Art
Graduation requirement: 1 credit of art, technology or music. More credits are strongly recommended
Art I: Foundation Art
Students taking this class will be reacquainted or newly exposed to various drawing, painting and sculpture-based media and assignments incorporating the use and effects of line, shape, form and composition. The application of values, tones, and textures, in drawing, relief and three-dimensional works are part of this course. Still life, portrait, landscape and abstractions will be among the subjects explored.
Art II: Principles of Design
Prerequisite: one year of art
This course provides students the opportunity to strengthen basic skills acquired in Foundation Art. Fundamentals of design, drawing, painting, pottery, sculpture, collage and art history are explored further. Seeing and interpreting form, proportion and perspective from life and photographs are part of this class strengthening perceptual skills.
Advanced Art
This class is designed for students with more advanced understanding of drawing, painting and three-dimensional works of art. There is a pre-requisite of at least one previous art class in two or three-dimensional art. Expectations made of students in this class are higher than those made in other art electives. Creative discipline, solid work ethic and a strong desire to create are important characteristics of those who elect to take this class.
Independent Art
Prerequisite: Departmental Approval
Students in this class have an opportunity to develop their skills and create works for inclusion in their junior and senior year art portfolios. Students who elect independent art must demonstrate a high level of commitment and strong work ethic in order to produce high quality works while working independently.
Portfolio Preparation
Students will develop a portfolio of two- and three-dimensional works including drawing, painting, printmaking, collage and sculpture. The students will initiate, define, and solve visual arts problems independently. Students will demonstrate proficiency in creating, thinking, responding, connecting and contributing in the visual arts. The portfolio is prepared keeping in mind the presentation standards and expectations required for a student’s future in the Visual Arts.
Advanced Placement (AP) Studio Art
Prerequisite: Advanced Art and/or Independent Art; departmental recommendation
Advanced Placement Studio Art is comprised of three separate portfolio advanced placement art courses. The first is Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio, which provides students with the opportunity for broad interpretation of drawing and the use of media. The second is Studio Art: 2-D Design Portfolio, which enables students to integrate the elements and principles of art applied in a decisive manner to two-dimensional (2D) design issues. The third is Studio Art: 3-D Design Portfolio, which uses the same integration process applied to three-dimensional (3D) objects such as sculptures. This advanced-level course is for highly motivated, disciplined, and serious art students. Each section of the course challenges students to address ethical tenets, and to demonstrate artistic integrity and a thorough knowledge of plagiarism. The portfolio sections are designed as the equivalent to a first-semester college art course, and cover the requirements recommended for AP Studio Art by the College Board. Each student will submit a portfolio of work for evaluation in May. The College Board requires that each portfolio contain three specific required sections: quality, concentration, and breadth.
Ceramics (year-long or semester course)
This course introduces students to clay as a medium through a variety of hand building methods such as pinch, coil and slab construction. An introduction to the potter’s wheel may be presented. Students will explore different finishing and glazing techniques including burnishing, texturing, sgraffito and wax resist. Emphasis for this class is placed on craftsmanship, development of aesthetics, form and function. Knowledge of related health issues and safe studio practices is also required. The curriculum is adjusted at each level of progress to meet the individual need of the student.
Printmaking (semester course) (Not offered 2012-2013)
This introductory course will cover the fundamentals of printmaking styles and techniques. Students will explore three complementary methods of printmaking: relief prints, monotypes and silkscreen prints. The history of printmaking and the difference between a fine art print and reproductions will be covered. Safe studio practices and proper use and clean up of tools and materials are required. Emphasis for this class is placed on craftsmanship and development of aesthetics.