Jr. High Art:

6th, 7th, and 8th grade art introduce students to the basic fundamentals of art in which they can expand their visual arts knowledge and skills. The elements of art and principles of design play a key role in these courses and build upon each other each year. 

Intro to Art:

Prerequisite: None

Intro to Art is an introductory course for high school students that is a prerequisite for all other art courses. This single semester course of study is an introduction to the techniques and terminology used in art.  It will allow the student to explore the many techniques, styles, tools and processes used to create 2D & 3D art.  Students will learn to recognize, identify, describe & use the elements and principles of art to express their ideas and feelings through a variety of media.

Graphic Design I:

Prerequisite: None

Students will use technology to create their own personal artistic style through the creative process. The power of visual culture is explored and integrated into project work. The projects for this course will mainly include the methods of illustration and typography through the design process. Students will also explore various methods used to create and combine words, symbols, and images to create a visual representation of ideas and messages. Students will use the basic elements and principles of art and also learn how to use the computer programs Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator.

Graphic Design II:

Prerequisite: Graphic Design I

This course builds upon Graphic Design I with the addition of more complex assignments and projects. Students will maximize their problem solving skills as a professional working in the design field. Personal growth will be the result of some guided but mostly independent exploration regarding which techniques would successfully communicate artistic goals and perspectives. Students in this course will also create and develop a personal portfolio website displaying their work. 

Drawing I:

Prerequisite: Intro to Art

Drawing I initially focuses on basic skill-building exercises exploring a variety of subject matter, media, and techniques. Once acquired, these skills are then applied in open-ended art problems. A variety of materials (pencil, charcoal, pastel, and ink) are used as they apply to a range of subjects. Students learn to use and recognize creative problem solving skills, communicate intention of their work, and increase understanding of themselves and others. Opportunities to study a variety of artists representing diverse cultures and backgrounds are also included to connect the importance of drawing as a means of expression and communication in our ever changing world.

Drawing II:

Prerequisite: Intro to Art & Drawing I

This course is a continuation of Drawing I and provides a deeper exploration into the fundamental skills of drawing from observation. Personal choice, symbolism, and specific themes are used to create a piece of artwork that has meaning through the use of two-dimensional drawing materials.These students are required to create a personal website portfolio showcasing their work and demonstrating their process through documentation. 

Painting I:

Prerequisite: Intro to Art

This exploratory course provides a creative and innovative environment for students who have an interest in color and wish to improve their creative skills, learning new ways to be visually expressive. Using watercolor, acrylic and tempera paints students will explore techniques, styles and subjects. Understanding the steps necessary to develop working drawings into paintings, students will use the artistic processes of creating, presenting, responding and connecting in this class. These processes develop skills that can be applied globally when planning, thinking, talking and about their work and the work of others.

Painting II:

Prerequisite: Intro to Art & Painting I 

This course is a continuation of Painting I. It provides a deeper exploration into two-dimensional techniques and emphasis on the development of a student’s individual point of view. Personal choice, symbolism, and themes are used to create a piece of artwork that has meaning through the use of wet media. These students are required to create a personal website portfolio showcasing their work and demonstrating their process through documentation. 

Ceramics I:

Prerequisite: Intro to Art

Ceramics I gives students the ability to understand the basic fundamentals of clay and the important role it plays in our world. Students learn the basic ways of creating ceramic forms through handbuilding such as pinch, coil, and slab. Throughout the semester students will gain knowledge about the different stages of clay and multiple methods of decorating and firing. Assignments include both functional and decorative objects. Through exploration of techniques, students are encouraged to express creativity and originality. 

Ceramics II:

Prerequisite: Intro to Art & Ceramics I

Ceramics II concentrates on perfecting and elaborating on skills such as exploration of surface design, wheel throwing, combining hand building techniques, and creating pots with handles and lids. Students learn to develop ideas for pottery making and decoration by researching the work of known ceramic artists and studying the characteristics of ceramic work from various cultures. Through the artistic processes of presenting, responding and connecting, students will evaluate their own work and the work of others through oral and written communication/critiques. 

Ceramics III:

Prerequisite: Intro to Art, Ceramics I & Ceramics II

Ceramics III students are fully self-driven and motivated to complete assignments, research, and documentations 100% on their own without the assistance of the instructor through the media of clay. 

Students are required the same expectations as Independent Study students with the addition of an artist research assignment each month: 

• Project Proposals at the beginning of each month

• Finished and more professional looking projects due at the end of the month 

• Final reflection

• Constantly updated website portfolio documenting each project from beginning to end with journaling  

Independent Study:

Prerequisite: Intro to Art with the addition of  Drawing I & II, Painting I & II, or Ceramics I & II

Independent Study requires approval by the instructor/advisor for students who have completed all the prerequisites and desire to continue their personal skills and techniques in art. These students are fully self-driven and motivated to complete assignments, research, and documentations 100% on their own without the assistance of the instructor.

Requirements to complete the semester include:

• Project Proposals at the beginning of each month

• Finished and more professional looking projects due at the end of the month 

• Final reflection with final documentation/photo of work

• Constantly updated website portfolio documenting each project from beginning to end with journaling