Art

Introductory Art is a one-semester exploratory course designed to appeal to pupils who have little background knowledge in visual art. In the course students experience a variety of art media to further their appreciation of visual arts. It is not to be considered an alternative to Art I, nor can it count toward the sequential art program. This is a one semester course.

Students will explore the creative possibilities of their digital cameras from a fine art approach. Emphasis will be placed on composition, lighting and subject choices. Traditional photo editing with basic computer software will be introduced. Students will be required to save all work in a digital portfolio. Students may repeat this course a second semester to advance skills. This is a one semester course.

Ceramics is a semester course focusing on the introduction of hand-built pottery methods. Relief and sculptural techniques will be explored. This is a one semester course.

This course will acquaint the student with the varied avenues humanity has used to express itself through the visual arts. The course provides a balanced approach by combining art history, art criticism, and personal art production. History of Art provides a foundation to students to be future artists, historians, critics and patrons of the arts. This is a one semester course.

This course will prepare students for a career or college setting by exploring topics such as selecting a career focus, technology for the 21st century artist, new art forms and emerging artists. Copyright laws for visual artist, preparing work for display and applying for commissions will also be studied. Students will develop and maintain a digital portfolio. Internships, guest speakers and behind the scene experiences will be sought to provide students insight into what it takes to reach their art career goals. This is a one semester course.

Art I: Foundations of Art emphasizes the development of abilities to recognize visual arts content and concepts. Students will develop skills to create, discuss and understand original works of art. Students will maintain a portfolio documenting their accomplishments.

Art 2D: Draw/Paint is an intermediate level course that emphasizes the importance of content, concepts and skills involved in the creation of original works of art. The student will demonstrate his/her understanding of mark making and design principles as applied to two-dimensional surfaces. Two-dimensional media may include drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media and/or digital processes. In addition, art history, critical evaluation and aesthetics issues will be addressed. Students will continue to maintain a portfolio and select representative work to take to the next level of study.

Art 3D: Sculpture/Crafts is an intermediate level course intended to address engagement with physical space and materials. In this course, the student should demonstrate his/her understanding of design principles as they relate to depth and space. The course emphasizes the importance of content, concepts, and skills involved in the creation of original works of art. Included are components of art history, critical evaluation and aesthetics. Selected works of art and other products will be added to the portfolio and carried forward to the next level of study.

Ceramics is a full year course beginning with traditional hand built pottery methods and exploring the discipline of wheel throwing in ceramics production. Basic glaze and glaze chemistry will be covered. These techniques will be explored in the context of ceramic art historically and in contemporary art forms. This course also explores the use of ceramic materials in the larger context of sculptural possibilities. An emphasis on research and introspection is expected through the development of a personal portfolio.

Computer Art I is a two-semester course focusing on the development of skills necessary to utilize standard computer tools and software in the creation of visual art, graphic designs and imaging. The course will focus on basic art design concepts, personal expression and creative problem solving. In addition, it will provide students with experiences exploring careers in the field of computer graphics.

Computer Art II is a two-semester course that will continue to develop skills and provide experiences needed to enter career fields in visual arts, computer graphics and animation. Greater emphasis will be placed on creative problem solving and career simulation assignments. Students will maintain a digital portfolio.

This course is designed for students who plan to continue to an Advanced Placement Studio Art course and/or make art or an art related subject a college or career choice. Students will develop technical and conceptual art making skills. 2D and 3D techniques, art history, art appreciation, and related areas of art are explored and developed. Students will work with the teacher to develop an individualized plan of instruction based on areas of artistic interest. Students are required to develop a portfolio of original ideas demonstrating a personal focus for art production.

The portfolio for AP 2D Design is intended to address two-dimensional (2D) design issues. The unifying idea for the portfolio is that the student focuses on making decisions about how to use the elements of art and principles of design to create works of art that convey meaning. Any two-dimensional medium may be used for this portfolio. Each student develops and submits a portfolio that serves as a direct demonstration of achievement. The course guidelines are based on AP portfolio requirements. Coursework includes hands-on project development as well as research and writing assignments. The course is designed for the art student who wishes to pursue college-level study while still in high school, and for the student who is seriously interested in the practical experience of art. Students are required to keep a portfolio and research workbook (journal/sketchbook).

The portfolio for AP 3D Design is intended to address three-dimensional (3D) design issues. Works that are submitted for this portfolio explore depth and space by addressing issues related to mass, volume, and form. The focus is on using the elements of art and principals of design to create 3D works of art that convey meaning. Any three-dimensional medium may be used for this portfolio. Each student develops and submits a portfolio that serves as a direct demonstration of achievement. The course guidelines are based on AP portfolio requirements. Coursework includes hands-on project development as well as research and writing assignments. The course is designed for the art student who wishes to pursue college-level study while still in high school, and for the student who is seriously interested in the practical experience of art. Students are required to keep a portfolio and research workbook (journal/sketchbook).

In AP Drawing, portfolio mastery of drawing may be demonstrated through a wide range of approaches and media. The unifying focus for this portfolio is the exploration of art that involves direct mark making on a surface. Light and shade, line quality, rendering of form, composition, surface manipulation and the illusion of depth are among the drawing issues that can be addressed. Each student develops and submits a portfolio that serves as a direct demonstration of achievement. The course guidelines are based on AP portfolio requirements. Coursework includes hands-on project development as well as research and writing assignments. The course is designed for the art student who wishes to pursue college-level study while still in high school, and for the student who is seriously interested in the practical experience of art. Students are required to keep a portfolio and research workbook (journal/sketchbook).

AP Art History is a comprehensive study of the history of art. The course includes study of architecture, painting, sculpture, and other art forms, within cultural and historical contexts. Students will examine the major forms of artistic expression in the past and present, including our own and that of other cultures. Students will learn to express opinions, conduct research, and to compare and contrast styles verbally and in writing. Students prepare for and take the College Board’s Advanced Placement Test and those who receive an acceptable score on the test may receive college credit and/or advanced standing in college.

Photography I is an introductory course in basic darkroom and digital photography techniques. Students will learn the operations and functions of digital and film cameras. Basic darkroom processes and digital editing software will be introduced. Emphasis will be placed on developing creative expression by integrating technical knowledge with aesthetic approaches. In addition, the course will explore the history of photography and encourage students to develops career interest areas.

Photography II is designed for students who have received credit for one full year of photography. Students investigate new areas in photographic media and often have a choice of camera formats and technologies for in-depth exploration. Emphasis is on thematic exploration for personal expression and on building a photographic portfolio.

Media Arts is a wo-semester focusing on the development of skills necessary to explore time-based and interactive arts such as video, animation, web design, and game design. The course builds on basic digital visual art skills and emphasizes storytelling, duration, hybridization, interactivity, and points of view. In addition, students will focus on communication, creative problem solving, and personal expression.

Art Grade 7 emphasizes exploration of the creative process through analysis of the elements of art and the principles of design. Students develop technical skills that empower them to communicate ideas visually, with the focus on realistic representations of their environment.

Art Grade 8 emphasizes application of more complex technical skills as students manipulate the elements of art and the principles of design, art media and ideas. Students acquire art skills that enable them to make conscious choices of media and techniques for expressive purposes.

Art Grade 6 is an exploration of the elements of art and the principles of design as a framework, students investigate a variety of experiences and concepts. Students explore various two-dimensional and three-dimensional art media using a variety of expressive and technical approaches.