Visual Arts
The studio is the classroom.
At GHS, our Fine Arts program views every student as an emerging artist. The Arts are vital to the development of the whole child. The importance of the Arts is clear: while stimulating imagination and self-expression, the Arts hold a significant role in the development of critical thinking, responsible decision-making and cultural awareness. Students develop abilities and habits of mind that empower learning across curriculums. They will design, revise and reflect on their own work to solve aesthetic problems and analyze other's creative efforts. We strive to encourage the leader and artist in every child to help them comprehend and appreciate the importance of creativity in our global society.
Rigorous Fine Arts instruction produces self-motivated, adaptable, productive, lifelong learners, equipped for the challenges of the global workforce.
FA Visual Arts Final GHS 2021Visual Arts Pathway Courses
Click on the linked PPT for more pictures
VIsual Arts Program 2020 scale size.ppsxCourse 1—Pre-Requisite
Visual Arts/Comprehensive I
Introduces art history, art criticism, aesthetic judgment and studio production. Emphasizes the ability to understand and use elements and principles of design through a variety of media, processes and visual resources. Explores master artworks for historical and cultural significance. Virtual Arts I is the required introductory course for all other visual art courses.
Continued Study Courses— Any Level I, II, or III and AP Art & Design (Advanced Placement Portfolio)
Drawing and Painting I
Explores a variety of drawing techniques and media; emphasizes developing basic drawing skills and critical analysis skills for responding to master drawings. Examines solutions to drawing problems through student drawings and those of other artists. Covers Western and non-Western cultures.
Prerequisite: Visual Arts I
Drawing II
Enhances level-one skills in technique and provides further exploration of drawing media. Reinforces basic drawing skills and critical analysis skills for responding to master drawings of different historical styles and periods. Examines solutions to drawing problems through student drawings and those of other artists. Prerequisite: Drawing & Painting I
Painting II
Enhances level-one painting skills and offers opportunities to apply painting techniques in a variety of media from traditional to mixed media. Emphasizes critical analysis skills for responding to master paintings of different styles and historical periods. Emphasizes the concept and development of personal style. Prerequisite: Drawing & Painting I
Ceramics I, II, & III
Ceramics I - Introduces the characteristics of clay and design in clay using various techniques of construction and decoration. Emphasizes hand building and introduces other forming techniques, surface decoration and glaze applications. Covers styles of Photography ceramic works from Western and non-Western cultures.
Prerequisite: Visual Arts I
Ceramics II-III - Enhances level-1 skills and provides opportunities to apply design techniques in clay through hand building and/or wheel throwing techniques while continuing to develop personal artistic voice. Emphasizes more complex form and surface treatments using tools, glazes, resists, and multiple clay bodies. Prerequisite: Ceramics I
Photography I, II, & III
Photography I - Introduces photography as an art form. Covers the historical development of photography. Emphasizes the basics of exposing and processing photographs in traditional and digital photography. Emphasizes appropriate darkroom techniques and digital photography editing using a 35mm/digital camera/smartphone/ and pinhole cameras. Prerequisite: Visual Arts I
Photography II to III - Continues concepts of level I and explores alternative/and digital processes. Stresses personal expression of ideas and depth of exploration in selected photo techniques. Continues to explore photography and photographers for historical and critical appraisal.
Prerequisite: Photography I
AP Art & Design: Advanced Placement Studio
AP 2D Design, AP 3D Design, or AP Drawing
Conforms to College Board topics for the Advanced Placement Studio: Art and Design Portfolio Examination. Requires submission of original works and digital images to be evaluated on quality and sustained investigation of individualized concepts. Provides experiences using a wide variety of media and approaches; designed for students interested in expiration, skill mastery, production of a body of works, rigor, and personal growth. A portfolio of 25 finalized works are the result of this yearlong intensive. Portfolios may focus on: Photography, Paint, Ceramics/Sculpture, Drawing, Design Application (Digital, Graphic, Fashion) or Mixed Media.
Teacher Recommendation and Portfolio Review
Course Standards
Course Progression
Visual Arts at GHS
Creative Pathways with a Purpose.....and Carrer Opportunity
Curator/Art Director
Bachelor’s of Fine Degree
Illustrator
Bachelor’s of Fine Degree
Graphic Designer
Bachelor’s of Fine Degree
Photographer
Bachelor’s of Degree
Additional Career Choices
Architect
Art Critic, Director, or Editor
Art Historian/Restoration
Art Therapist
Ceramicist
Industrial Design
Digital Animator
Fashion Designer/Merchandiser
Film Director/Editor
Interior Design
Muralist
Photojournalist/Editor
Scientific Illustrator
Sculptor
Stylist/Make-Up Artist
Textile Designer
University Professor/ Fine Art Teacher
Urban Planner
Web Design
Skills Developed in the Fine Arts
In addition to skills that are specific to careers in fine arts, you can also acquire general, transferable skills as a result of your studies. These skills can be applied to any careers that are, and are not, directly related you degree:
• The ability to develop individual ideas, think critically, collaborate with others
• Strong observational, research and analytical skills
• Creative problem solving
• The ability to learn from criticism and be objective about your work
• Adaptability to new influences and concepts
• The ability to meet deadlines
Marketing Yourself for Careers or Study in Fine Arts Develop a Portfolio
If you decide to pursue a career in a creative field of any kind, it is strongly recommended that you develop and maintain a portfolio of your best and most recent work, as it is extremely difficult to secure employment without one.
A good place to start the development of a portfolio is by building and collecting works while you’re in school. Get as much experience as you can working on school productions or art exhibits.
Speaking to teachers and professors to learn about both in-school and off-campus opportunities. But don’t limit yourself to these routes, you can also actively pursue opportunities outside of school to volunteer your services, as this is a great way to practice skills and add to your portfolio.
Marketing Yourself for Careers or Study in Fine Arts Develop a Portfolio
If you decide to pursue a career in a creative field of any kind, it is strongly recommended that you develop and maintain a portfolio of your best and most recent work, as it is extremely difficult to secure employment without one.
A good place to start the development of a portfolio is by building and collecting works while you’re in school. Get as much experience as you can working on school productions or art exhibits.
Speaking to teachers and professors to learn about both in-school and off-campus opportunities. But don’t limit yourself to these routes, you can also actively pursue opportunities outside of school to volunteer your services, as this is a great way to practice skills and add to your portfolio.