Visual Arts
Art can resonate with and emerge from those who have yet to master conventional skills as well as those who have. The EHS visual arts department is educating student learners by providing them with the rigor, respect and freedom they need to develop in the process of art making. While each class and level of the art experience have its own emphasis in the art process, all programs respond to the intensity that comes from the exploration of ideas, conception of artistic possibility and a performance repertoire (skill building) that enables those possibilities to be actualized within a material. We value the culture, artistic and intellectual diversity and embrace a wide range of media to support the development of individual voice. Growth in the visual arts, as in other fields, is regarded as an increasing expansion of the means through which the contents of the human imagination can be given a public form. Knowledge is gained by thinking and doing. The mission is constant; the practice is always transforming.
Course descriptions
Beginning Visual Arts Classes
These foundation classes introduce student learners to levels of possibilities, basic studio skills and art thinking. They equip them with the intellectual tools for self-discovery, personal vision and self-motivation. The emphasis is on skill building tools.
Introduction to Visual Arts
Intro to Visual Arts is a survey course that focuses on introducing various media to students through the elements of art and principles of design. Students have an opportunity to explore ideas and concepts in drawing media, painting, 3D materials, photography and digital forms of art. Students will be exposed to art history and criticism during each project. Verbal and written forms of communication will both be included in the evaluation process during this course.
Course #: 0_20700 Credit: 0.5 Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Course Length: Semester
Prerequisite: None
Fee: $15.00
Beginning Ceramics
This course will serve as an introduction to the basic skills and knowledge of clay. Traditional hand built techniques will be emphasized through functional and sculptural ceramics. An opportunity to practice wheel throwing will also be offered.
Course #: 0_20310 Credit: 0.5 Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Course Length: Semester
Prerequisite: Intro to Visual Arts
Supplies: #2 pencils are required, Beginning Ceramics can only be taken once.
Fee: $15.00
Introduction to 2D Art
Intro to 2D Art is a beginning level course open to all students. The art element and principles of design will be highlighted through various media and projects. Students will have an opportunity to explore drawing techniques and painting techniques with graphite pencil, colored pencil, pen and ink, watercolor and tempera paint. Students will also be involved in critiques and weekly reflections as a way to chart growth and learning throughout the art process.
Course #: 0_20125 Credit: 0.5 Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Course Length: Semester
Prerequisite: Intro to Visual Arts
Fee: $15.00
Art and Multimedia
Art and Multimedia focuses on visual communication and how it relates to a student’s personal expression. Students will explore ability to interact with visual information through multiple media techniques in both 2D and 3D materials. Students will explore the ways of interpreting visual information and creating artistic responses through their artwork. Students are encouraged to investigate their personal relationship to art as well as their ability to communicate through their own art.
Course #: 0_20130 Credit: 0.5 Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Course Length: Semester
Prerequisite: Intro to Visual Arts, Intro to 2D Art or Beginning Ceramics
Supplies: #2 pencils and 2 fine point Sharpies are required
Fee: $15.00
Advanced Visual Arts Classes
These art classes are designed with an emphasis on exploration, the creative process, and the development of individual voice. Through a range of practical instruction, student learners are introduced to new levels of possibilities and intellectual tools for self-discovery, personal vision and self-motivation.
Advanced Drawing
This course will further develop student’s drawing skills and ability. Students will further explore materials, ideas, techniques and meaning in drawing. Emphasis will be placed on developing an idea that can be expressed through multiple media and methods. Students will incorporate risk taking, exploration of materials, processes and ways of making objective drawing more personal.
Course #: 0_20120 Credit: 0.5 Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 Course Length: Semester
Prerequisite: Successful completion (“C” or better) of a high school drawing class or teacher portfolio review
Supplies: #2 pencils and 2 fine point Sharpies are required
Fee: $15.00
Advanced Painting
In this class the student learner will further explore the richness, ambiguity and complexities of color theory with a focus on creative investigation, risk taking and the expression of individual vision. We will use watercolor and acrylic paint, pastels and mixed medias as a framework for our exploration of advanced painting techniques and color. Emphasis will be placed on developing the student learner’s personal taste and sensibilities as painters so that they may achieve an increasingly sophisticated level of mastery.
Course #: 0_20220 Credit: 0.5 Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Course Length: Semester
Prerequisite: Successful completion (“C” or better) of a high school painting class or teacher portfolio review
Supplies: #2 pencils are required
Fee: $15.00
AP Studio Art/Portfolio Building
This course is designed as a two-year class for juniors and seniors who are highly motivated art student learners that are seriously interested in the study of art and the development of a portfolio that demonstrates a high level of personal artistic skill levels, creative thinking, and enables mastery in composition and execution of ideas. As a challenging educational experience it will help prepare the student learner for post-secondary artistic endeavors. Students have a choice of working on a drawing or a 2D design course of study that focuses on the development of a three-part portfolio. The portfolio requirements of the course include the submission of – 5 original “Quality” images; 12 digitally transmitted images that demonstrate the student’s artistic “Breadth”; 12 digitally transmitted images that demonstrate the students’ use of a theme in “Concentration” of artwork.
Course #: 0_20150 Credit: 0.5 Grade Level: 11, 12 Course Length: Semester
Prerequisite: Successful completion (“C” or better) of a high school beginning and advanced classes and teacher portfolio review
Students may repeat this course for two years. Supplies: #2 pencils are required