Ceramics 

Drawing 

 Illustration 

 Photography 

 Printmaking

Draw–Paint–Print explores problem–solving, creativity, design, and craftsmanship through a variety of two-dimensional media. Draw–Paint–Print will incorporate the visual elements and the principles of design, idea development, and will teach a variety of tools and techniques. This course is designed to give students a broad experience in a variety of materials like graphite, charcoal, ink, colored pencil, oil pastel, watercolor, gouache, acrylic, collage, mixed media, screen-printing and relief printmaking. Students are expected to keep a sketchbook of designs, drawings, and ideas. Hands–on art experiences provide opportunities for a multitude of learning styles, increase student confidence, and can improve overall academic performance.

Printmaking is an art form that goes back thousands of years using the process of transferring an image from a block, plate or other matrix to paper or textile material in order to multiply that same image. In this class students will draw, carve, etch, cut stencils, and create plates to be printed by hand and using a press. We will explore screen printing, linoleum carving, etching, photo transferring, and other alternative printmaking techniques. Learn to make dazzling multicolor images on paper and fabrics such as t-shirts. If you enjoy the creative process, love to draw, and would enjoy learning a new and exciting art form this class is for you! 

Photography is a course that explores a variety of photographic processes and approaches to photography. The Art Elements and Principles of Design will be emphasized throughout this course. Photographic rules and approaches to photography including: Still Life, Landscape, Portraiture and Motion will be explored. Students will develop their artistic voice and learn the fundamentals of light and camera operation. Students will develop an online portfolio using Google Slides and participate in class critiques. 

Ceramics is an exploratory course in sculpture and design using clay. Students will develop abilities in forming clay by hand and by wheel. Emphasis is on learning the clay process and the sequential development of skills, from simple to complex. Awareness of aesthetic principles and craftsmanship will be developed through visual study and pottery production. Application of cultural and historical knowledge will lead to a more sophisticated understanding of pottery. Design elements, drawing skills, and renderings will be developed. Students in Ceramics are expected to be self–motivated, self–directed learners who can work independently. 

This course focuses on methods and techniques for effectively conveying storytelling through illustration. Character development, single images, panels, editorial illustration, comics, and children’s book illustration will be explored. We will look at both classic and contemporary books to study composition, setting, technique, and visual narrative. We will use a variety of media including pencil, colored pencil, pen, ink, marker and watercolor. Students will keep a sketchbook of drawings and ideas and will be challenged to create their own unique finished illustrations.

GR 10-12 | Prerequisite: Photography 1

This course explores a variety of photographic processes and approaches including photojournalism, fine art printing, digital imaging and manipulation, presentation of photographic images and alternative printing processes. Aesthetics as well as technical skills will be emphasized. Contemporary, historical, and career information will be presented. Students will be required to develop their individual styles through an investigation series and prepare a digital portfolio. Students will develop an online portfolio using Google Slides and participate in class critiques. 

Develop a deeper confidence with hand printing, registration, and design. Hone a strong eye for detail, and a creative streak that can be useful when helping clients with design or creating new avenues for your artistic expression. Students will also be introduced to Photoshop, photo emulsion screen printing, and large format printing for their own public engagement such as the IBWHS’s Student Flea Market, Art Show, and portfolios. Artwork may be printed on surfaces such as paper, collages, zines, posters, totes, and garments. Sketchbooks, discussions about the role of printmakers in history, culture, and media, and a communal spirit will continue to be important components of our studio space. We will incorporate career-related experiences such as field trips and visiting artists.

Students will continue to develop their abilities in forming clay by hand and by wheel. Emphasis is on learning the clay process and the sequential development of skills, from simple to complex. Awareness of aesthetic principles and craftsmanship will be developed through visual study and pottery production. Application of cultural and historical knowledge will lead to a more sophisticated understanding of pottery. Application as well as kiln processes and firing will be studied. Each student keeps a journal/sketchbook of work, designs, and ideas. Students in Ceramics are expected to be self–motivated, self–directed learners who can work independently. 

AP Studio Art is a college-level art course that addresses a variety of advanced concepts in drawing, painting, and 2D art principles of design. Students create a body of work that demonstrates an in–depth investigation of a particular visual theme of their choice. Included in this investigation will be sketchbook work that shows evidence of idea development, practice, and experimentation, and students will create a series of resolved, finished artworks. Students select the materials of their choice; emphasis is on personal voice and style. Students will also compose an artist statement explaining their investigation topic and creative process. Portfolios produced in this course may be submitted to the College Board for AP evaluation and potential college credit. Choosing to complete an AP Studio Art portfolio requires additional independent time outside of class. 

AP/ Capstone Printmaking expands on advanced printmaking techniques such as screen printing, lithography, monotype, intaglio, and linoleum carving. Students will blend digital processes with traditional drawing and design techniques, while learning to safely operate the printing presses and tools. Each student will explore a self-chosen investigative theme, creating, experimenting, and refining print editions for a portfolio. The course emphasizes developing an artistic voice and refining craftsmanship. Regular critiques and self-evaluations will be part of the learning process. Students may submit their work to the College Board for AP evaluation for college credit in 2D Art and Design or Drawing. Completing the AP Studio Art portfolio requires additional independent work outside of class.

AP 3–D Design allows the experienced ceramics student to investigate specific areas of three-dimensional form in depth. Students will produce a variety of self–directed and designed three-dimensional works to include in their portfolio. Students who elect to take this course must be self–motivated and self–directed as well as cooperative, responsible art students. This course is directed toward those preparing art portfolios for college entrance. Students will produce a 3–D design portfolio which demonstrates their understanding of design principles as they relate to depth and space. The portfolio needs to demonstrate their attention to quality, a sustained investigation, and a wide breadth of conceptual approaches to 3–D Design. Additionally, students will produce written analyses of their work, keep a sketchbook, develop a written artist statement, and spend time out–of–class working on projects. Ongoing critiques and self–evaluations will be an integral part of this class. 

CTE AP Photography is a course that explores a variety of photographic processes, styles, and concepts. Students will capture, create, and manipulate images that reflect an investigative theme throughout this course. A variety of techniques will be demonstrated in the areas of digital and alternative processes. There will be an emphasis on creative problem-solving, craftsmanship, development of personal voice and style, student-driven artistic goals and AP exam submission requirements. Additionally, students will develop a written artist statement, and dedicate time outside of class to work on projects. Regular critiques and self-evaluations will be essential components of the course.