The Art Department offers a variety of courses where students learn divergent thinking and explore personal expression. Art classes emphasize using materials and creating artwork along with learning how to view, think and write about art. In art classes students learn the history and language of art and will gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Studio art is a introductory art class that can be used to fulfill the elective requirement for graduation or serve as a prerequisite to take more advanced art courses. The advanced art courses offer students the opportunity to explore more deeply a chosen field of art and to build a portfolio of art work needed for acceptance into art summer schools and college programs.
The Art Department also offers students many real-life opportunities by entering our students’ work in local and regional art shows and contests. Select students also take field trips to portfolio reviews and art museums. We have an annual juried student art show that is done offsite and has grown over the years into a major community event celebrating the arts.
Studio in Art
1 Year | 1 Credit
This course is a prerequisite to the other art courses offered in the high school sequence. This program affords a student the opportunity to explore the concepts of various art techniques and of expression in various media. Through student art experiences, the student will be assisted in appreciating and understanding the works of other artists as well as the history of art. A final exam is given at the end of the year.
Studio in 3D
1 Year | 1 Credit
Graphic Design
1 Year | 1 Credit
This course is a prerequisite to the other art courses offered in the high school sequence. Graphic Design explores the commercial aspects of art as a means of communicating ideas using words and images. It introduces students to graphic communication through the understanding of the elements and principles of art and design; as well as, the design process, from idea development through the final execution of a project. Students use the concepts explored in this course in the following disciplines: advertising, graphic design, typography, illustration, and photography. Techniques include freehand drawing, lettering, painting and computer-enhancement (using software such as Photoshop and Illustrator) for commercial advertising, posters and illustrations.
Drawing and Painting II
1 Year | 1 Credit
This course focuses on drawing and painting utilizing traditional and contemporary techniques. Topics to be covered are visual composition, application techniques, material use, color theory, value and texture. An emphasis will be placed on seeking personal creative solutions through the exploration of a variety of techniques. Drawings and paintings will be made from observed and non-observed subjects.
Functional Pottery
1 Year | 1 Credit
This course is designed to expose students to the marketability of their artistic creations. Through collaboration with Advertising & Design/ Graphic Design classes, students will create a brand, logo, packaging and products to sell at local crafters fairs and school events. Products will include but not be limited to: plates, cups, mugs, bowls, seasonal pottery, serving platters, condiment containers, vases, ornaments, tiles and trivets.
Advance Studio in 3-D
1 Year | 1 Credit
Students will create 3 – dimensional sculptures that range from functional pieces to non- objective works. In this course, students will begin to focus on a style or concentration towards the medium and, or influences. This is an upper level course, so the more advanced the sculptures are the higher the learning level will be. Size, scale and craftsmanship is important in the development of this course. Students have to complete the Studio in 3 – D class with an 80 average or above in order to take the Advanced 3 -D Course.
Cultural Artisan
1 Year | 1 Credit
In this class, students will practice with a wide variety of artisenal techniques related to jewelry making, printmaking, weaving, textiles, and more. Each project will be tied to a specific world culture and the creative techniques utilized by that culture throughout history. Students will explore the meaning and function of adornment of the physical body, regional homes, ceremonially, and in places of worship. Together we will apply this knowledge of history to modern times, questioning if the techniques are still applicable, or if more efficient techniques have come to exist. Is there something lost in the mass production of cultural arts, and how does it impact a community when cultural arts are appropriated?