WHAT IS CERAMICS?  

In ceramics students will work with the material clay in hand built projects and wheel throwing. Students will learn how to make both functional and sculptural art and pottery within this class. Developing structures from clay, exploring hand building techniques, learning to use the potter's wheel, and experimenting with glaze techniques are a part of this ceramic course. 

The Art Department of Ryan High School has 20 potter's wheels, 2 extruders, and 2 kilns for students to work with. This gives the students opportunities to learn a verity of processes and art making within ceramics, from pottery, coils, kiln loading and firing. 

WHAT IS SCULPTURE? 

This course teaches students about basic techniques, concepts and materials found in the sculptural arts. through a verity of assignments students will use problem solving, creativity and skills learned to create 3-D pieces. 

Students will learn about mold making, carving, three- dimensional fabrication in individual and collaborative projects. Students will work with a verity of materials like clay, wire, wood, plaster and paper. 

WHAT IS ART 1? 

Art 1 is a class which provides an overall view: the elements and principles of design, along with art history, criticism, and aesthetics. Students will have the opportunity to work with a variety of mediums and techniques ranging from pencil drawing to ceramic clay in this year long class.

With the recommendation of their Middle School Art Teacher, an incoming freshman may choose Pre-AP Art 1 instead of Art 1. Pre-AP Art 1 presumes the student has extended interest in Art and expects to take additional Art classes within the next few years. It is the goal of Pre-AP Art 1 to encourage as many students as possible to take AP Studio Art in their junior and senior years of high school for college credits.