Visual Arts

Grades: Grades 9-12 
Credit: .5 
Prerequisites: Beginning Ceramics 

Hand to hand, head and heart (and with some tools already in their pockets), Advanced Ceramics students push to the next level of artistic growth. Complex use of hand-building skills, introduction to wheel throwing, and sculptural techniques make up the technical development of this course. Each assignment begins with the "idea" of a familiar form (cup, bowl, cylinder, vase, pitcher, mask) where artists are challenged to develop original approaches, problem-solve and strengthen their creativity through both planned, drawn ideas, as well as intuitive responses to the clay itself. Sometimes fantastical, sometimes sublime, each student develops a portfolio of work that is challenging, and learns about other artists to broaden their perspective. Alternative firing methods, glaze exploration, gallery visits and exhibitions are part of the coursework. 

Grades: 10-12 
Credit: .5 
Prerequisite: Beginning Ceramics, Advanced Ceramics I 

In a world where change is constant, information infinite and creativity essential, the ceramics studio becomes a place of intellectual and aesthetic inquiry, craft mastery, and collective practice of working in community. Advanced Ceramics II student artists LOVE working with clay, and readily push themselves to their next level of artistic growth. Focusing on forms known well—bowls, lidded jars, and teapots—as well as forms derived from the boundaries of assignment criteria and technique parameters, artists develop proficient wheel throwing skills through the mantra of practice and patience, complex hand-building skills, and multiple glazing possibilities. A portfolio of work that ranges in both scale and self-defining aesthetic is the outcome. Artists can expect to dive into the history of ceramics both at home and abroad, make gallery visits, and exhibit their work. 

Grades: 10-12 

Credits: .5 

Prerequisites: Drawing

To draw is to see and record visually. Opportunities to visually record both objects and ideas are provided in this advanced level class. Skills and techniques learned in Drawing are applied in more complex ways, challenging students to develop technical skills while also developing their own style. Students are guided through preliminary exercises that lead to finished drawings, solving visual problems using a design process. Targeted skills include working with a grid, translating value into color, experimenting with a variety of materials, and developing a sense of proportion. Materials consist of graphite, charcoal, colored pencil, ink, and more.  Students can expect an emphasis on portraiture and an in-depth still life composition inspired by the work of Juan Gris. To celebrate the creativity and accomplishments of each student, artwork is exhibited in the community throughout the semester.  

Grades: 10-12 

Credits: .5 

Prerequisites: Painting 

Art connects us. This course uses painting to emphasize connections between art and music, connections between art and community, connections with each other, connections between past work and future possibilities, and more. Students apply and develop their painting skills while learning art history, collaboration, and community service. Highlights include painting a piano for a local non-profit, and also learning the ancient art of batik. Materials consist of acrylic, watercolor, tempera, and beeswax. Students are guided through preliminary exercises that lead to finished paintings, solving visual problems using a design process. To celebrate the creativity and accomplishments of each student, artwork is exhibited in the community throughout the semester. 

Grades: 9-12 

Credits: .25 

Prerequisites: None 

In an increasingly visual world, an understanding of the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design are the backbone of visual literacy. The Elements of Art are line, shape, form, space, texture, value, and color. The Principles of Design are balance, unity, variety, emphasis, movement, pattern, and proportion. Students will learn to apply these Elements and Principles in a variety of ways and using different mediums and techniques.  This is a foundational course that welcomes both beginning and advanced learners. Students can expect a balance of both representational and non-representational work. To celebrate the creativity and accomplishments of each student, artwork is exhibited in the community throughout the semester.  

Grades: Grades 9-12 
Credit: .25 
Prerequisites: None 

Clay—dug from the earth, formed with the hand, and made permanent by fire—is a material of great historical and contemporary significance in art, as well as our daily lives. Beginning Ceramics students get dirty, dig in, and work hard to develop strong basic hand building skills (pinch, coil and slab) working with clay. Physically building three-dimensional forms, students problem-solve, learn creative processes and best practices in studio work. Assignments provide a framework for individual expression, while sketchbook drawings prepare students well to solve visual problems in their hands-on work. The pottery form becomes the structure where three-dimensional design and the marriage between surface and form transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. 

Grades: 9-12 

Credits: .25 

Prerequisites: None 

The ability to draw empowers students to communicate ideas visually. This ability serves them well not only as artists, but also as designers, inventors, engineers, and creators of all sorts. This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to become confident and capable with the art of drawing. A wide variety of techniques are addressed, including perspective and contour lines. Targeted skills include building a strong composition, sharpening observational skills, and using value to create dimension. Materials consist of graphite, charcoal, ink, colored pencil, and more. Students are guided through preliminary exercises that lead to finished drawings, solving visual problems using a design process. To celebrate the creativity and accomplishments of each student, the artwork is exhibited in the community throughout the semester.  

Grades: 10-12 

Credits: .5 

Prerequisites: Drawing or Art & Design 

Painting is a versatile medium, with limitless approaches inspired by every culture and genre imaginable. This course introduces students to a variety of painting approaches, both realistic and abstract, both ancient and modern. Students are guided through preliminary exercises that lead to finished paintings, solving visual problems using a design process. Targeted skills include building a strong composition, referencing a variety of sources, sharpening observational skills, color mixing, brush handling, and more. Materials consist of tempera, watercolor, acrylic, and Sumi-e ink, while surfaces include canvas, masonite, and rice paper. A highlight of the course is an introduction to Sumi-e painting in the East-Asian tradition. To celebrate the creativity and accomplishments of each student, artwork is exhibited in the community throughout the semester. 

Grades: 10-12 
Credit: .5 
Prerequisites: Drawing or Art & Design 

Printmaking is an ancient art form that has roots in prehistoric times when humans first put their hands in pigment and pressed them onto cave walls. 

Across many cultures and thousands of years, communication occurred through the printed image. Today printmaking embodies a wonderful aesthetic created by the specific processes this course may cover, such as- monotype, relief, stencil, collagraph and silkscreen techniques. 

Targeted skills include building strong compositions that apply design theory concepts, visual problem solving, series development and creating a portfolio that allows a student’s personal expression to shine. 

Co-operative studio practice and collaboration are essential elements to the success of this class. To celebrate the creativity and accomplishments of each student, artwork is exhibited in the community throughout the semester. 

Grades: 11-12 

Credits: .25 

Prerequisites: Applied Drawing or Applied Painting 

After years of technical skill-building and guided exploration through various styles and mediums, students in Studio 2D are now ready to approach their work with more independence. Series development is emphasized, and students are challenged to create work that holds personal meaning. The process is guided, while students gain control over choices of subject, medium, and style. The assignments give students the opportunity to build on past successes while continuing to develop skills and grow as an artist. The course is open to all emerging artists and will particularly serve those considering art at the collegiate level. The semester of work culminates in an exhibition that celebrates the creativity and accomplishments of each student.