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 collagraph, screen-printing, linoleum cut, etching, as well as numerous other printmaking techniques such as photo transfers. 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!

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. Students will be expected to keep a journal or sketchbook of designs, drawings, and ideas. 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.

Advanced Art is a course for students who wish to continue their studies in two–dimensional art. Areas of study include drawing, painting and printmaking. A variety of media will be explored such as India ink, pen, pencil, colored pencil, watercolor, acrylic, screen printing and mixed media. Art History, criticism and aesthetics are integrated into the course work. Students are expected to keep a sketchbook of designs, drawings and ideas. Opportunities are available for students to explore art-related career opportunities and advanced educational options, meet professional artists and begin to create a body of work for a portfolio.

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.

This course is designed for students wanting to continue where they left off after year one. Printers will continue to build their knowledge of the tools, materials, and rich traditions of a printmaking studio, while developing new avenues for their own artistic expression. Students will create editions for Scholastic Arts, public engagement, and personal portfolios. Work may be printed on a range of surfaces and formats including paper, collage, poster, and garments. We will explore the role of the printmaker in history, culture, and media. Sketchbooks, discussions, along with a communal spirit will continue to be important components of our studio space.

Application as well as kiln processes and firing will be studied. Each student keeps a journal/sketchbook of work, designs, and ideas.

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 Art History students will consider influential forces like patronage, politics, class, belief, gender, and ethnicity in their analysis of art forms. They will examine styles, techniques, themes, and chronology, comparing and contrasting art forms from varied perspectives. The course focuses on a specific set of 250 works of art in 10 content areas beginning with art from global prehistory and ending with global works from the present. ​

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. There is a fee for materials the student takes home.