VISUAL ARTS I

Grades 9-12:  Level 2 (568)

(Semester) .50 credits

NO PREREQUISITE

Visual Arts I is an introductory course designed to provide an entry level, comprehensive arts class for 9th through 12th graders prior to proceeding to a primary art elective option. This course offers students the opportunity to explore various traditional and digital based assignments to help prepare for the upper level art courses. Additional focus on the Elements of Art and introduction to the Principles of Design. Students must pass this course before taking Visual Arts II.

VISUAL ARTS II
Grades 9-12:  Level 2 (535)

(Semester) .50 credits 

*Prerequisite: Successful completion of VA I 

Visual Arts II is a continuation and expansion of the fundamentals covered in Visual Arts I. This course is designed for motivated students interested in improving their art skills and enhancing their artwork. Added focus on the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. Completion of this course is highly encouraged for all 9th through 12th graders before electing to take foundation and advanced courses in the Visual Arts. 

MIXED-MEDIA (629)
Grades 9-12:  Level 2
(Semester) .50 credits

NO PREREQUISITE

Mixed-Media is an art course for 9th through 12th graders interested in exploring various art processes and techniques. This course focuses on combining mediums in both Two-Dimensional (2-D) and Three-Dimensional (3-D) art  with the intent to offer students hands-on assignments based on the upper level art electives. Completion of this course is highly encouraged for all 9th through 12th graders before electing to take primary foundation courses in the Visual Arts Department. 

2-D ART & DESIGN  (511)
Grades 9-12:  Level 2
(Semester) .50 credits

NO PREREQUISITE

Introduction to 2-D Art and Design encourages development of processes and techniques that guides artmaking through practice, experimentation, and revision of materials. Explore 2-D art and design skills through drawing, painting, mixed-media, photography, printmaking, and digital art.

DRAWING   (553)
Grades 9-12: Level 2
(Semester) .50 credits 

NO PREREQUISITE

Drawing is a course that provides experienced students who are interested in further developing their drawing skills with the opportunity to explore and create individual 2-D works of art. Assignments focus on exploring compositional possibilities with an emphasis on connecting, creating, presenting and responding with an assortment of drawing materials. A variety of formative assessments are integrated in an effort to encourage students to find their own style of drawing while applying creative problem solving skills.

PAINTING (552)
Grades 9-12: Level 2
(Semester) .50 credits 

NO PREREQUISITE

Painting provides students an opportunity to learn and practice the basic concepts of design, color theory and painting applications. Students will explore the painting medium while applying creative problem solving skills in the development of design through a variety of formative assignments. The courses final summative assignments give students the opportunity to demonstrate their growth and progress of painting and design skills.

CERAMICS (547)
Grades 9-12: Level 2 (Semester) .50 credits 

NO PREREQUISITE

Ceramics exposes students to the art of ceramics through participation in a studio atmosphere. The course and grading procedures are designed to nurture certain values inherent to the Elements of Art and Principles of design. The class is often divided into two groups. While one group receives instruction on the pottery wheel, the other group works on previously instructed hand building techniques. Studio etiquette, proper material handling and individual clean-up is expected and highly enforced. Dedication, maturity and a sense of pride in one's work and craftsmanship is highly encouraged.

3-D Art  & Design (546) 

Grades 9-12: Level 2(Semester) .50 credits 

NO PREREQUISITE

3-D Art & Design provides students with the knowledge and opportunity to explore and create individual 3-D works of art. This course focuses on the concepts of shape, form, texture, and unity using found objects, paper, wood, metals, textiles, etc. Individualized instruction, demonstration, group and self-critiques, along with ongoing studio work will be continually offered and assessed. Critical thinking and creative problem solving through the development of original ideas and unique works of art are highly encouraged. 

Exploratory Clay (698)

Grades 9-12: Level 2 (Semester) .50 credits 

NO PREREQUISITE

Exploratory Clay invites students to discover the versatile world of ceramics through hands-on studio experience. This course is designed as a journey of creative inquiry, where grading and instruction focus on foundational mastery of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design and participation. The classroom operates as an art studio for tactile learning. As students explore the medium, they are expected to uphold the standards of a professional working studio. Success in Exploratory Clay is built upon: motivation, good studio habits and an experimental mindset

PRINTMAKING (554)
Grades 10-12: Level 2
(Semester) .50 credits 

NO PREREQUISITE

Printmaking provides students with the opportunity to employ critical thinking skills, while investigating and developing multiple relief printing processes of increasing skill levels. Several types of linoleum and carving tools will be used while practicing safe carving processes and techniques. Upper level art students are encouraged to take this course and experiment with a unique and exciting art medium.

EXPLORATORY PHOTOGRAPHY (699)
Grades 9-12: Level 2
(Semester) .50 credits 

NO PREREQUISITE

Exploratory Photography enhances critical thinking and problem-solving by encouraging students to be keen observers, make deliberate compositional choices, and interpret complex visual information. It acts as a powerful tool for visual literacy and analytical reasoning across various contexts. Exploratory photography involves using unconventional techniques with digital and analog cameras and a variety of post-processing techniques to push the boundaries of the medium. Emphasis is on discovery, challenging processes, and is solution oriented while producing unique and original works of art. 

ADVANCED DRAWING  (499)
Grades 9-12: Level 2
(Semester) .50 credits 

*Prerequisite: Successful completion of Drawing 

NOT OFFERED 2025-2026

Advanced Drawing is for serious students who are interested in advanced development of their drawing skills and optional preparation for AP classes. Assignments focus on perspective, subject matter,  genre, and individual style. A variety of formative assessments are integrated in an effort to encourage students to prepare for advancement in various mediums.