Studio Arts

Level: H

Credit(s): 1

Semester(s): 2

Typical Grade Level: ANY

Prerequisites: None.

This is an intensive visual arts course that meets the high school graduation requirement. Students will plan and create both two and three-dimensional artwork using a variety of media, study International, national, and local artists, participate in critique sessions, learn about career opportunities in the arts, and understand the broader context of the art world and how their work fits in the discourse. Participants will also research and write artist statements and reports on the arts. Each student is required to explore and document ideas within a sketchbook. 

Level of Challenge: 1

Typical Homework Commitment: less than 1 hour per week

Level: H

Credit(s): 1

Semester(s): 2

Typical Grade Level: 10th and 11th Grade (9th grade students with previous 3D portfolio submission)

Prerequisites:  Art I with a A or B or better; Cs and lower must have a teacher recommendation/portfolio review. Must have 93% attendance or better.

This beginning level 3D course emphasizes the exploration of sculptural processes through both traditional and experimental mediums. Throughout the course students will develop their skills via the investigation of both additive and subtractive methods of construction, and in turn will begin to develop their own particular artistic style marked by the making of clear aesthetic choices. The class will also examine contemporary sculpture by both local and international artists as well as the historic and cultural traditions of the art form while also investigating diverse styles and techniques. Students will explore sculptural and functional forms in clay, using both hand-building (i.e. pinch, coil, slab) techniques and will also be introduced to creating 3D forms using online computer software. A sketchbook and participation in all class discussions, demonstrations, and peer critiques is required, and all students will document their work in order to create a digital portfolio of all completed designs which will be used for assessment requirements. 

Level of Challenge: 3

Students will be expected to manage their time in order to complete 3D works by established deadlines. Sculptural processes and mediums will vary in style of application, size, consistency and texture. All students will need to master each medium in order to meet project requirements. 

Typical Homework Commitment: 

Students will also be expected to bring in found materials/recyclables to be used in various project designs throughout the year.

Level: H

Credit(s): 1

Semester(s): 2

Typical Grade Level: 11th & 12th (AC and 9th grade students can audition)

Prerequisites: Art I with a A or B or better; Cs and lower must have a teacher recommendation/portfolio review. Must have 93% attendance or better. 

During this secondary level course students will build on the skills acquired in Art I through more intensive projects in both wet and dry media. The class will examine historic and cultural traditions of these art forms and investigate various materials, styles and techniques. Projects will include figure drawing, self-portraits and still life then progress to realism, landscape painting and abstraction. An emphasis will be placed on developing a thematic series of works as well as self-evaluation through regular class critique. A sketchbook for idea development is required.

Level of Challenge:

Typical Homework Commitment:

Level: H

Credit(s): 1

Semester(s): 2

Typical Grade Level: 11th & 12th 

Prerequisites: Art I with a A or B AND Studio Sculpture. 

In this intensive introductory class, students will explore sculptural and functional forms in clay, using both hand-building (i.e. pinch, coil, slab) techniques and wheel throwing techniques through this introductory course. The class will examine historic and cultural traditions of this art form and investigate diverse styles and techniques. Standard glazing processes and a working knowledge of ceramics terminology will also be covered.

Level of Challenge: 3

Typical Homework Commitment: 2 hours a week

Level: AP

Credit(s): 1

Semester(s): 2

Typical Grade Level:  11th & 12th 

Prerequisites:  Sculpture I  with a A or B or better and digital portfolio of 3D works; Cs and lower must have a teacher recommendation/portfolio review. Must have 93% attendance or better.

This Advanced Placement 3D Design Portfolio course is intended to address sculptural issues via the development of a series of 3D designs exploring a chosen Sustained Investigation as well as Selected Works showcasing the range of sculptural processes a student has mastered.  All students enrolled must already have a digital portfolio of completed 3D works from a beginning level Sculpture 1 course.  All students enrolled will submit digital portfolios for evaluation and will be documenting their entire design process including brainstorming, practice, experimentation, and revision in order to show the development and refinement of 3D designs and chosen themes. Writing will be extensive throughout the duration of the course in order for a student to contextualize the ideas, materials, and processes used and expressed for each of their completed works and guided by the students own questions. 

Designs involves purposeful decision-making about using the elements and principles of art in an integrative way. In the 3-D design portfolio, students should demonstrate their understanding of the Elements of Art and Design Principles as they relate to depth and space. The Principles of Design: unity, variety, balance, emphasis, contrast, rhythm, repetition, proportion/scale, pattern, and movement can be articulated through the visual Elements of Art: line, space, value, color, shape, texture, and form. – From the AP Studio Art: 3D Design Course Description, available of AP Central

Level of Challenge: 4/5

The AP 3D Portfolio is one of the most difficult AP courses - only highly motivated students with a clear focus on sculpture should enroll. Students will be expected to manage their time in order to fulfill portfolio deadlines including submission of images, writings, and project refinements. All projects will involve a great deal of continued work including development, building, critique, reflection, questioning, and refinement. Students will also be expected to participate in class demonstrations, discussions, and peer critiques.

Typical Homework Commitment: 1-2 Hours a week which can increase significantly around the time of portfolio submission in May.

Students will also be expected to gather and bring in materials if needed for the use of their 3D designs if such materials are not available at the school. 

Level: H

Credit(s): 1

Semester(s): 2

Typical Grade Level: 11th or 12th, (AC, 9-10th grade students can submit portfolio for review)

Prerequisites: Previous level Art I, Studio Painting & Drawing I class with a A or B or better; Cs and lower must have a teacher recommendation/portfolio review. Must have 93% attendance or better.

AP Drawing Portfolio is intended to address a breadth of drawing techniques and media by creating works that each demonstrate synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas using drawing skills. Students submit a portfolio and physical works of art for evaluation. The instructional goals of the AP Studio Art are to encourage creative and systematic investigation of formal and conceptual issues, emphasize art-making as an ongoing process in which the student makes informed and critical decisions, help students develop technical skills and understand the functions of visual elements, and encourage students to become independent thinkers who contribute inventively and critically to their culture through the making of art. 

All students enrolled will submit digital portfolios for evaluation and will be documenting their entire design process including brainstorming, practice, experimentation, and revision in order to show the development and refinement of 2D designs and chosen themes. Writing will be extensive throughout the duration of the course in order for a student to contextualize the ideas, materials, and processes used and expressed for each of their completed works and guided by the students own questions. 

Level of Challenge: 3/5

Structured as a college-level course students enrolled in AP Drawing are expected to possess the rigor, diligence, and independent work ethic expected of an introductory college studio art class. Students will be expected to manage their time in order to fulfill portfolio deadlines including submission of images, writings, and project refinements. All projects will involve a great deal of continued work including development, building, critique, reflection, questioning, and refinement. Students will also be expected to participate in class demonstrations, discussions, and peer critiques.

The AP Art and Design course framework presents an inquiry-based approach to learning about and making art and design. Students are expected to conduct an in-depth, sustained investigation of materials, processes, and ideas. The framework focuses on concepts and skills emphasized within college art and design foundations courses with the same intent: to help students become inquisitive, thoughtful artists and designers able to articulate information about their work. AP Art and Design students develop and apply skills of inquiry and investigation, practice, experimentation, revision, communication, and reflection. - AP Art and Design Course and Exam Description, Effective Fall 2019

Typical Homework Commitment: 1-2 hours per week which can increase significantly around the time of portfolio submission in May.

Students are encouraged to purchase their own art supplies, as suggested in the syllabus, to utilize outside of class studio time in order to complete work.