Art Department

2-D and 3-D Design

Students in this course will be introduced to, and gain experience, working in a variety of two and three dimensional media as well as develop an understanding of the elements and principles of design. Emphasis will be placed on quality, craftsmanship, creativity, as well as practice and skill technique with new materials. This class will stress creative expression, problem-solving skills, historical and cultural information, aesthetic valuing, and connections to careers. Projects will be created in a variety of both two and three dimensions. A partial list of materials may include pencil, pen and ink, charcoal, watercolor, cray-pas, acrylic paint, ceramics, papier-mâché, plaster, and wire. This course may be repeated with permission from the instructor.

Drawing
This studio course will introduce students to a wide variety of drawing and 2D design techniques including: graphite, charcoal, and ink. Students learn vocabulary of the elements of art and principles of design so they can discuss and critique works of art. Students are encouraged to think creatively and make connections between art and other areas of study. Art work will be put on display accompanied by an artist statement. This course may be repeated with permission from the instructor. While this course is taught at the "standard" level, students will have the opportunity to earn an "advanced" credit by applying to do so through the teacher and department chair. Upon teacher and guidance counselor recommendation, a student can be placed in a foundational skills section within this class.

Metals/Ceramics

This is a multimedia fine arts and crafts course. Metals and Ceramics provides students the opportunities to participate in group and independent projects. Students will learn to develop fine craftsmanship, creative problem-solving skills and learn historical developments of technology within the visual arts and crafts. During the metals section, students explore traditional and new methods in the metal arts and jewelry. Techniques include sawing, forming, soldering, surface treatments and stone setting. A wide variety of precision tools and equipment are used. The ceramics portion of this course consists of studio projects in sculpture and functional pottery. Students learn techniques in hand-building, glazing, painting and a variety of clay bodies. Lessons are supplemented and supported with drawing, reading and writing assignments. This course may be repeated with permission from the instructor.

Metals/Ceramics (Advanced)

This course builds upon past art projects and the elements and principles of design. The new techniques taught in Metals are cold connections, riveting and bezel making. Ceramics new techniques will be throwing on the pottery wheel, mold making and slip casting. Students will learn new technical expertise needed to pursue their personal artistic inquiries. Lessons are supplemented and supported with drawing, reading and writing assignments. This course requires permission from the instructor to enroll.

Painting 1

This course will teach various methods and techniques for painting through the exploration of color. This will give an increased understanding of the many ways paint is used to express visually. Various composition elements will be taught and used to increase sophistication of images. Students will develop their personal style and imagination in the paint medium. This course may be repeated with permission from the instructor.

Painting 2

This course will teach various methods and techniques for painting through the exploration of color. This will give an increased understanding of the many ways paint is used to express visually. Various composition elements will be taught and used to increase sophistication of images. Students will develop their personal style and imagination in the paint medium. This course may be repeated with permission from the instructor.

Studio Painting

This course is for the student who has already completed Painting 2, and wants to pursue further exploration in paint. Students will decide on a "Series" they will work with for the semester, resulting in the creation of a unified portfolio of images. All studio painters will present their body of work in solo show in the "H" Lobby, present their series of paintings to a group of faculty, and write an Artist Statement explaining their study. Sketching and journal writing is a required part of the curriculum. This course may be repeated with permission from the instructor.

Independant Studio Art

A studio course designed to build on the artistic skills acquired in previous classes. This course provides an opportunity to do concentrated work on unique projects of interest for advanced students who have demonstrated in previous art courses the individual motivation and seriousness necessary to sustain an independent curriculum. A partial list of offerings may include drawing, printmaking, painting, 2D and 3D design, ceramics, metals and non-traditional materials. Students are encouraged to exhibit their projects and write an artist statement explaining and accompanying their exhibit. Sketching and journaling are encouraged throughout the semester. Content should be determined by the student in close consultation with the instructor prior to and throughout the semester.

Photography

This course will take you through the ins and outs of techniques used my artists and professional photographers and will help you create your own tricks and techniques to improve your own photography. We will talk about the importance of photography, its history, and its important connections to the art world and our lives. Students will use cell phones and other devices such as digital cameras to take images, and discover how to use editing software. We will learn the printing process and matting techniques that will take our photography to the next level. Students will create projects that include, but are not limited to landscape, portraiture, multiple subjects, macro, and micro photography.