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More about the Visual Arts Program
More about the Visual Arts Program
Visual Arts
The visual arts department begins at the middle school level with an overview of the building blocks of art and design. It introduces the students to a variety of two-and-three-dimensional art media, artists, and techniques. Students will study art in historical contexts to learn more about the impact and role visual arts has played in human achievement. They will learn how art and culture are intertwined, to help them better understand the visual world in which we live. Students will form connections, think creatively, and problem solve while learning new art skills and practicing art techniques. At the high school level, the Art Department offers a variety of focused elective classes. Through these classes, students will continue to appreciate multiple artistic styles and to practice solutions to visual problems. They will expand and refine their art skills and knowledge, and they will continue to transform, synthesize, and appraise their own work and the work of their fellow students.
24-25 Visual Arts Courses
24-25 Visual Arts Courses
Art 9
Art 9
9th Grade
0.5 credit, semester course
Students will explore a variety of artists, art processes and materials such as drawing, painting, printmaking, two & three-dimensional design, and digital art. Student artwork will reflect aesthetics, cultural and historical contexts.
Drawing
Drawing
9th-12th Grade
0.5 credit, semester course
Students will learn the basics of observational drawing. They will begin to understand and practice how to transfer what they see in the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface. They will learn to draw what they see not what they “think” they see. Light and value are important to this process. The work of famous artists will be analyzed and studied to help students understand techniques and develop their drawing skills. They will explore different mediums (pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink) and different techniques (hatching, stippling, gesture) to create original works of art. There is a $20.00 lab fee for this course.
Painting
Painting
9th-12th Grade
0.5 credit, semester course
Prerequisites: Drawing or teacher approval
This course will focus on color theory and composition. Students will learn the various techniques associated with watercolor and acrylic painting as well as mixed media art. The work of famous artists will be studied and analyzed to help students learn from the masters. Here they will be inspired to hone their skills and develop their own style and voice. There is a $20.00 lab fee for this course.
DVC I (Digital Photography and Visual Communication I)
DVC I (Digital Photography and Visual Communication I)
10th-12th Grade
0.5 credit, semester course
This course will begin to teach students how to create effective visual images with photography, digital art, and video. Students will learn the basics of good design and put it into practice in a variety of ways. We will look at photography, graphic design, and video to understand how visual information can be best communicated to an audience. Students will use Adobe Photoshop to learn basic digital editing skills and Adobe Premiere for video editing. Students will learn about artists known for their photographic work, and how to enhance their own pictures with a great composition. There is a $20.00 lab fee for this course.
DVC II (Digital Photography and Visual Communication II)
DVC II (Digital Photography and Visual Communication II)
10th-12th Grade
0.5 credit, semester course
Prerequisites: DVCI or teacher approval
This course is a continuation of Digital and Visual Communication I. Students will continue to work with digital and design media, expanding on previously learned skills. More attention will be given to finding your personal creativity and working more independently with in-depth projects. There is a $20.00 lab fee for this course.
Sculpture
Sculpture
10th-12th Grade
0.5 credit, semester course
Students will be creating a variety of sculptures using different mediums such as paper, cardboard, and found objects, with a large emphasis on clay. Students will also be educated on the history of ceramics and they will get to experience hand-building and throwing on the pottery wheel This class will give students an introduction to the history of craft and functional art. There is a lab fee of $20.00 for this course.
Ceramics
Ceramics
10th-12th Grade
0.5 credit, semester course
Prerequisites: Sculpture or teacher approval
This class will focus entirely on ceramics (clay). Students will learn advanced hand-building, wheel-throwing, sculpture, and decorating techniques. They will also learn about the history of ceramics and clay sculpture including different art styles and methods from various cultures. There is a $20.00 lab fee for this course.
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