fine Arts - Art/visual arts

Artists do more than just paint pictures or sculpt a piece of clay. Artists are curious individuals who are driven by the desire to create and a willingness to take chances. Artists see and think about the world in a special way, which they share with others through the works they create. By steering you in the right direction, your art teachers will help you learn and discover talents you never thought you had. Art is for everyone.

The Art Department at Merrill High School believes that every student should have the opportunity to study art and to develop an understanding and appreciation of the many ways art can influences their lives. Art students will gain skills, knowledge, and understanding through the study of art history, art criticism, aesthetics, and art production. It is our goal to motivate students to develop and maintain a personal appreciation of art and to become well-rounded, lifelong creators.

ART CLUB

All art students have the opportunity to be a part of the Merrill High School Art Club. Art Club activities have included: designing and printing our own club T-shirts, making wearable duct tape art vests or shoulder bags, creating miniature fun sculptures, stained glass mosaic head sculptures, experiencing the art of henna tattooing, and participating in community services. There are also opportunities to take part in field trips to view art, meet artists and see live theater. Art Club offers “Work Nights” for students who want to spend more time on their art than class time allows. Art Club sponsors fundraisers to help defray the cost of member expense for trips and activities. Past trips have been three-day tours of Chicago, Twin Cities and Milwaukee.

FASHION & INTERIOR DESIGN

Grade level: 9-12

Semester: 0.5 credit

Description: This hands on course is perfect for students interested in fashion design, apparel construction, and home decor as it focuses on introducing students to foundational skills in sewsing and design principles. Students will learn basic sewing techniques, including hand-stitching and machine sewing, which can be utilized to create clothing, accessories, and home decor items. Additionally, students will begin to develop an understanding of the key elements of interior design, such as color theory, floor plans, furniture styles, and architecture. This course will help students gain a practical understanding of design concepts, craftsmanship, and the creative processes involved in the fashion and interior design industries.

2D ART FUNDAMENTALS

Grade level: 9-12

Prerequisite: None

Semester: 0.5 credit

Description: This two-dimensional introductory level art course offers students a hands-on exploration of foundational art making techniques through a variety of drawing and painting mediums. Students will begin to develop their observational and artistic problem-solving skills as well as learning how to communicate ideas visually and creatively. Upon completion of this course, students will have a comprehensive portfolio of work and be eligible to take the upper levels of two-dimensional art classes offered at MHS.

DRAWING

Grade level: 10-12

Semester: 0.5 credit

Prerequisite: Grade C or better in 2D Art Fundamentals

Description: This intermediate level art course builds on foundational drawing skills, helping students to continue to develop their technique and work towards finding their personal artistic style. Students will explore advanced concepts, such as texture, perspective, and composition, through a variety of media, including graphite, ink, and colored pencil. The course focuses on improving observational drawing, including figure drawing, still life, and portraiture, while encouraging creative expression through experimental approaches. Students will learn to push their technical skills further, explore more complex subjects, and engage in critical thinking about their artwork.

PAINTING

Grade level: 10-12

Semester: 0.5 credit

Prerequisite: Grade C or better in 2D Art Fundamentals

Description: This intermediate level art course is designed for students looking to build upon their foundational painting experience and continue to develop their skills. Focusing on mediums such as watercolor, oil, and acrylic, students will learn to enhance their understanding of color theory, layering, and composition. The course will guide students through the process of creating original works of art while gaining a greater understanding of light, shadow, and depth in painted work. Students will experience with a range of subjects including still life, landscapes, and abstract forms while refining their technial skills and building a well-rounded portfolio.

3D ART FUNDAMENTALS

Grade level: 9-12

Prerequisite: None

Semester: 0.5 credit

Description: This three-dimensional introductory level art course offers students a hands on exploration of both ceramics and sculpture, providing a foundation in essential techniques and creative expression. Students will learn the basics of hand-building, wheel-throwing, glazing, and firing ceramics, as well as sculptural techniques using glass and other non-clay materials. The course will cover both functional and decorative forms, encouraging students to experiment with texture, shape, and surface treatment. Upon completion of this course, students will have a comprehensive portfolio of work and be eligible to take the upper levels of three-dimensional art classes offered at MHS.

CERAMICS

Grade level: 10-12

Semester: 0.5 credit

Prerequisite: Grade C or better in 3D Art Fundamentals

Description: This intermediate level art course is designed for students who have learned the basics of ceramics and are ready to explore more advanced techniques and creative concepts. Building on skills such as hand-building, wheel-throwing, and glazing, students will strengthen their understanding of the processes that go into creating functional and sculptural ceramic works. Emphasis will be placed on continuing to develop technical skills, such as wheel-throwing precision, advanced glazing techniques, and surface decoration. By the end of the course, students will have a refined portfolio of ceramic pieces, with an increased understanding of artistic processes and a deeper appreciation for the medium.

SCULPTURE

Grade level: 10-12

Semester: 0.5 credit

Prerequisite: Grade C or better in 3D Art Fundamentals

Description: This intermediate level art course is designed for students wishing to continue to explore three-dimensional art making using a variety of non-clay mediums, such as paper, wire, and glass. Emphasis will be placed on continuing to develop technical skills and utilzing the creative process as students work to strengthen their understanding of form, texture, and structure by using more complex techniques. By the end of the course, students will have a portfolio of finished projects showcasing both technical skills and creative exploration.

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Grade level: 10-12 (10th graders must receive an A in the class in order to receive NTC Dual Credit)

Semester: 0.5 credit

Prerequisite: Grade C or better in 2D Art Fundamentals OR 3D Art Fundamentals.

Description: This course introduces students to the art and technical aspects of digital photography. Students will explore key concepts such as lighting and composition. Emphasis will be placed on becoming proficient in using digital cameras and understanding camera settings as well as working towards developing a creative vision. Throughout the course, students will experiment with various genres of photography including portraits, landscapes, and still life. By the end of the course, students will have developed a strong foundation in digital photography and gained the confidence to capture and create high-quality images.

Dual Credit

Digital Photography

10-204-135

3.0 NTC Credits

STUDIO ART 1

Grade level: 11-12

Year: 1 Credit

Prerequisite: 3 or more introductory/intermediate art classes with a ‘B’ or better

Description: This advanced level art course is designed for students who are passionate about elevating their skills and are ready to take their creative practice to the next level. Students will have the opportunity to focus on the production of high-quality pieces in either two- or three-dimensional media. Through both guided and independent projects, students will be encouraged to explore complex themes, experiment with materials and techniques, and begin to push the boundaries of their artistic abilities. By the end of the course, each student will build a cohesive portfolio that showcases their growth, process, and final works, preparing them for future studies in art or careers in creative fields.

STUDIO ART 2

Grade level: 12

Year: 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Studio Art with a "B" or better AND Instructor Approval

Description: This advanced level art course is designed for students who are highly motivated and are passionate about purusing art at a collegiate or professional level. Students will work to further refine their technical skills, deepend their conceptual exploration, and create a cohesive and sophisticated portfolio of work. Students will have the opportunity to focus on specific areas of interest while pushing their creative boundaries through advanced techniques and experimentation within their preferred medium. The course emphasizes the development of personal artistic voice while encouraging students to engage in critical thinking and express the meaning and intention behind each piece. Students will be encouraged to exhibit their work in local galleries, competitions, or art shows.