VISUAL ARTS

Grades: 9–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

0101355 CREATING 2-D ART

Fee: $50

Full Course Description:

This course is an introductory level class for students with little or no art training, or who have not taken art since 6th grade. Students gain knowledge of tools, materials, equipment, and art terminology, with emphasis on the elements of art. Instruction includes basic drawing and painting skills, as well as experimentation in 3-D art. Students with no prior art classes will not be enrolled in higher-level visual art courses until successfully completing this class.

Grades: 9–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

0104340 DRAW 1

Prerequisite: Successful completion of MS Drawing 1, 2D/3D, Art Survey, or HS Comprehensive Art

Fee: $50

Full Course Description:

Building on past experience, students continue exploring the fundamentals of design including line, shape, color, texture, space, and value. These skills are used to communicate subject matter, symbols, and ideas. Students explore a variety of tools, vocabulary, artistic elements, and art history.

Grades: 10–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

0104350 DRAW 2

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Drawing I

Fee: $50

Full Course Description:

A continuation of Drawing I, this course focuses on observational drawing and the study of life and figure drawing using new materials and techniques.

Grades: 11–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

0104360 DRAW 3 HON

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Drawing II

Fee: $50

Full Course Description:

Students continue life and observational drawing while focusing on developing a unique personal style. A more in-depth application of the elements of art and principles of design is emphasized.

Grades: 9–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

0104370 PAINT 1

Prerequisite: Successful completion of MS Drawing 1, 2D/3D, Art Survey or HS Comprehensive Art

Fee: $50

Full Course Description:

Students explore a variety of painting styles and techniques with a focus on design and painting production. Media includes acrylic paint, watercolor, and canvas construction.

Grades: 10–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

0104380 PAINT 2

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Painting I

Fee: $50

Full Course Description:

This course continues exploration of painting media with in-depth study of famous artists’ styles. Instruction includes canvas building and framing, with continued emphasis on the elements and principles of design and personal style development.

Grades: 11–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

0104390 PAINT 3 HON

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Painting II

Fee: $50

Full Course Description:

Students further develop painting techniques through advanced artist study, canvas construction, and framing. Emphasis is placed on personal style, advanced application of design principles, and creative independence.

Grades: 11–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

0104410 FIG DRAW

Fee: $50

Full Course Description:

This independent study class is designed for students who want to continue their artistic efforts at a more advanced level and/or intend to further their education at an art school, college or university. Artists may work in, but are not limited to, content in drawing, painting, printmaking, and/or illusion of depth. Students are required to create a portfolio of 8 artworks and keep a thorough personal sketchbook. Students must also prepare a portfolio of their work and an artist’s statement of their best work for group presentation and exhibition in the spring.  

Grades: 12

FOCUS Course Number & Name: 

0104335 Draw 1 (S1)  & 0104365 Paint 1 (S2)

Fee: $50

This independent study class is designed for students who want to continue their artistic efforts at a more advanced level and/or intend to further their education at an art school, college or university. Artists may work in, but are not limited to, content in drawing, painting, printmaking, and/or illusion of depth. Students are required to create a portfolio of 8 artworks and keep a thorough personal sketchbook. Students must also prepare a portfolio of their work and an artist’s statement of their best work for group presentation and exhibition in the spring.  

Grades: 9–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

0101300 2-D STUDIO ART 1

Prerequisite: Successful completion of MS Drawing 1, 2D/3D, Art Survey, or HS Comprehensive Art

Fee: $50

Full Course Description:

Students explore visual art through concept art and illustration by creating characters for video games, comics, animation, books, and advertisements. Instruction emphasizes drawing skills, creative thinking, and problem-solving using a variety of art materials. Topics include character design, concept art, sketchbook projects, and illustration techniques.

Grades: 10–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

0101310 2-D STUDIO ART 2

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Concept Art & Illustration I

Fee: $50

Full Course Description:

This course builds on Concept Art & Illustration I, expanding students’ abilities through character creation for animation, video games, books, advertisements, and comics. Students refine drawing skills, creative thinking, and problem-solving while exploring art history and advanced concept art and illustration techniques.

Grades: 9–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

0101440 FIN CRFT STUD ART 1

Fee: $30 (plus additional fabric required)

Full Course Description:

Students learn basic sewing techniques including repair, alteration, and construction for theatrical costuming. Projects include creating a basic garment (pajama pants) utilizing pattern reading, layout, cutting, sewing, and finishing. Students assist with costuming for school productions and may be required to work backstage for up to 4 evening performances per year.

Grades: 10–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

0101450 FIN CRFT STUD ART 2

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Costume Design I

Fee: $30 (plus additional fabric required)

Full Course Description:

Students develop advanced sewing and design skills related to fashion and costume industries. Projects include basic patterning skills, designing from a script, researching industry figures, and . Students assist with costuming for school productions and may be required to work backstage for up to 4 evening performances per year as well as 5 hours of lab time per semester.

Grades: 9–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

0101340 3-D STUDIO ART 2

Prerequisite: Successful completion of MS Drawing 1, 2D/3D, Art Survey, or HS Comprehensive Art

Fee: $45

Full Course Description:

Students experiment with paper, polymer clay, ceramic clay, wire, metal, leather, glass, wood, fiber, and plastic to create jewelry. Emphasis is placed on the elements and principles of design, proper tool use, and craftsmanship. Students complete self-critiques at the end of each project.

Grades: 9–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

0111310 SCULPT 1

Prerequisite: Successful completion of MS Drawing 1, 2D/3D, Art Survey, HS Comprehensive Art, Music, or Theater

Fee: $50

Full Course Description:

Students learn hand sewing, design, sculpting, and construction techniques to build a variety of puppet styles. The course also introduces basic performance skills including lip sync, eye focus, entrances, and exits. Emphasis is placed on dedication, creativity, and perseverance.

Grades: 9–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

0111320 SCULPT 2

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Puppet Building I

Fee: $50

Full Course Description:

This course builds on skills developed in Puppet Building I, advancing students’ abilities in puppet design, construction, and performance. Students continue working with diverse materials while refining performance techniques and creative expression.

Grades: 11–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

0109350 AP 2D ART & DESIGN

Prerequisite: Any high school–level Visual Arts or Digital Arts course; instructor approval

Note: Requires two elective slots

Fees: AP Studio Fee $50; Portfolio Development Fee $20

Full Course Description:

This advanced course prepares highly committed artists to build an AP 2D Art & Design portfolio. Students explore a wide range of media including drawing, painting, photography, illustration, graphics, film, game art, and mixed digital processes. The course centers on a Sustained Investigation and the curation of Selected Works for College Board submission.

Grade: 12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

0104300 AP DRAWING

Prerequisite: AP 2D Art & Design & Portfolio Development: Two-Dimensional Design Honors

Note: Requires two elective slots

Fees: AP Studio Fee $50; Portfolio Development Fee $20

Full Course Description:

Students build the AP Drawing Portfolio through intensive practice in drawing-based media including graphite, charcoal, ink, pastel, and digital tools. The course emphasizes sustained investigation, iterative refinement, and professional presentation of advanced drawing skills.