Course Offerings

This is the foundation course for all other art department courses. Students receive introductory assignments around the five art focuses, (artistic, perception, creative expression, art history, aesthetics and critique).  Introductory art elements and design principles are studied and applied using various media.  Course work includes drawing, painting, perspective, color theory, portraiture, expressionism, abstractions and cultural arts, figure drawing and much more! Students keep an in class sketchbook and must make one museum/gallery visit.

Prerequisite: Completion of Art 1 P

This course expands upon the five focus areas, the elements of art and principles of design in more depth.  Students have more creative freedom within project guidelines and are encouraged to create meaning and explore personal style in their art.  Course work includes drawing, painting, perspective, color, portraiture, expressionism, abstraction, mural painting, installation, symbolism, cultural arts, figure drawing, composition, comical art and start developing their portfolio!   Students must keep a sketchbook, in and out of class, make one museum/gallery visit and participate in extra- curricular art events and activities.

Prerequisite: Completion of Art 2 P

 This course expands further on the four focus areas through studio experiences that emphasize design and composition as applied to drawing and painting.  Students will write project proposals, choose projects/media, and conduct visual research on special interest areas.  Students will refine their personal style, explore themes in a global context and create a cohesive body of work to be displayed in a portfolio.  As portfolios progress, options for Advanced Placement Art will be explored.  Students must keep a sketchbook in and out of class, make one museum/gallery visit and participate in extra-curricular art events and activities.

Prerequisite: Completion of Art 3 P

This course emphasizes the individual student’s development in creative expression and technique.  Students choose a media of focus, explore themes and research special interest areas.  Mastery of various media and techniques is demonstrated in an exhibition of completed work. Cultural history, aesthetics, analysis, appreciation and technology of art are taught as part of each unit of student.  Portfolio preparation is explored for those planning to major in art at the college level.  Students must keep a sketchbook in and out of class, make one museum/gallery visit and participate in extra-curricular art events and activities.

Advanced Placement (AP) Art is intended for highly motivated and talented students who wish to pursue college level studies while in high school.  Students produce a Drawing portfolio over a period of one or two years.  Cultural history, aesthetics, analysis, appreciation and technology of art are taught as part of each unit of study.  The requirements include submitting 12 works for “Breadth” and 12 original works for “Concentration”, (24 works in total).  Portfolios are sent to the College Board for grading in May.  After submission of portfolios, students focus on campus beautification by designing and painting a moralized chair, bench, door, wall or other object on campus.  Students wishing to apply need to submit 10 portfolio quality pieces, a letter of intent and have fulfilled two years of Art and Design.  Students accepted to AP Art must complete all summer assignments before the start of their AP Art year.   

Advanced Placement (AP) Art is intended for highly motivated and talented students who wish to pursue college level studies while in high school.  Students produce a 2D portfolio over a period of one or two years.  The cultural history, aesthetics, analysis, appreciation and technology of art are taught as part of each unit of study.  The requirements include submitting 12 works for “Breadth” and 12 original works for “Concentration”, (24 works in total).  Portfolios are sent to the College Board for grading in May.  After submission of portfolios, students focus on campus beautification by designing and painting a moralized chair, bench, door, wall or other object on campus. Students wishing to apply need to submit 10 portfolio quality pieces, a letter of intent and have fulfilled two years of Art and Design.  Students accepted to AP Art must complete all summer assignments before the start of their AP Art year.

This is an introductory level course designed to offer the student an opportunity to explore ceramic media and processes.  This course is directed to all students with little or no experience in ceramics.  You will learn The Elements and Principles of Art as it relates to three-dimensional work by utilizing the processes of hand building, molds, wheel throwing, slip and glaze techniques as well as the firing process.  Historical and contemporary ceramics are introduced through slides and lectures. 

Prerequisite: Completion of previous Ceramics level

This is a continuation of Ceramics 1 P with opportunities for more in depth exploration of technique, processes, personal expression and portfolio growth.  Students will continue their exploration of ceramic arts by further developing their technical and creative skills in clay.  Both sculptural and wheel skills are explored along with additional advanced techniques of surface decoration glazes and kiln firing.  The investigation of historical and contemporary ceramic work continues to be an essential component of the curriculum.  Self-discipline and willingness to seek new challenges is expected. 

Prerequisite: Completion of any 1^st year art course or administrative approval.

This course provides an introduction to Photography as a fine art. Students will learn to “see photographically” as they study units on light, composition and exposure. This course will also cover the mechanics of 35mm camera, depth of field, film processing, use of the enlarger and darkroom printing techniques. Finally, students will explore formal critique analysis both through looking at peer work as well as studying the “photographer of the week.” One museum/gallery visit is required.