Visual Arts

Advanced Placement 2-D Art & Design (ART174) 

Advanced Placement Drawing (ART172) 

Prerequisite: Art IV | Grade Level(s): 11-12 | Credits: 1  

The AP Art and Design program consists of two different courses and AP Portfolio Exams—AP 2-D Art and Design, and AP Drawing—corresponding to college and university foundations courses. Students may choose to submit any or all of the AP Portfolio Exams. Students create a portfolio of work to demonstrate inquiry through art and design and development of materials, processes, and ideas over the course of a year. Portfolios include works of art and design, process documentation, and written information about the work presented. In May, students submit portfolios for evaluation based on specific criteria, which include skillful synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas and sustained investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision, guided by questions. At Fort Defiance, students typically pair Art IV Advanced and AP 2-D Art & Design or AP Drawing  together in a single year.  

Art I Foundations (ART154) 

Prerequisite: None | Grade Level(s): 9-12 | Credits: 1  

This course introduces students to studio experiences, art history, art vocabulary, aesthetics, and the process of art criticism.  It is a foundations course and is a prerequisite to advance to other art courses.  The elements of art (line, value, texture, form, color, shape, and space) are explored in processes including: drawing, painting, and sculpting.  Students will also develop their personal creative process through sketchbook assignments, and will begin making meaningful connections between aesthetics and intention. Students will progress in both technical ability, and in their capability for self-expression.

Art II Intermediate (ART1542)

Prerequisite: Art I Foundations | Grade Level(s): 10-12 | Credits: 1  

This course strengthens a student’s basic art skills by providing additional studio experiences, more in-depth cultural information, and increased vocabulary. Students focus on a combination of improving technique and developing creativity. Students are expected to show greater proficiency in all skills and technical ability. Drawing, painting, clay, collage, and printmaking are explored. Students also work on visual journals both in class and at home as needed.  

Art III Advanced Intermediate (ART1543) 

Prerequisite: Art II Intermediate | Grade Level(s): 11-12 | Credits: 1  

This course focuses on creativity and personal style. It is meant for serious art students. Students should have a firm foundation in technical skills from Art I and Art II. Students are given open-ended prompts that allow for freedom of expression. Students will document the creative process for each project in a Process Journal. Art III students also study art history from the Renaissance to Contemporary Art and create journals based on those periods. 

Art IV Advanced (ART1544) 

Prerequisite: Art III Advanced Intermediate | Grade Level(s): 11-12 | Credits: 1  

The focus of this course is for students to investigate an essential question and to develop a portfolio that documents their artistic journey. There is a portion of the course dedicated to writing about artwork. Students keep a process journal that includes inspiration, reflection, sketches, media exploration, etc. Students should realize that it will be impossible to complete all artwork necessary for the portfolio completely within class time. Students are expected to work at home when necessary to complete artwork. Students typically pair Art IV with AP Art and Design. Students not completing AP Art and Design should consider taking Art IV in the spring.   

Ceramics (ART159) 

Prerequisite: Art I Foundations | Grade Level(s): 11-12 | Credits: 1    

Ceramics utilizes the medium of clay to introduce students to wheel throwing, handbuilding, and surface decoration techniques. Students need to have a solid understanding of the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design. Time management is a critical skill for this course. Students leave this course with functional dinnerware as well as decorative sculptures! 

Ceramics, Advanced (ART1592) 

Prerequisite: Ceramics | Grade Level(s): 11-12 | Credits: 1   

In this course, students continue building their skills in both wheel throwing and handbuilding. Projects in this course are more challenging and give more room for creativity than those in Ceramics. Students also study Ceramics history through comprehensive journals. Students are expected to work independently, have good work ethic, and high levels of motivation. 

Crafts I (ART165) 

Prerequisite: Art I Foundations | Grade Level(s): 11-12 | Credits: 1  

Crafts I includes artwork that is not only visually interesting, but art that can also serve a useful function. Students move through several different units (which may include clay, stained glass, weaving, fabric dyeing, bookmaking, jewelry making, and more), drawing on knowledge from previous art classes as well as learning new skills to create art that you can use. Craftsmanship and effort are an important part of this class. Students also explore historical and contemporary functional art.  

Graphic Design (ART196) 

Prerequisite: Art I Foundations, Art II Intermediate | Grade Level(s): 11-12 | Credits: 1  

This course gives students an exciting opportunity to explore new technology through a creative lens. Projects include design-oriented content such as poster design, typography, and creating  logos, as well as digital painting and animation. This is a great chance to learn skills that will help students in future design and art-related majors and career fields. Students will also be introduced to a variety of inspirational designers and historical art movements. Students will be given access to computers, software, and drawing tablets for their digital work.