Prerequisite: None

Studio in Art is an exploratory course designed to stimulate the student’s interest in visual art and to find a particular medium or area of interest in which they can elect advanced art courses. Since this course is a prerequisite for all advanced art courses, it is strongly recommended that students enroll in this course during grade 9. Art majors will take Studio in Art to begin an Art sequence. This course may be used to meet the one unit New York State Arts requirement for graduation.  

Prerequisite: None

“Exploration of Crafts” is a course designed to introduce students to materials and techniques used in traditional and contemporary crafts. This course focuses on developing an understanding of the cultural significance of ‘functional art.’ Students will gain an appreciation for the cultural roots of hand-crafted objects and learn about career opportunities and marketing outlets. “Exploration of Crafts” will incorporate various skill building with tools and techniques to demonstrate “craftsmanship.” Students will have the opportunity to create pieces such as handmade paper, weaving, mosaics, ceramics, paper-crafts, batik, print-making, woodworking and jewelry. This full year extensive course fulfills the New York State requirement in the Visual Arts.   

Prerequisite:  Studio in Painting OR at least 2 advanced art courses with teacher recommendation. 

This is a college level course with the focus on developing advanced skills and techniques. Students will investigate ideas and develop a unique body of work including various mediums and art styles. Students will have an opportunity to use their visual voice and art skills and techniques learned in previous art classes. There are two AP Art portfolio exams to choose from, (2-D & Drawing). They each consist of two sections: 15 total pieces of artwork representing- Sustained Investigation and Selected Works. The Sustained Investigation section has two components: Images and Written Evidence. The Selected Works section has one component: Works. Portfolio components are scored separately, and each contributes to the final portfolio score, which is on a 5-point scale. The AP exam cost is $96. The Free/Reduced Lunch cost is $53. These costs are subject to change as per federal and state guidelines. 

Prerequisite:  Photography with a grade of 75 or higher. 

Photography is ideal for the student who is considering a career in Photography or Visual/Graphic Arts. Emphasis is given to developing a critical sense of the visual language and students will further develop their own creative voice as they are encouraged to grow creatively. Areas of study include advanced darkroom techniques while experimenting with texture, form, abstraction and light. The use of Digital Photography will be expanded in this course along with increased digital photo editing instruction. The work of well-known Photographers will be explored. Supplies are provided. Students who wish to go beyond the course requirements may need to purchase additional materials. Students must have their own SLR camera, 35mm film camera (a camera which permits manual adjustment of shutter speeds and apertures being ideal), and/or a Digital Camera. (Phone cameras cannot be accepted) for the course.  

Prerequisite:  Studio in Art or 1 credit in Technology. 

This course will introduce students to an immersive STEAM experience, with focus on career development. Students will be introduced to animatronics, sculpture, human proportions, creating 2-D spaces, basic coding, problem solving, 3-Dimensional designing, and researching.

Prerequisite:  None 

Art Appreciation is open to Grades 11 and 12 for art majors and non-art majors, or History lovers. It is, however, strongly recommended that students who are planning a career in Art enroll in this course. It is the study of the influence various cultures have had on the artist and his product from ancient to modern times. Architectural, sculptural, pictorial arts, and the artist who produced them are surveyed. In addition to the study of painting and sculpture, prominent museums which house great master works are studied as well as historical monuments and sights of past cultures.  

Students (Grades 11-12 only) will have the option of taking this course for college credit through Five Towns College. 

Prerequisite: Exploration of Crafts or recommendation from previous year's art teacher.

This course is designed to continue to introduce students to materials and techniques used in traditional and contemporary crafts. Students will utilize the skills learned in “Exploration of Crafts” and apply it to more advanced craft making such as silversmithing, leatherwork and garment making. They will also be introduced to the marketing components and current trends in product production. Students will be encouraged to take “Advertising and Product Design.” 

Prerequisite:  Studio in Drawing or recommendation of previous year’s instructor. 

Through a series of theoretical and practical lessons, students will explore fashion design. Emphasizing innovation, creativity and technical skill; each student will study the historical development of fashion and use various materials to design and create fashion.  

Prerequisite:  Fashion Design or recommendation of previous year’s instructor. 

Fashion Design. Students will build upon their prior experiences in Fashion Design by researching current fashion styles and trends, design clothing and accessories, up-cycling clothing, utilize technology in fashion design, and explore career options in the industries. Simple sewing projects will be introduced, t-shirt design and accessories/garment construction will be produced by students. Part of the course requirements will be two work with students from Fashion Marketing to complete a culminating design/business plan for an original design.  

Prerequisite: Studio in Drawing or recommendation of previous year's instructor

This is a full year course where students are taught to develop an understanding of the basic visual language of illustration.  They will explore character design, creative problem solving, and the interpretive function of illustration in our day-to-day activities. Students will learn various materials and techniques used in children’s books designing, the yearbook and poetry. They will also focus on Advertising and Design, such as ads, logos and packaging and product design. They will be introduced to Principles of design and its functions, recognizing target audiences and career opportunities in both fields. Techniques such as ink wash, watercolor, Copic markers, Photoshop, and sculptural elements will be explored. Students will have opportunities to work with local professionals in the fields. 

Prerequisite:  NYS Arts requirement in Art or Music. 

Photography is an introductory course open to all students who have completed the credit requirement in the Arts for graduation. Students will learn the fundamentals and technical skills of traditional black and white film photography. Areas of study include the history of photography, the science of capturing an image, and the workings of a film camera, focus and exposure. Students will create photographs, develop film, and enlarge negatives into black and white prints in a working darkroom. Students will learn about the photography of historic photographers and begin to talk critically about their work. The basics of digital photography will also be introduced in this course. Other areas of study include portraiture, natural and artificial lighting, landscapes, and the career opportunities in the field of Photography. Supplies are provided. Students must have their own 35mm film camera which permits manual adjustment of shutter speeds and apertures would be ideal.  

Prerequisite:  Recommendation from their Studio in Drawing or previous year instructor.  

This course is designed specifically for the students interested in going to college for visual arts or creative fields. They should enter the class with a wide variety of art experiences. Students will be introduced to careers in the visual and technical areas. They will be encouraged to develop self-discipline and time management skills. Emphasis will be placed on mark making and developing skills in various types of mediums. Selected works will be properly prepared for portfolio preparation for application to a variety of visual art schools. This course will prepare students for the AP Advanced Art exam.  

Prerequisite:  Studio in Art or Exploration of Crafts and recommendation of previous year’s instructor. 

Studio in Ceramics is a one-semester course open to Grades 10-12. The scope of this course is that of total involvement in ceramics. Students are taught various methods of hand-building pottery as well as skills in wheel throwing. Contemporary forms in stoneware are designed and produced in class. Most decorative coloring (glazes) for the student projects are manufactured in class. The student, through experience, develops an appreciation for the potter as an artist. 

Prerequisite:  Studio in Ceramics and recommendation of previous year’s instructor. 

Ceramics II is a half year course in which students will have the opportunity to build upon basic clay handbuilding and decorative skills in order to bring their techniques to the next level.  Throughout the course, students will examine ceramic artworks and practices from varied cultural, historical, and geographical peoples and artisans.  Students will use the knowledge gained in order to apply a range of traditional and contemporary art making methods.  Through experimentation, practice, and persistence, students will design, construct, and finish (through glazing or otherwise) both functional and sculptural ceramic pieces. 

Prerequisite: Studio in Art or Exploration of Crafts and recommendation of previous year’s instructor 

Studio in Drawing is a full year elective course for Grades 10-12. It is strongly recommended that students enroll in this course in Grade 10. Students learn techniques and methods which will improve and refine their drawing skills. Drawing from life is stressed, as well as figure drawing. Emphasis is placed on accuracy of detail and realism. Proficiency and self-expression are encouraged through the following media: pencil, graphite, charcoal, pen and ink, and Conte’ crayon. Students who plan to major in Art are strongly encouraged to take this course prior to taking other art electives.  

Students will have the option of taking this course for college credit through the Suffolk County Community College Beacon Program. 

Prerequisite:  Studio in Drawing and recommendation of previous year’s art teacher.  

Studio in Painting is a full-year advanced course, with a concentration on the process and methods of painting. Students experience advanced use of color, light, composition with the main concentration on oil painting. Students are encouraged to develop their own approach and style to painting; individuality is encouraged.   

Prerequisite:  Studio in Art or Exploration of Crafts and recommendation of previous year’s instructor. 

This course will explore the elements and principles involved in the creation of art that is three dimensional. Sketching will be required, and works of art will be discussed. The course will focus on the design and creation of form in a variety of media. Students will work in plaster, stone, or clay.  

Prerequisite:  Studio in Art or Exploration of Crafts and recommendation of previous year’s instructor. 

This course will explore the elements and principles involved in the creation of art that is three dimensional. Sketching will be required, and works of art will be discussed. The course will focus on the design and creation of form in a variety of media. Students will work in plaster, stone, or clay.