Fine Arts

The Fine Arts Department offers various opportunities for students to explore the creation of art through drawn images and creative idea-formation. Students communicate a wide range of ideas through traditional and non-traditional approaches to art making, explore various media and techniques and maintain a personal sketchbook. These electives cultivate students' ability to make connections through art-appreciation, present completed artwork for exhibition and experience/respond to artwork in the museum/gallery setting. 

Course Descriptive Codes

+21st Century Careers and CTE | @ Visual and Performing Arts | ^ NCAA Approved Course | FY Course meets Full Year | A/B Course Meets every other day full year

1000  ART FUNDAMENTALS @

Grades: 9-12

This introductory course to art is designed to offer students the basic fundamental skills of art making: the elements of art and principles of design, color theory, drawing, 3D Design and art criticism. Students will understand the scope of art history's importance and its impact on society. These skills serve as a foundation for the study of art in the advanced classes: Studio Art, Honors and AP Studio Art, Media and Techniques 1, 2, and 3. The Art Fundamentals class must be taken in the freshman year if a student wishes to prepare for an art career through the Studio Art electives as it is the prerequisite class for all other art classes. (Not a prerequisite for the Academy of Art - Graphics/Studio Strand)

1002  ART MEDIA & TECHNIQUES I @

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Art Fundamentals     

This art elective is designed for students who wish to continue their study of art through experiences in a variety of media/techniques, including but not limited to pastel, painting, printmaking, and mix media. This course is geared for the student who enjoys the art-making process, as well as the collaborative and independent concept development.

1003 JAA HONORS DRAWING 1 @

Grade: 9 

Prerequisite: Admission Into JAA Art Strand

This course is designed for freshmen who have been accepted into the Academy of the Arts and are considering a possible career in the visual arts. The class will focus on drawing skills and techniques. Students will explore the use of a variety of drawing media including pencil, ink, charcoal, pastel and others. The course will emphasize the elements of art, principles of design, and color theory and serve as a foundation for further study in Honors Studio courses. As part of the Jackson Art Academy, students will participate in a Master Class to enhance their experience as an artist both inside and outside the classroom. 

 Attendance and performance in exhibits as well as in-school collaborations/projects/sectionals are a requirement of this course; these sessions occur during the school day, after school and/or in the evening. This strand also partakes and/or exhibits for school and community functions. Students enrolled in the JAA Academy participate in Master Experiences, Residency Experiences, and required Ensemble Production Experiences for their strand.

1004  ART MEDIA & TECHNIQUES II @

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Art Media & Techniques I or Studio Art I and teacher recommendation

This art elective is designed for the student who enjoys the art-making process and wishes to expand his/her knowledge of media, techniques and processes. The development of imagery through a sophisticated use of the elements and principles of design are explored in a variety of two and three-dimensional media as well as an emphasis on the artists’ individual interests. Students may prepare an art portfolio (if desired).

1006  ART MEDIA & TECH. III @

Grade: 12

Prerequisite: Art Media & Techniques II

This art elective is designed for those who like to work with traditional and non-traditional approaches to art making. Students focus on individual idea formation by exploring a variety of complex media and techniques including but not limited to paint, pastel, mix media and other. Students may continue to prepare an art portfolio for admittance to college and scholarship (if desired).

1007 JAA ACADEMY HONORS STUDIO ART I @

Grade: 10 

Prerequisite: JAA 

This course is designed for sophomores and juniors in the Jackson Art Academy

This course is designed for sophomores who have been accepted into the Academy of the Arts and are considering a possible career in the visual arts. The class will focus on observational drawing, the understanding of composition, and building strong skills and techniques with a variety of media. The course will cover movements in Art History from Prehistoric through Renaissance as students make connections to the art of the past and present. Students will participate in a Master Class of their choice to enhance their experience as an artist both inside and outside of the classroom. For JAA Academy Strand Students: Attendance and performance in exhibits as well as in-school collaborations/projects/sectionals are a requirement of this course; these sessions occur during the school day, after school and/or in the evening. This strand also partakes and/or exhibits for school and community functions. Students enrolled in the JAA Academy participate in Master Experiences, Residency Experiences, and required Ensemble Production Experiences for their strand.

1008  STUDIO ART I @

Grade: 10

Prerequisite: Art Fundamentals and teacher recommendation

This course is designed for sophomores who have been recommended by their Art Fundamentals teacher and are considering a possible career in the visual arts: Graphic Design, Advertising, Animation, Game Design, Fashion, etc. This class is devoted to the depiction of form through observational drawing, the understanding of composition, the development of art aesthetics, and the refinement of skills and techniques. At the end of the course, a recommendation by the art faculty is required for the advancement into Honors Studio Art II.

1010  HONORS STUDIO ART II @

1011  HONORS STUDIO ART III @

1012 JAA HONORS STUDIO ART II @

1013 JAA HONORS STUDIO ART III @

Grade: 11

prerequisites: JAA Academy Student or Studio Art I and teacher recommendation

Part one of this full-year course is designed to refine the artists’ drawing and painting skills in the creation of visual imagery. Students are given exposure to specific techniques, media, and art making approaches to enhance their right-brain creativity and generate sophisticated pieces of art, which will be shown in public venues. Students receive extensive art appreciation and are expected to respond to art both verbally and through written expression. Part two of this full-year course is designed to empower students to find methods of visualizing and executing personal ideas. It involves extensive drawing practice, problem solving and critical thinking processes, which lead to a strong portfolio and allow the artist to begin the Concentration portion of the AP Exam. Students in this program are considering an art-related career such as, but not limited to Illustration, Painting, Fashion, Advertising, Game Design, and others For JAA Academy Strand Students: Attendance and performance in exhibits as well as in-school collaborations/projects/sectionals are a requirement of this course; these sessions occur during the school day, after school and/or in the evening. This strand also partakes and/or exhibits for school and community functions. Students enrolled in the JAA Academy participate in Master Experiences, Residency Experiences, and required Ensemble Production Experiences for their strand.

1014  AP DRAWING @ (FY)

Grade: 12

Prerequisite: Honors Studio Art II and III, and teacher recommendation

This full year, 10-credit course is designed for seniors only who have completed and been recommended from Honors Studio Art II and III. This course emphasizes superior craftsmanship, independent idea formation, as well as the problem solving and critical thinking skills essential to being a successful artist. Students receive intensive preparation in portfolio building, interviewing skills, college and scholarship research, as well as many other art-related opportunities in order to obtain admittance to and receive a scholarship to college. Requirements for this course are that students will present their body of work at the senior Art/Tech Expo in the spring and complete the Advanced Placement Exam in May. For JAA Academy Strand Students: Attendance and performance in exhibits as well as in-school collaborations/projects/sectionals are a requirement of this course; these sessions occur during the school day, after school and/or in the evening. This strand also partakes and/or exhibits for school and community functions. Students enrolled in the JAA Academy participate in Master Experiences, Residency Experiences, and required Ensemble Production Experiences for their strand.

1015 AP 2D STUDIO ART AND DESIGN @ (FY)

Grade: 12

1015 AP - 2D Studio Art and Design (FY)

Grade: 12

Prerequisites: Graphic Design III or Honors Graphic Design III, and/or Teacher recommendation

This course encourages and expects students to solve creative problems using their knowledge of the elements and principles of art. The student will be involved in a sustained investigation for portfolio development. This course is equivalent to a first year college art class and all students are expected to challenge themselves toward developing mastery in concept, composition and execution of 2D Design. Students who complete this course will have not only created an excellent portfolio, but will have:

• Become independent critical thinkers

• Emphasized art making as an outlet of personal expression and voice

• Developed sophisticated technical versatility and skill within the

• Elements and Principles of Design

• Learned how art making/creative solutions can be an integral part of daily life

1016  UNIFIED ART @

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Completion of a Unified Arts Peer Mentor Application which includes a teacher recommendation

Unified Art is an elective course that offers a unique opportunity for students of varying ability levels and backgrounds to collaborate and serve as both, a peer mentor and learner. This course is designed to provide students (with and without disabilities) the opportunity to experience art in a modified and safe environment. The focus of this course is on the academic and social growth of all participants. Engaging in art alongside peers will support and foster social relationships within the school community. This course will allow each student to gain an appreciation and understanding of the various abilities that are present in an artistic setting. 

Students interested in taking this elective must submit an online peer mentor application.  

Unified Art is an introductory art course focusing on elements and principles of design. Through the production of two-dimensional and three-dimensional artwork, students will have exposure to a variety of artists, materials and methods. 

1020  3-D DESIGN I @

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisites: Art Fundamentals

This art elective is designed for those who enjoy creating sculptures with their hands. Students will develop an understanding of mass, volume, the properties of media, and the visual qualities of three-dimensional form. Students will develop ideas, formulate a sequence of actions, and create 3-D works using a variety of traditional and non-traditional methods/materials including but not limited to: wood, clay, plaster, paper and mixed media.

1022  3-D DESIGN II @

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisites: 3-D Design I and teacher recommendation

This art course is designed for those students who are interested in continuing their exploration of 3-dimensional art making. Craftsmanship, problem solving, independent idea formation and workmanship are crucial to developing successful 3-dimensional forms. Therefore, students are required to present their work, make connections, and explain their approach in both written and oral forms.

1026 GRAPHIC DESIGN I @+

1026S JAA/JAB/DMA GRAPHIC DESIGN I @+

Grades: 9-12

Graphic Design I is an introductory art and technology based course. The core of graphic design is design thinking. This exploratory process encourages students to see differently, shift focus, look from multiple perspectives, and realize how perception influences meaning. Graphic design is about more than problem-solving, as students take on the creative challenge of defining what the problems are, and what opportunities exist for new solutions. Students will use a variety of industry standard programs and technology including, but not limited to the Adobe software suite, iMacs, iPads, and digital cameras. Graphic design students gain the knowledge and skills needed for success in printing, publication, poster, and package design; brand design; typeface design; and information design. In this course students are encouraged to become independent thinkers who will contribute inventively and critically to their culture through making art. This course is a Prerequisite to Graphic Design II.

Students who complete this course will have not only created an excellent portfolio, but will have:

• Become independent critical thinkers

• Emphasized art making as an outlet of personal expression and voice

• Developed sophisticated technical versatility and skill within the Elements and Principles of Design

• Learned how art making/creative solutions can be an integral part of daily life

1028 GRAPHIC DESIGN II @+

1028S JAA GRAPHIC DESIGN II @+

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Graphic Design I

Graphic Design II is an art and technology based course for students who have successfully completed Graphic Design I. As the foundation of graphic design is design thinking, students will review the elements and principles of universal design. This exploratory course encourages students to observe and see the world around them differently by shifting focus, looking from multiple perspectives, and realizing how perception influences meaning. Graphic Design is about more than problem solving, as students take on the creative challenge of defining problems as well as what opportunities exist for new solutions. Graphic Design students gain the knowledge and skills needed for success in illustration, printing, publication design, poster design, branding and logo design, 3-D package design, typeface design, and information design. 

Students will use a variety of industry standard programs and technology including, but not limited to the Adobe software suite, iMacs, iPads, and digital cameras. Graphic design students gain the knowledge and skills needed for success in printing, publication, poster, and package design; brand design; typeface design; and information design. 

Students will design and create a body of work demonstrating their competencies. In this course students are encouraged to become independent thinkers who will contribute inventively and critically to their culture through making art. This course is a prerequisite to Graphic Design III.

1030 GRAPHIC DESIGN III @+

1031 HONORS GRAPHIC DESIGN III @+ (FY)

            Grade: 11-12

Prerequisite: Graphic Design II and teacher recommendation

Graphic Design 3 is an art and technology based course. The core of graphic design is design thinking. This exploratory process encourages students to see differently, shift focus, look from multiple perspectives, and realize how perception influences meaning. Graphic design is about more than problem-solving, as students take on the creative challenge of defining what the problems are, and what opportunities exist for new solutions.  Students will use a variety of industry standard programs and technology including, but not limited to the Adobe software suite, iMacs, iPads, and digital cameras. Graphic design students gain the knowledge and skills needed for success in printing, publication, poster, and package design; brand design; typeface design; and information design. In this course students are encouraged to become independent thinkers who will contribute inventively and critically to their culture through making art. This course follows Graphic Design I and  II and is a prerequisite to AP 2D Art and  Design.

Students who complete this course will have not only created an excellent portfolio, but will have:

-Become independent critical thinkers

-Emphasized art making as an outlet of personal expression and voice

-Developed sophisticated technical versatility and skill within the Elements and

Principles of Design

-Learned how art making/creative solutions can be an integral part of daily life

0045 JAA INDEPENDENT STUDY (FY)

Grade: 12

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

The Independent Study Program is available for those students looking for an additional academic opportunity for in-depth study as part of the JAA.

Sample Jackson Arts Academy courses via Independent Study:

• Art Direction and Print Management SLE Internship

• Digital Photography

• Marketing Design / Entrepreneurship

• Portfolio Development

• School Project

• Teaching

• Yearbook

0053 GRAPHIC DESIGN INDEPENDENT STUDY

Grade: 12

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

The Independent Study Program is available for those students looking for an additional academic opportunity for in-depth study furthering their graphic design skills.

Sample Graphic Design courses via Independent Study:

• Art Direction and Print Management SLE Internship

• Digital Photography

• Marketing Design / Entrepreneurship

• Portfolio Development

• School Project

• Teaching

• Yearbook