Visual Arts

Art I: Grades 9-12 – 0.5 credit (500)

This is an introductory course that provides students with the opportunity to take an in-depth look at the foundations of art. The class is designed for the student who would like to experience many different processes rather than specializing in one area. This class will provide students with the tools to communicate their thoughts and ideas visually. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking skills required in art making. A materials fee may be assessed for this class.

Art II: Grades 9-12 – 0 .5 credit (501)

Prerequisite: Art I

This class will allow students to use a variety of materials and techniques similar to Art I with an emphasis being placed on developing the combination of critical thinking and artistic skill required for art making. This course will still give students an opportunity to work both in two dimension and three-dimension design. A materials fee may be assessed for this class.

Art III: Grades 9-12 – 1 credit (502)

Prerequisite: Art I & Art II

In this course students refine and build on skills that they learned in Art I and Art II. Emphasis is placed on the study of techniques, media, and approaches to art. Projects address conceptual problems and emphasize the development of problem solving abilities. By sharing their thoughts, ideas, and work, students are given the opportunity to build a more thoughtful community of learners. A materials fee may be assessed for this class.

Art IV: Grades 10-12 – 1 credit (503)

Prerequisite: Art I, II, & III

In this class emphasis is placed on strengthening students' established skills from Art I and Art II. Focus is placed on developing individual artistic styles by looking at contemporary artists. Projects are in-depth explorations that give students the opportunity to apply foundational skills while furthering their artistic voices. A materials fee may be assessed for this class.

Ceramics & Sculpture I: Grades 9-12 – 0.5 credit (504)

Prerequisite: Art I; Seniors will be granted admission without Art I requirement.

Students will explore clay through construction of coil, slab, and pinch techniques. Skills and techniques are emphasized through guided practice and experimentation. Good design is approached by discussion of form, function, glaze decoration, and texture. While studio work is the focus of this course, there will be an emphasis on problem solving skills, craftsmanship, and critical analysis. A $25.00 materials fee will be assessed for this class.

Ceramics & Sculpture II: Grades 9-12 – 0.5 credit (505)

Prerequisite: Art I and Ceramics & Sculpture I

This course continues the exploration of clay fabrication techniques, with a major emphasis and focus on proper wheel throwing techniques. Good design is approached by discussion of form, function, glaze decoration, and texture. While studio work is the focus of this course, there will be an emphasis on problem solving skills, craftsmanship, and critical analysis. A $25.00 materials fee will be assessed for this class.

Ceramics & Sculpture III: Grades 9-12 – 1 credit (508)

Prerequisite: Art I and Ceramics& Sculpture II

Students will continue to explore clay through construction of hand building and wheel throwing techniques. Students will have more artistic freedoms as they improve their skills with clay, which will lead to more advanced ideas and products. Skills and techniques will be emphasized through good design. Good design is approached by discussion of form, function, glaze decoration, and texture. While studio work is the focus of this course, there will be an emphasis on problem solving skills, craftsmanship, and critical analysis. A $25.00 materials fee will be assessed for this class.

Prerequisite: Art III

Student will learn how to manipulate the art elements and principles to express their ideas through guided practice and experimentation. Student will be exposed to a wide range of drawing and painting techniques and artistic styles including but not limited to: pencil, charcoal, pastel, pen and ink, watercolor, acrylic and oil. The course will allow the opportunity to explore expressive and classical approach to both drawing (gestural, value, line, texture) and painting (still life, landscape, non-objective). Students in grades 10-12 have the option to receive up to 6 dual enrollment credits through Reading Area Community College for a fee.

AP® Studio – 2D Portfolio: Grade 12 – 1 credit (510)

Prerequisite: Art I, II, III, IV, and Drawing and Painting. Teacher recommendation suggested.

Students will be required to demonstrate mastery of 2D design through and 2D medium or process. Any work that makes use of other artists’ work (including photographs) and or published images must show substantial and significant work. A minimum of 6 hours per week outside of class is required for a fully developed piece of art work. A total of 26 fully developed concentration pieces will be required for submission and review by the AP® review board. This class is designed for the serious art student who is self-motivated and has the drive to explore a higher level of art. A materials fee may be assessed for this class.

Fiber Design : Grades 9-12 1 credit (511)

Prerequisite: Art I and Art II

This course will investigate a variety of media in the Fiber Arts. The students will learn about the possibilities of Fiber Arts including but not limited to: weaving, felting, traditional and non-traditional basketry, transferring, embroidery, natural dying, batik, and polyester and natural shibori (tie-dye). A variety of aesthetics and expressive qualities of fiber will be investigated. The objective of the class is to introduce these techniques, which will enable the students to create their own artistic vision with a variety of Fiber Arts in a Fine Arts context. A $10 materials fee will be assess for this class.

Prerequisite: AP® Studio – 2D Portfolio

This course is offered in an independent study format in the second semester for students who have successfully completed AP® Studio – 2D Portfolio in the first semester. Student will have the opportunity to continue to build their portfolio through this course. Students have the option to receive dual enrollment credits through Reading Area Community College for a $300.00 fee.