
Sculpture and Metalwork
Course # 4020
Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: None
Description: An introduction to the concepts and processes of sculpture, and the fundamentals of 3D design. Students will learn different technique including casting, carving, assemblage, and mold-making to create original sculptures. Students will have the option of making jewelry in the small metals unit. This course may be repeated multiple times with a continued focus on building upon content knowledge and skill development.
Drawing and Painting
Course # 4012
Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: None
Description: Already have a good foundation in art and want to build a deeper understanding? Students in Drawing & Painting will develop fundamental drawing skills, explore the process of mark marking, and dig deeper into their understanding of color. Students will learn how to see with an artist’s eye and capture what they see on paper. Students will create original paintings and drawings while learning important skills such as shading, controlling tones, composition and painting techniques. As students progress through our curriculum, they will use creative problem solving to create individual goals and projects.
Introduction to Clay
Course # 4016
Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: None
Description: Introduction to Clay is an opportunity for students to experience many different construction methods including wheel throwing, hand building, coiling, and pinch. We will work on sculptural as well as functional objects for everyday use. As an introduction to clay we will also look into basic glazing and decoration of work.
Continue On
Studio Clay
Course # 4017
Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: [4016] Introduction to Clay
Description: Studio Clay is an opportunity for students to continue their study of the content discussed in Introduction to Clay. During the course we will dive deeper into construction methods such as handbuilding, throwing, combining techniques, and how we treat the surface of our work. There will be a number of required assignments with a balance of time for personal exploration. This course may be repeated multiple times with a continued focus on building upon content knowledge and skill development.
Studio Drawing and Painting
Course # 4015
Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: [4012] Drawing and Painting
Description: Studio Drawing & Painting is an opportunity for students to continue to use and further develop the skills and techniques that were introduced in Painting and Drawing. Students will explore working on larger scale projects in materials of their choice. Students will experiment with different styles of drawing and painting. While the majority of the class will be spent on making art, students will also explore art history as well as contemporary artists. A large portion of the class will focus on creating meaning and personal expression within students’ art. This course may be repeated multiple times with a continued focus on individual growth.
Arts & Advocacy
Course # 4001
Grade Offered: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: 4010 or 4012
Description: Feel passionate about social issues but don't know how to express yourself or get your voice heard? Whether you are an experienced Artist or new to Art, you will learn through Arts and Advocacy how to pair various mediums with an exploration of social justice & student empowerment. Students will learn to understand their audience, find an artistic purpose, and develop their artistic voice
If students are interested in taking this to a more public arena, this course can be repeated with focus on community advocacy around a topic of their choice.
Planning and execution of a larger installation will be the primary focus.
Here to Stay
AP Art & Design
Course # 4003, 4014
Grade Offered: 11 & 12
Credits: 1 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: None
Description: As an AP Art & Design student, you will develop a body of related works that demonstrate an inquiry-based sustained investigation of materials, processes, and ideas through practice, experimentation, and revision. As this course demands a large time commitment, students will be required to do a significant amount of work both inside and outside of class. This course has three portfolio options including Drawing, 2D, and 3D. The artwork within this portfolio may also be used towards college admission requirements. This course may be repeated multiple times with a continued focus on building upon previous content knowledge and skill development. If you have any further questions please check out the AP Art & Design website through the CollegeBoard.
Studio Clay
Course # 4017
Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: [4016] Introduction to Clay
Description: Studio Clay is an opportunity for students to continue their study of the content discussed in Introduction to Clay. During the course we will dive deeper into construction methods such as handbuilding, throwing, combining techniques, and how we treat the surface of our work. There will be a number of required assignments with a balance of time for personal exploration. This course may be repeated multiple times with a continued focus on building upon content knowledge and skill development.
Studio Drawing and Painting
Course # 4015
Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: [4012] Drawing and Painting
Description: Studio Drawing & Painting is an opportunity for students to continue to use and further develop the skills and techniques that were introduced in Painting and Drawing. Students will explore working on larger scale projects in materials of their choice. Students will experiment with different styles of drawing and painting. While the majority of the class will be spent on making art, students will also explore art history as well as contemporary artists. A large portion of the class will focus on creating meaning and personal expression within students’ art. This course may be repeated multiple times with a continued focus on individual growth.