Art

Administrator:  Daryle Redmond  | (315)-218-2147 | Department Chair NSJHS: Bethany Riordan | Department Chair CNS: Amy Haven

Graduation requirements for all students include one credit in Art or Music. The only Art courses that will satisfy this requirement is a full year art credit bearing course. Studio Art 1 and Media Art are the only approved classes for satisfying the language requirement in an art sequence for an Advanced Regents Diploma.

For more information please visit the Art Sequences and Pathways Document

Courses:

MEDIA ART 1

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grade 9      |  Course Number: 0008

Media Art is an introductory course designed to give students an understanding and an appreciation for the visual arts through the life of a “lens”. It is a full year course and counts toward your commencement art credit. Students will be introduced to and practice techniques through digital & traditional photography, graphic and communication design and digital art. Students will develop a deeper appreciation for art photography, the general nature of art, elements and principles of design and art trends, through a variety of projects, photo shoots and computer-generated work.

Students will: 

● Explore and experience basic photography technique through portraiture, advertisement, abstract art, surrealism, pop art, logo design and finding beauty and interest in everyday ordinary objects

● Manipulate and learn the editing techniques by enhancing their work in the Adobe Creative Suite (photoshop) as well as create graphics, and advertisements

● Learn the art and history of Photography by working in the darkroom by studying the process through cyanotypes and photograms

● Students should be able to work collaboratively as well as independently

● Students are expected to “shoot photos” out of school in addition to what is being done during class

● Students should have a mature and self-motivated attitude

● Students must have access to a digital camera to take pictures out of school

● This course can be used as a pathway to explore future concentrations in the careers of all art

MEDIA ART 2

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12      |  Course Number: 0008A

Prerequisite: Media Arts 1

Media Art 2 is designed to further develop your skills obtained in Media, while introducing you to uses of digital art in advertising, social media, and creative content. Building on the fundamentals learned in Media Art 1, this course will empower you to create compelling visual content, understand the principles of effective storytelling, and master the tools necessary for success in the rapidly evolving world of media arts.

Students will: 

● Explore advanced graphic design concepts tailored for brand identity & social media platforms

● Develop the skills needed to plan, shoot, and produce high-quality advertisements

● Enhance their understanding of digital photography techniques for marketing & product photography

● Foster creative thinking and problem-solving skills within the context of media arts

● Learn to prepare for potential careers in media production, advertising, marketing or digital content creation

● Learn how to critique artwork and defend their statements and opinions both verbally and through written text

● Develop a well-rounded digital portfolio for college or career ready skills

MEDIA ART 3 (SUPA)

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grades 11, 12      |  Course Number: 0008B

Prerequisite: Media Art 2, or teacher recommendation

Course Overview: Media Art 3 builds on the foundational skills acquired in Media Art 2 by introducing students to cutting-edge technologies, advanced photography techniques, and entrepreneurial strategies in media production. Students will expand their skill set by exploring professional-level tools and techniques, including drone photography, videography, advanced digital design, and marketing. This course aims to prepare students for careers in the creative industry through both hands-on project work and field placement opportunities. 

Media Art 3 will provide a dynamic and comprehensive learning experience for students seeking SUPA (Syracuse University Project Advance) 3 credits. Students are required to register for college credit and must pay current rate of tuition ($345). 

Students will:

● Foster creative thinking and problem-solving skills within the context of media arts. 

● Show mastery of Design and Marketing Integration. 

● Incorporate branding and identity design by developing marketing campaigns for local & startup businesses. 

● Learn the basics of entrepreneurship in the creative arts, including how to build a freelance media business, handle contracts, and manage clients. 

● Partner with local businesses and agencies to offer field placements, allowing students to gain real-world experience in content creation. 

● Encourage students to develop business plans for their own creative ventures, guiding them in pitching their ideas to potential clients or investors. 

● Apply advanced principles of composition, color theory, photography and typography for compelling advertisements. 

● Enhance the skills needed to plan, shoot, and produce high-quality advertisements. 

● Focus on high-end product and lifestyle photography, as well as off-camera lighting, HDR imaging, and long-exposure shots. 

● Experiment with pod-cast/video PSA for the use of art in the creative industry. 

● Develop a well-rounded digital portfolio for college/career ready skills. 

CREATIVE CRAFTS

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grade 9 |  Course Number: 0009

Creative Crafts is an introductory course designed to give students an understanding of: the nature of art, the elements and principles of art; the history of the arts and crafts movement; how to critique artworks; and an understanding of decorative and functional craft items.

Students will: 

● Create silk paintings 

● Manipulate wire with pliers and a jig 

● Create slump work with ceramic clay and clays basic properties 

● Use multiple ways of working with polymer clay 

● Repousse and chase copper sheet metal 10 

● Create complex macramé knots 

● Weave beads 

● Dye fibers 

● Research art techniques 

● Problem solve creatively and artistically 

● Critique artworks 

Project samples typically include: Radial design silk paintings, wire jewelry, ceramic speakers, bracelets, macramé jewelry, tie dye and shrink art jewelry sets

STUDIO ART 1

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 9, 10, 11, 12      |  Course Number: 0011

This beginning art class is an introduction to the fundamentals of visual expression. It is designed to explore many different areas of art, design, drawing, painting, perspective, collage, printmaking and sculpture, to help students develop their artistic skills. This course is required for graduation and for those students who are working toward an art major sequence. 

Students will: 

● Learn how to draw using media such as pencil, charcoal, chalk, pastels and colored pencils 

● Learn basic printmaking techniques

● Create 3D art

● Learn how to paint with watercolor and acrylic

● Learn how to problem solve creatively and artistically

● Learn how to critique artwork and defend their statements and opinions both verbally and through written text

STUDIO IN CLAY/POTTERY 1

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12      |  Course Number: 0030

Prerequisite: Studio Art, Creative Crafts, Media Art 1, or Teacher Recommendation

Students will study both past and current trends in pottery. They will work with the potter’s wheel and hand building to create both functional and decorative ceramic ware. They will explore slab construction, coil building, and surface decoration to express their own style. This is an exciting class that allows students to acquire some great skills along with taking a look at the past work and techniques from other cultures.

Students will: 

● Learn to throw on the pottery wheel 

● Learn basic hand building techniques to create functional pottery forms 

● Explore different surface design solutions for their projects. 

● Learn kiln firing basics

STUDIO IN CLAY/POTTERY 2

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 11, 12      |  Course Number: 0019

Prerequisite: Studio in Clay/Pottery 1

This is the next level of skill building and design for the three dimensional art student who has successfully completed either Studio in Clay or Sculpture. Students will be exploring both functional and decorative ceramic forms as well as modeling clay for sculptures. The expectation is that students will engage in more challenging subject matter as well as processes. This is an art class that is intended for highly motivated students who are seriously interested in the study of working and discovering the three-dimensional form.

Students will: 

● Advance their skills on the pottery wheel 

● Advance their hand building techniques 

● Create their own independent project ideas for either sculptural clay forms or functional clay forms

STUDIO IN CLAY/POTTERY 3

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 11, 12      |  Course Number: 0021

Prerequisite: Studio in Clay/Pottery 2

This class is designed for the student who is interested in developing advanced work with 3D art design. Students will cover sophisticated techniques and processes. Advanced sculptural problems such as timing, gravity and weight will be explored in assignments that research fundamental 3D concepts. Students will be introduced to historic and contemporary examples of sculptural forms and media. Students who are enrolled in the Studio In Clay 3 course will parallel the requirements of a college level 3D studio class.

Students will: 

● Further advance their skills to a proficient level on the potter wheel

● Further advance their skills to a proficient level for all hand building techniques

● Develop their own style and unique voice with their artwork

● Complete a 3-D portfolio for college applications

STUDIO IN PAINTING

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12      |  Course Number: 0023A

Prerequisite: Studio Art 8, Studio Art 1, Drawing & Color Theory, or Portrait & Figure Drawing

This course is an introduction to the basics of painting mediums: watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and oil. This studio-based course will explore various painting techniques, studio practices and history. Students will learn how to construct, stretch, and prepare a canvas 11 surface and make their own paint. The work created during this course will utilize subjects from observation and imagination, applying design and composition principles and drawing skills learned in previous art courses.

Students will: 

● Create their own paint and create/ prepare their painting surface 

● Explore painting throughout history 

● Learn advanced painting techniques in watercolor, gouache, acrylic and oil 

● Learn how to critique artwork and defend their statements and opinions both verbally and through written text

ADVANCED 2-D STUDIO

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12      |  Course Number: 0013

Prerequisite: Studio Art 8, Studio Art 1, Media Art 1, or Creative Crafts

This is an intermediate level fine arts course where students will build on their basic knowledge and skills in two dimensional art mediums. Students will solve advanced challenges in fine arts and design. They will explore a wide variety of art methods and materials, subject matter, and styles of art. This course is designed for the needs of an intermediate level art student that has a background in the basics as well as those majoring in art. Students will create self-directed art throughout the year in visual journals. 

Students will: 

● Different methods of drawing from observation and visual references

● About a variety of art styles and art movements to inspire their creativity

● Art criteria important to any artist: strong composition and the elements and principles of art and design

●How to critique a work of art and defend their statements and opinions both verbally and through written text

● How to identify the qualities of composition, creativity, and craftsmanship in 2 dimensional art

● How to use a wide variety of art materials such as: pencil, charcoal, conté, pastels, watercolor, acrylic, gauche, collage, monoprinting, block printing, etching, collagraphs, and mixed media

● How to produce a portfolio of work to exhibit art and express themselves through a written artist statement

AP ART & DESIGN A&B

40 Weeks each|  1 Credit each |     Grades 11, 12      |  Course Numbers: 0015 & 0009

Prerequisite: Successful completion of two full years of art classes.

This intensive portfolio class is open to junior and senior art majors. Students must have completed two full years of art classes (either two full year art classes or the equivalent including ½ year classes). The AP Art and Design course is intended for highly motivated students who are seriously interested in pursuing a career in art and/ or earning college credit through the College Board. The requirements of the class are equivalent to an introductory college art course. Students may complete one of three portfolios, Drawing, 2D Design or 3D Design. Students may take the course in two successive years by completing different types of portfolios. The first year a student takes the course is A while the second year is B.

Students will: 

● Submit a minimum of 15 pieces to the College Board via the digital submission website

● Explore a “Sustained Investigation” of 15 pieces which explores an idea chosen by the student

● Submit 5 “Selected Works” pieces that may be examples from the Sustained Investigation or in addition to them

● Complete a “Written Evidence” section that describes the focus of the Sustained Investigation and how the student’s work relates to it

Exam Fee: $105

 *STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO STAY IN AP CLASSES THE FIRST FIVE WEEKS OF THE COURSE.

DRAWING AND COLOR THEORY

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12      |  Course Number: 0022

This course focuses on developing skills in drawing while exploring color theory. It is designed for the needs of beginning art students as well as those majoring in art. 

Students will: 

● How to draw with charcoal, pencil, pastels, color pencils

● How to utilize color within drawings and mixed media

● How color theory influences all forms of art

Project examples include: 

● Pencil & Charcoal Still Life 

● “Unlocking the Color White” Chalk Pastel Still Life 

● Color Wheel, Color Systems & Color Juxtapositions 

● Reflection/ Refraction Colored Pencil Drawing 

● Oil Pastel Portraits 

● Mixed Media Object Studies

METAL SMITHING AND GLASS JEWELRY DESIGN

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12      |  Course Number: 0025

This comprehensive course will involve cold and hot metal work as well as enameling and fused glass techniques. Students will gain an understanding of traditional and contemporary jewelry construction and assembly. Classes will create original and exciting one of a kind pieces from quality materials. 

Students will: 

● How to manipulate different types of metal

● How to work with glass

● Create jewelry using wire

● How to utilize found objects within their jewelry

Project examples include: 

● Fused glass pendants with chain making with wire 

● Enameled Copper Pendants/ charm bracelets 

● Wrapped Wire Rings/ bracelets 

● Jig Earrings and Bracelets 

● Recycled Scrabble Tile Jewelry and Epoxy Resin

BEGINNING PHOTOGRAPHY

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12      |  Course Number: 0016

This is an introductory photography course, with the emphasis on both black & white and color photography using a variety of cameras, Photoshop retouching & editing, and photographic composition & lighting. The objectives of this course are to learn and become proficient with the basics of photography. 

Students who successfully complete this course with a 75 or higher can take Photo 2 (Intermediate Photography). 

Students Must: 

● Have access to some sort of digital camera (a cell phone camera is acceptable at this level) for this course throughout the year 

● Be prepared to complete photographic shoots on their own time, outside of school day

Students will learn: 

● How to use a cell phone for creative photography

● How to properly use camera functions on a digital SLR camera

● The difference between cellular photographs and digital photographs as a print medium

● The basics of Photoshop CC2024 for photo editing and retouching

● Art criteria important to any photographer: strong composition, elements and principles of design and the study of effective lighting

● How to critique a photograph and defend their statements and opinions both verbally and through written text

● How to produce a portfolio of work to exhibit photography and express themselves through a written artist statement

INTERMEDIATE PHOTOGRAPHY

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 11, 12      |  Course Number: 0017

Prerequisite: Successfully completed Beginning Photography or Media Arts 2 with a 75 or higher average. 

This is a proficient level course where students will utilize the knowledge and skills obtained in Beginning Photo to further explore the digital photographic processes as an artistic medium, while introducing film & darkroom processes. Additionally, the amount of photoshoots will increase. The objectives of this course are to experience a traditional darkroom setting, gain a stronger understanding of digital camera functions and processes as well as start to develop an individual style of photography. 

Students who successfully complete this course with an 80 or higher can take Advanced Photography. 

Students Must: 

● Have access to some sort of digital camera (cannot be a cell phone) for this course throughout the year

● Be prepared to complete photographic shoots on their own time, outside of school day

Students will: 

● Exhibit proficiency in a variety of photographic processes, themes, and styles

● Learn the skills of creating high contrast black and white darkroom photography

● Further explore the skills of working with photography via the use of digital cameras and Photoshop CC 2024

● Incorporate strong time management skills to multitask with multiple ongoing projects

● Explore photographic career options and historical context of photography

● Critique photographs and defend their statements and opinions both verbally and through written text

● Create and present work for juried art competitions and local art exhibits

● Produce a portfolio of work to exhibit their developing individual photographic style and express that development through a written artist statement

ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grade 12      |  Course Number: 0018

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Beginning Photography and Intermediate Photography with an 80 or higher average.

This is an accomplished level course where students will work in the same format as Intermediate Photography classmates while creating more in-depth projects that exhibit proficiency and individual style. Students are expected to expand upon the existing assignments, work independently and self-directed, as well as utilize materials with a high level of proficiency. Students are expected to be highly motivated workers, independent thinkers, creative artists, and mature, serious students. The objectives of this course are to exhibit mastery of a variety of both film and digital photography techniques as well as an individual style of photographic creativity. 

This course is designed for the student who is planning on photography as a potential career option.

Students Must: 

● Have year round access to a high quality digital camera (D-SLR camera recommended & preferred) 

● Be prepared to complete photographic shoots on their own time, outside of school day.

Students will: 

● Exhibit mastery of a variety of photographic processes and individual style of photographywith high quality visual imagery throughout the year

● Incorporate strong time management skills, self directed study, and multi-task with multiple ongoing projects

● Create and present work for juried art competitions and local art exhibits

● Design and execute quarterly independent proposal projects

● Document a year long study of subject matter or theme photographically every few weeks throughout the course of the year

● Produce two portfolios of work. One portfolio will be created in December for the CNY Scholastic Art Competition and one will be created in May as a project based final exam that exhibits high quality visual imagery and a strong individual style of photography within their body of work

● Be college or career ready to further explore photography beyond their CNS experience!

PORTRAIT AND FIGURE DRAWING

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12      |  Course Number: 0023

This course is designed for students that would like to concentrate on the study of the human face and figure. 

Students will: 

● Build a solid foundation of basic anatomy in art from multiple methods, including live models

● Study how other artists have solved the problem of drawing people

● Learn a variety of drawing methods including: gesture, contour line, gridding and building up human form from simple shapes

● Work with a variety of art materials including pencil, charcoal, pastel and conte

● Develop their own style of drawing heads and figures

SCULPTURE

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12      |  Course Number: 0028

During this course, students will explore and learn a variety of three-dimensional media. Students will incorporate the elements and principles of design through materials such as paper, metal, wood, stone, plaster and clay. This is a fun and exciting course where students will study both contemporary and historical techniques to create Sculptures. 

Students will: 

● Use both subtractive and additive methods 

● Explore organic and geometric forms  

● Create representational and abstract pieces 

● Explore various surface treatments, textures and techniques

FILMMAKING 1

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12      |  Course Number: 0010A

In this introductory class, we will teach you how to effectively tell stories through the lens of a camera. Whether you want to make your TikTok and YouTube videos stand out or pursue a career in the film industry, this class is the perfect starting point. We will cover established techniques that are used in big-budget films to help you create compelling visual narratives. You will learn about framing, lighting, sound, and editing, as well as how to work with actors and crew. You will also gain hands-on experience using professional equipment and software to create your own short films. By the end of this class, you will have a solid understanding of the basics of filmmaking and the confidence to pursue your own creative projects. Whether you want to make films for fun or as a profession, you'll be well on your way to success. 

Students will: 

● Use the school’s equipment or their own to plan, shoot and edit a wide variety of video projects 

● Learn how to build and use DIY video equipment and props 

● Be able to create their own soundtracks and scores (music) 

● Diversify college-ready skills for a well-rounded resume and portfolio 

● Have the opportunity (but will not be required) to display their work on The CNS Morning Show 

● Students will create a wide array of possible projects and they will maintain creative control over the content and genre

FILMMAKING 2

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 11, 12      |  Course Number: 0012A

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Filmmaking 1 or teacher recommendation.

Whether you want to be a director, cinematographer, editor, or sound designer, this class will provide you with the advanced skills and knowledge you need to take your filmmaking to the next level by building upon what you have learned in previous classes. In Filmmaking 2, you will work independently and with others to use your creativity to produce short films that demonstrate your advanced skills in storytelling, cinematography, sound design, and editing. 

Students will: 

● Cover a range of topics that are essential for advanced filmmaking, including advanced camera techniques, lighting, sound recording, and post-production workflows 

● Learn how to work with actors better and more efficiently 

● Learn how to how to direct a film crew effectively 

● Produce several short films that will showcase your skills and creativity 

● Be prepared to begin film school or start working in the field

FILMMAKING 3

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grade 12      |  Course Number: 0011A

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Filmmaking 1 and 2 or teacher recommendation.

This master class is designed for students who have already completed Filmmaking 1 and 2 and are ready to take their filmmaking skills to the final level offered at CNS. You will have total control of your production and be able to make short films that reflect your creative vision. The class will focus on further advancing your filmmaking skills, as well as providing opportunities for you to research and possibly partake in an internship with a professional film company. This will give you valuable experience and exposure to the film industry, which can be helpful in preparing Finalize and preparing a professional-looking film portfolio that you can show to clients or film school admissions. Whether you plan to pursue a career in the film industry or simply want to continue to hone your skills as a hobby, this class will help you achieve your goals and take your filmmaking to the next level.

MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS 1

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12      |  Course Number: 0020

Are you interested in Sports, Entertainment and/ or News Broadcasting? In this introductory class, students will have a chance to learn a real world skill for a growing career field in a project based learning environment on both sides of the camera. Once students learn all aspects of what it takes to conceive, create, produce, and stream broadcasted events, from 15 the technical side to the talent side, students will then choose tech, talent, or both to focus on and start to produce CNS Morning Shows. Students will also create/ produce a collection of small special interest videos throughout the year that may be incorporated into the show or that will be a part of another series. 

Students will: 

● Learn to work as a team to create and produce the CNS Morning Show as well as other “op ed” personal/ special interest video projects

● Begin to lead production teams and will in further classes produce entire shows

● Learn both on-air and off-air aspects of production, however students will not be required to be on camera on the Morning Show

● Acquire skills in problem solving, decision making, creative thinking and leadership 

● Have the opportunity to create their own sideshow altogether to be played either on the Morning Show or online

Upon completion of this course, students will have the opportunity to take Media Communication 2

MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS 2

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12      |  Course Number: 0027

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Media Communications 1

Continue to sharpen your on-air and/ or off-air skills as you help create, produce and broadcast the CNS Morning Show. In this class, you will specialize in one or several areas of the production process. You will also begin to lead small groups and, eventually, an entire set crew. Like in Media Communication 1, you will create and produce special interest videos which will be featured on the CNS Morning Show. 

Students will: 

● Learn to work as a team to create and produce the CNS Morning Show as well as other “op ed” personal/ special interest video projects 

● Begin to lead production teams and will begin to produce an entire show 

● Learn about on-air and off-air aspects of production. Students will still NOT be required to be on camera on the Morning Show 

● Sharpen skills in problem solving, decision making, creative thinking and leadership. 

● Have the opportunity to create their own sideshow altogether to be played either on the Morning Show or elsewhere online. 

Upon completion of this course, students will have the opportunity to take Media Communication 3.

MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS 3

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 11, 12      |  Course Number: 0026

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Media Communications 1 and 2

Continue to sharpen your on-air and/ or off-air skills as you create, produce and broadcast the CNS Morning Show. In this project-based learning class, you will specialize in one or several areas of the production process. You will also lead groups and an entire set crew. Like in Media Communications 1 and 2, you will create and produce special interest videos which will be featured on the CNS Morning Show. 

Students will: 

● Create and produce the CNS Morning Show as well as other “op-ed” personal/ special interest video projects 

● Lead production teams and produce entire shows 

● Sharpen skills in problem solving, decision making, creative thinking and leadership 

● Continue to make content for their own side show to be played either on the Morning Show, YouTube, or elsewhere online

MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS 4

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grade 12      |  Course Number: 0026A

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Media Communications 3

Culminate the skills you acquired in the previous Media Comm classes when you oversee and direct every aspect of the Morning Show. In this project-based learning class, you will specialize in all areas of the production process. You will lead groups of students and an entire set crew. Like in previous Media Communications classes, you will continue to create and produce special interest videos which will be featured on the CNS Morning Show. You will also be responsible for covering and producing content that is happening around the school and community. 

Students will: 

● Create and produce the CNS Morning Show as well as other “op-ed” personal/ special interest video projects 

● Lead production teams and produce entire shows 

● Sharpen skills in problem solving, decision making, creative thinking and leadership 

● Continue to make content for their own side show to be played either on the Morning Show, YouTube, or elsewhere online. 

● Find stories around the school and community to report on and produce