Grades 9 - 12

This is mainly for incoming 9th grade, and students who want to satisfy their art requirement for graduation- all grades. This intro class provides an opportunity to learn about all art electives and explores approaches to drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, mixed-media, and printmaking, as well as utilizing the computer as a creative tool. Students ARE allowed to take this class simultaneously with Graphic Design or Film and Video Production. Instructors: Various

Check out this video to learn more about Studio ART

Grades 9 - 12 

This elective explores using design elements and principles to create practical and creative digital and physical products. Students will practice technical drawing techniques like one- and two-point perspective, isometric, and multi-view to design in 3D on a 2D surface. They’ll also experiment with design programs like TurboCAD, AutoCAD, Adobe Dimension, Blender, and Adobe Creative Suite.  Works created in this course may be used for AP Studio Art 2D and 3D Design portfolios. Instructor: Ms. Silverman

Check out this video to learn more about 3D DIGITAL DESIGN  

Grades 9 - 12

This elective explores using the computer for self-expression and problem-solving at all skill levels—beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Students learn marketable computer design skills with programs like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, regardless of prior experience. Career opportunities are explored with input from professionals, and works created can contribute to the AP Studio Art 2D Design portfolio. Prior learning of Adobe programs is not needed. Instructor: Ms. Silverman

*Can be taken WITH Studio Art 1 and 2 in 9th grade. 

Check out this video to learn more about Graphic Design

Grades 9 - 12

Get hands-on experience in video production at our da Vinci Studio. Learn scripting, planning, filming, and editing using Adobe Premiere Pro. Develop foundational camera skills in the first semester, and in the second semester, delve into advanced digital camera techniques, lighting, and audio. Explore career pathways through guest speakers and field trips. Students get an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription for in-school and at-home use. This course sets the stage for Advanced Digital Film & Video Production and is a key part of the Media Arts Major. Instructor: Ms. VanderMaas

*Can be taken WITH Studio Art 1 and 2 in 9th grade. 

Check out this video to learn more about our DaVinci Studio or explore the Film & Video website. 

Follow us on YouTube  or  Instagram @nyackfilmandvideo.

Grades 10 - 12

This class dives into the creative world of clay as an art medium. Students will explore ceramics through art history, aesthetics, criticism, and production, emphasizing traditional and non-traditional techniques. We'll cover hand-built clay construction and basic wheel throwing and create both functional and sculptural forms to explore three-dimensional design. Students will experiment with glazing and surface design methods. The course includes studying unique ceramic forms across cultures and the historical role of pottery. Instructor: Ms. Venturella.

Check out  this video to learn more about Ceramics.

Grades 10 - 12

This elective builds on Studio Art skills, focusing on a range of painting approaches. Students will engage in creative projects to build knowledge, experience, and skills working with various painting media and color theory. Inspired by traditional and contemporary themes, projects cover portraiture, still life, abstraction, and independent painting investigations. As the course advances, students are encouraged to express personal ideas and develop their creative voice. Recommended for those considering Visual Arts or pursuing the AP 2D Design or Drawing Portfolio sequence. Instructor: Ms. McDonald

Check out this video to learn more about Painting Foundations   

Grades 10 - 12

Perfect for drawing enthusiasts, this class helps students develop skills and find their creative voice. Working from observation and imagination, students explore various techniques and media like graphite, pen & ink, charcoal, marker, scratchboard, and relief printmaking. Drawing Foundations I covers life drawing, perspective, and portraiture, emphasizing value and form. In Drawing Foundations II, students expand on these skills to explore significant ideas. All drawing abilities are welcome, and the only requirement is a passion for learning and growing in drawing. Recommended for those considering Visual Arts or pursuing the AP 2D Design or Drawing portfolios. Instructor: Ms. McDonald.

Check out this video to learn more about Drawing Foundations.

Grades 10 - 12

This course explores photography as a means of self-expression and communication. Photography 1 and 2 aim to cultivate a professional or lifelong passion for photography. While technical aspects are covered, Photography 1 integrates design elements and principles for strong photographs. Both semesters delve into the history and nature of fine art photography. Technical topics include manual 35mm cameras, black and white film processing, photo printing, dry mounting, and presentation. Students present on important photography artists, and critiques accompany each unit, providing an opportunity for exhibition, discussion, and writing. Coursework can contribute to major sequence portfolios and the AP 2-D Design portfolio. Cameras and materials are provided. Instructor: Ms. Nelson

Check out this video to learn more about Photo I & II

Grades 11-12

This college-level course is for highly motivated art students interested in serious art study. AP Art and Design offers a challenging hands-on experience, allowing students to complete a major (five-unit) sequence, earn college credit, and build a portfolio for college program acceptance. The course offers three portfolios for students to choose from: 2-Dimensional Design, Drawing, and 3-Dimensional Design. Each portfolio centers on a self-determined sustained investigation, emphasizing the creation of original works alongside critical assessment. Students who enroll as juniors may complete their portfolio and submit it to the College Board in their senior year. Instructor: Ms. Kenna

Check out this video to learn more about AP Art & Design. 

Grades 11-12

This Nyack High School course, in collaboration with Rockland Community College (RCC), offers students 3 RCC credit hours, transferable to other colleges. It's a college-level introduction to digital photography, emphasizing creative expression and building on Photography I and II skills. File management and preparing images for different modes of printing will also be covered. R.C.C. registration costs apply and a digital camera with manual settings is required, with loaner cameras available. Instructor: Ms. Nelson

Check out this video to learn more about RCC Photo.

Grades 11-12

This Nyack High School course, in collaboration with Rockland Community College (RCC), offers students 3 RCC credit hours, transferable to other colleges. R.C.C. registration costs apply. In RCC Ceramics, students advance wheel throwing and hand-building techniques, exploring surface decorating methods like glazing, underglazing, subtractive, additive, and sgraffito. It's a student-driven course emphasizing individual style development through problem-solving and experimentation. Students create a personal ceramic portfolio showcasing their mastery of the medium. Instructor: Ms. Venturella

Check out this video to learn more about RCC Ceramics.

Grades 10 - 12

This hands-on advanced-level course will reinforce and strengthen skills developed in the introductory class, Film and Video Production I & II. Students work with cutting-edge DSLR cameras and a professional Camcorder along with industry-standard editing software Adobe Premiere Pro. The impact of media on society and the power of the filmmaker (video creator) is explored as students shift from watching movies to making movies. Students complete this course with a strong video portfolio for the college application process.  Instructor: Ms. VanderMaas

*Can be taken WITH Studio Art 1 and 2 in 9th grade. 

To learn more visit the Film & Video website or follow us on YouTube  or  Instagram @nyackfilmandvideo.

Grades 11-12

This Nyack High School course, in collaboration with Rockland Community College (RCC), offers students 3 RCC credit hours, transferable to other colleges. R.C.C. registration costs apply.

This college level course focuses on the use of visual imagery and sound in media production. Students explore the elements of storytelling, including how to build visual/aural stories to convey meaning. College portfolio development is a major focus along with finding personal student voice and style within this medium.  Instructor: Ms. VanderMaas