ARTS
VISUAL ARTS

The mission of the Mansfield High School Visual Arts Department is to provide students with intellectually informed, hands-on instruction in the practice of an array of visual arts media within the context of a broader school community. Students will develop critical insight and formal and technical innovation, and be encouraged to express their own ideas via the various mediums. The Visual Arts Department believes that student art can be a positive force in school culture and the community at large. In the event of virtual or hybrid instruction, certain aspects of course work may be modified and some supplies will be provided.

This introductory course is intended for students wanting to develop their creative skills. An emphasis on the principals and elements of design, observational drawing and portraiture are taught in this class. Using light, shadow, shade and tone and color, students learn to manipulate design elements in a variety of two and three-dimensional media to create representational and abstract artwork. Various techniques are introduced and students are encouraged to develop their own style of work. Students become familiar with the problems of design, basic art elements, proper use of scale and perspective, and introduction of specialized media. Assessments include periodic tests, process and product critiques, and weekly sketchbook assignments. Participation in regular departmental exhibitions is a course expectation. There is no prerequisite for this course. 

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11 

This course involves advanced investigation of the principles and elements of art. Students develop critical thinking and visual problem solving skills, advanced artistic knowledge, and vocabulary based upon the foundation established in Art I. Continued color mixing, analysis and application will be fundamental skills taught in this class. Research and class critiques help students to internalize specialized arts vocabulary and habits of mind. Weekly homework sketchbooks reinforce material learned in the classroom. Participation in regular departmental exhibitions is a course expectation. 

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11
Prerequisite: Art I 

This introductory course in ceramics will cover the basic techniques of hand-building. In addition, students will be introduced to the various stages of clay process including various firing and glazing techniques. Students will explore a variety of glazing and surface decoration. Students will need to understand the application of the elements and principles of design relating to 3d space, develop skill in personal expression, as well as aesthetic valuing and historical references to this art form and its methods. Students will participate in written and oral critiques. Students will also be encouraged to develop their own projects, individual directions, and ideas in the creative range of clay. Participation in regular departmental exhibitions is a course expectation. 

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 

This is an introductory digital art class exploring computer based art, photography and animation. Students use digital drawing tablets, digital cameras and various software programs from the Adobe Creative Suite to explore foundational art theory concepts such as the elements of art, principles of design, color theory, composition, and typography to produce exciting artwork for the web and print. This class was previously known as Digital Media and cannot be repeated. 

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11 

In this course students will be introduced to a variety of media and issues/topics. This course emphasizes the importance of “process” in creating a piece of art. Topics will be presented and students will be asked to find creative solutions to problems. Some topics that will be visited are conceptual art, art history, and current events. Students will receive support and structure. Students will be assessed through their efforts, creative problem solving methods, critiques and journaling. Students will be encouraged to participate in creating displays in the school and establish community connections. 

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12