Carlton's Visual Arts program has a holistic approach and with each teacher the process evolves. Focus is on all areas of art from pencil and charcoal to acrylic painting and mixed media. Students have the opportunity to engage in community art projects, hone and develop their skills and enjoy the arts atmosphere while at Carlton. Carlton is also host to the Wahkohtowin Gallery in the South Hill Mall where student art is always on display.
Carlton has one of the largest high school Clay Studios in the province. We process all our clay here at Carlton including making raw clay, hand-building, throwing on the wheel, slab rolling, bisque firing, glazing and glaze firing. This means that we have all the equipment necessary for these processes on site. Every student that takes a Fine Arts class at Carlton including Arts Education 9 or Visual Art 10-20-30 has a chance to experience some kind of clay project.
In Visual Arts 10, students develop artistic ideas using various media and techniques, including drawing, painting, and sculpture. They create artwork inspired by Saskatchewan artists and use self-reflection and feedback to improve their work. Students explore the role of design in conveying meaning and examine art related to treaties and cultural relationships. Additionally, they investigate how visual culture impacts their lives and discover opportunities for ongoing engagement in art.
In Visual Arts 20, students take artistic risks, experimenting with a variety of practices like drawing, painting, and sculpture, to explore diverse ideas, particularly those influenced by the perspectives of First Nations and Métis people in Saskatchewan. They create art that responds to different worldviews and engage with national and international artists. Students learn to critique art, analyzing the factors influencing art practices globally. They reflect critically on their own work and that of their peers, fostering growth in their artistic process. Cultural exploration includes investigating global art addressing human rights, and opportunities for further engagement in art communities are also explored.
In Visual Arts 30, students focus on expressing personal style and voice through the intentional use of media and image development strategies. They independently plan and create artwork that demonstrates artistic growth, taking risks and innovating in both familiar and unfamiliar processes. Students explore the work of Canadian artists, especially those addressing socially relevant topics such as sustainability, social justice, and diversity. Critical analysis of art includes collaboration with peers and mentors to critique works based on context and relevance. Cultural exploration involves investigating the role of visual art in supporting relationships, deepening understanding of treaties, and inspiring societal change.