Art

K-12 Coordinator: Rena Friedant

The Centennial School District promotes a dynamic and diverse art curriculum. Coursework is rooted in the fundamental skills required of a fine artist, while also supporting the creative exercises needed for our students to excel in a rapidly evolving visual society. Artists are on the frontline of innovation as they can be leaders for a design-thinking culture. Our emerging artists identify situations, dissect the elements, rearrange the parts, and create new solutions through a myriad of materials. STEAM, an educational powerhouse in our school systems today, is the merging together of the sciences, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Art education encourages and nurtures our students to be empathetic designers and problem solvers, both cornerstones of STEAM education. Works of art are generated through an interest in learning and a growing awareness of aesthetics. It is our goal, therefore, to provide a safe environment where fine artists and eclectic thinkers thrive and are highly prepared for the quick-paced visual culture of our contemporary society.

SEQUENCE OF STUDY

The following is a schematic diagram for the course sequence in the art department. By following this guide and discussing options with the Art Teachers, students can choose many art based career paths such as: Advertising, Animation, App Design, Architecture, Art Director, Art Historian, Art Teacher, Art Therapist, Cartoonist, Ceramicist, Commercial Artist, Comic Book Artist, Conservator, Communications Director, Creative Director, Craftsperson, Costume Designer, Graphic Designer, Digital Marketing, Drafting Technician, Event Planner, Exhibit Designer, Textile Design, Fashion Design, Entrepreneur, Fashion Merchandise, Fine Artist, Floral Designer, Footwear Designer, Furniture Designer, Game Designer, Glass Blower, Illustrator, Industrial Designer, Interior Designer, Innovator, Museum Curator, Painter, Photographer,

Film-maker, Marketing Manager, Multimedia Artist, Picture Framer, Promotions Manager, Printmaker, Screen Printer, Sculptor, Set and Exhibition Designer, Tattoo Designer, Teacher/University Lecturer, User Interface (UI) Designer, User Experience (UX) Designer, Web Designer.

Many art courses have either a major (1.0 credit) or minor (0.5 credit) option. Students can receive credit for either the major or minor course, but not both.

ART I

Grades 9-12

ART101 1.0 credit

ART105 0.5 credit

This introductory course will develop students’ studio skills and knowledge of basic artistic materials and tools. An emphasis will be placed on learning the elements of art and principles of design, as students explore a variety of art processes including drawing, painting, and printmaking. Art I can serve as a foundation for students who wish to pursue additional art courses at WTHS or anyone who is interested in developing their artistic skills. Eleventh grade students who demonstrate a mastery of the course content may opt to skip Art II and take Art III with an art teacher’s approval.

Lab Fee: 1.0 credit $10, 0.5 credit $5

ART II

Grades 10-12

ART201 1.0 credit

ART205 0.5 credit

This course reinforces and further develops the drawing and design skills established in Art I. Students will work with two-dimensional experiences while exploring a variety of artistic media. Students apply their understanding of the elements of art and principles of design to create more dynamic works of art. After successful completion of Art II, students are able to enroll in Art III and more specialized art electives.

Lab Fee: 1.0 = $10; 0.5 = $5

PREREQUISITE: Art I

ART III

Grades 11-12

ART301 1.0 credit

Art III is an advanced course which explores subject matter in-depth, through a wide variety of techniques and materials. This is a studio course designed to give students the opportunity to develop a mastery in many visual art media in order to better prepare them for a career in the arts. A strong emphasis will be on portfolio preparation, technical skills and the development of art throughout history. This course is designed for the serious art student interested in advancing to the next course: AP Studio Art, an art course at the college level or the dedicated hobbyist.

Lab Fee: $20

PREREQUISITE: Art II

STUDIO ART Advanced Placement

Grade 12

ART404 1.0 credit

This course focuses on preparing a body of artwork within the parameters prescribed by the College Board. Three types of portfolios are considered acceptable: AP 2-D Art and Design, AP 3-D Art and Design, and AP Drawing Each portfolio contains 20 works of art which are submitted digitally. All portfolios share a basic two -section structure: Sustained Investigation and Selected Works. Within these areas, students will demonstrate a depth of investigation while developing an artistic voice. A fundamental grounding in visual principles and a confidence with a variety of techniques will also be assessed and evaluated within the portfolio submission. The primary aim of this course is to have students demonstrate a fundamental competence and range of understanding in visual awareness and methods of application in various media. In order for students to accomplish the goals of this course, they will find it necessary to work beyond scheduled class periods both during the school year and in the summer prior to the start of class. At the conclusion of the course, students will submit a portfolio to the College Board.

Lab Fee: $30

PREREQUISITE: One or more advanced level art courses (ex: Art 3, Photo 2, or Ceramics 2)

NOTE: Students are strongly encouraged to schedule and take the Advanced Placement examination administered by the College Board. The successful student has the possibility of advanced credit standing in a college or university.

MIXED MEDIA & FINE CRAFT

Grades 9-12

ART 501 1.0 credit

ART505 0.5 credit

This introductory level hands-on studio course explores the art of fine craft in both functional and artistic forms. Students will use historical and multicultural inspirations to develop work in a variety of media including paper, printmaking, collage, jewelry, clay, plaster masks, fibers and glass mosaic. This course is designed for a student who is interested in making practical art objects.

Lab Fee: 1.0 = $30; 0.5 = $15

CERAMICS I

Grades 9-12

ART601 0.5 credit

This is a beginning level course that emphasizes the application of two and three dimensional design principles in the medium of ceramics. Students will focus on hand-building methods of ceramic production. Students will also explore the significance of clay in our contemporary culture through a study of art history, criticism, aesthetics, and philosophy. A variety of topics and experiences will provide students with a foundation for further in-depth course work in ceramics.

Lab Fee: $20

CERAMICS II

Grades 10-12

ART605 0.5 credit

This course is for the advanced ceramics student who has successfully completed Ceramics I. Emphasis will be placed on exploration of the potter’s wheel, figurative sculpture, plaster casting procedures, and the study of professional ceramic artists’ work. Students will have the opportunity to create work with an advanced level of functionality, creativity, and confidence.

Lab Fee: $20

PREREQUISITE: Ceramics I

HUMAN FIGURE

Grades 11-12

ART705 0.5 credit

This intermediate studio course focuses on the structure, anatomy and expressive qualities of the human form in a variety of ways. Students will develop an understanding of proportion, gesture, movement and portraiture in drawing, painting, and sculpture. This course can aid in the development of observational drawings required for college admission portfolios.

Lab Fee: $5

PREREQUISITE: Art II

PAINTING

Grades 11-12

ART805 0.5 credit

The painting student will explore and become familiar with a variety of painting media including acrylic, oil, watercolor, and gouache. Painters will become adept with underpainting, glazing, hard edge painting, washes, gradations and experimental mixed media. A variety of painting surfaces including found objects will be considered. Emphasis will be placed on color theory, composition, originality and self-reflection. Students will gain an aesthetic appreciation and be inspired by historical models.

Lab Fee: $15

PREREQUISITE: Art II or teacher approval

COMPUTER ART

Grades 9-12

ART806 0.5 credit

This course will provide students who have obtained basic art skills to apply them to the solution of computer-oriented assignments. Students will be provided a working knowledge of the computer, software, processes and techniques to produce digital works of art. Digital illustration will mostly be created using the computer as an art tool. Assignments will be oriented to fine art and commercial artwork. Creative interpretation is developed through the use of additional hardware such as the digital camera, scanners and various printing techniques. NO COMPUTER EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!

Lab Fee: $20

Note: Art I is recommended, but not required.

DIGITAL PHOTO

Grades 9-12

ART900 0.5 credit

Students will learn to use digital imaging software and digital cameras. Coursework will include but not limited to assignments and exercises emphasizing the use of software tools, composition, color, montage, digital imagery and the use of digital imaging for illustrative and expressive purposes. Projects will include theme-based assignments emphasizing sophisticated digital processes and personal expression. Students must provide their own digital camera. NO COMPUTER EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!

Lab Fee: $25

NOTE: Students must provide their own digital camera.

PHOTO I

Grades 10-12

ART901 1.0 credit

ART905 0.5 credit

Students will learn to use a 35mm SLR camera and black and white film. Projects include portraiture, landscape, still-life, and action subjects with a concentration on composition, camera functions, film development and darkroom procedures.

Lab Fee: 1.0 = $100; 0.5 = $50

NOTE: Students must provide their own single lens reflex (SLR) camera.

PHOTO II

Grades 11-12

ART902 1.0 credit

This advanced course is for students who have successfully completed Photography I. Students will expand their knowledge of camera controls and lighting through assignments emphasizing advanced skills in composition, darkroom manipulations and display. Creativity and personal expression are encouraged. Projects include photojournalism, night and low- light photography techniques, large format printing and experimentation in color through Polaroid transfers.

Lab Fee: $125

PREREQUISITE: Photo I

NOTE: Students must provide their own single lens reflex (SLR) camera.