Visual Arts

Middle School Course of Study

6^th grade: Intro to Visual Art

This course will introduce 6th grade art students to the foundation of Visual Art. Students will learn about the Elements of Art and Principles of Design through 2D and 3D hands-on experiences. Students explore various materials and techniques that allow for a variety of expressive methods. Self-discovery and curiosity are encouraged and nurtured. Students will look at artwork from a variety of cultures and people, broadening their understanding of what art can communicate. Students are encouraged to participate in class discussions about artworks and begin to learn how to have a dialogue about art. Students will be further exploring the school-wide theme of cultural identity and how important it is to an artist's work.

7^th grade. Intermediate Arts 1

In 7th grade Visual Arts we will continue to study drawing, painting, photography, and three-dimensional art. Throughout the class we will explore the elements of art and principles of design. Together we will try out a variety of materials and processes, combined with relevant lessons in reading, writing, and art vocabulary. Using a project-based approach, this class meets the California State VAPA Standards for Visual Art through a range of individual and group projects.

8^th grade. Intermediate Arts 2

In 8^th grade visual art, students engage in classical and contemporary art-making techniques with emphasis on the understanding of their formal language and the fundamentals of artistic expression. Using a variety of media, including drawing, painting, printmaking, graphic design, and sculpture, students learn the elements of visual art, and the principles of design, color theory, composition and critical thinking. Students engage in basic and intermediate artmaking skills, the proper use of materials & equipment, and vocabulary. Assignments emphasize technical skills and articulation of conceptual ideas. Tests and critiques are used to assess students’ comprehension and progress.

This curriculum is designed to give students the basic tools they need to make visual artwork in a variety of 2D and 3D media. We study the concepts and processes common to all forms of visual art - both traditional and digital, with an emphasis on technique, terminology, effective self-expression, and critique – all within an art historical context. In looking at other professional and historical visual artists, we emphasize the diverse world of art-makers, not just the traditional white, euro-centric male cannon.

High School Course of Study

9^th grade: Visual Art I

This course will introduce beginning art students to the fundamental techniques, processes and material’s used to make two and three-dimensional art. The class is designed to introduce the language of drawing to students. Exploring the visual elements of art through drawing exercises and looking at art history, will provide a basis for students when creating work. The knowledge of the art making process will allow the students to make informed decisions and integrate forms and ideas.The students will build a foundation in drawing while exploring and practicing with various media. The students will gain technical skills while developing critical thinking skills. Students will engage in discussions and self -assessment as well as look at art history. They will practice to become effective communicators who participate in meaningful discussions about art.

10^th grade: Visual Art II

This course will challenge 10th grade art students on formal, technical and conceptual levels. Students will continue to develop their technical skills in 2D and 3D media including focused exploration in drawing, painting and printmaking. Students will consider time-management and become self-aware of their individual process and studio habits. Students will look at artwork from other cultures to increase their understanding of different people through the art they make - which broadens their understanding of Visual Art as a form of communication. Students are encouraged to participate in class discussions and self-evaluations so they can become effective communicators and have meaningful dialogue about art. Students will continue the school-wide discussion of cultural identity and explore how perception and aesthetics are connected.

11^th grade: Visual Art III

In 11^th Grade Visual Art we take the tools that students have gained through their freshman and sophomore years (and in some cases middle school), and try to get them to invest their work with greater narrative, conceptual, and personal meaning, as well as honing their technical abilities. By this point students should begin to capitalize on their often-formidable skills to create work that engages a viewer on multiple levels: formally, conceptually, perhaps even socially or politically. Utilizing a project-based curriculum, lessons are designed to engage critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills, using both traditional and contemporary visual art making processes and tools. This includes drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, graphic design and digital art.

Through one-on-one and group critique, students are encouraged to articulate their processes, concepts and personal viewpoints, within a safe, supportive space. As the year progresses, students work to develop their own unique voice and visual style, and are tasked with creating a series of works that are linked together through a unifying idea, process, or story. This is a warm-up to the deeper dive into their own practice they will be expected to take as seniors, the following year.

12^th grade. AP Studio Art and Design

The Advanced Placement Studio Art course is designed for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art and wish to develop mastery in the concept, composition, and execution of their ideas. In addition, students gain a better understanding of what role the Artist plays in society and the type of impact one can have. This course will be following the College Board AP curriculum calendar and final online submission will be optional (final portfolio STILL required). AP Studio Art is not based on a written exam; instead, students submit portfolios for evaluation at the end of the school year. In building the portfolio, students experience a variety of concepts, techniques, and approaches designed to help them demonstrate their abilities as well as their versatility with techniques, problem solving, and turning their ideas into compelling visual art. In addition to mastery of visual art concepts students are expected to become familiar with the contemporary art world and visual art intersections with the professional world. Throughout the production of the AP Portfolio students will also be preparing materials for their college applications and/or formulating a plan for post-graduation. Students enrolled in this course are expected to find and engage in an internship(or serve community hours) in a field relating to their artistic interests that will help further their own artistic growth and discovery while fostering a deeper connection with the surrounding arts community. There is a written alternative for those that cannot secure an internship or community hours and details will be provided upon request.