World Arts
5 credits
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
This course is a full-year course open to students in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. The students will explore the art and art history of African, Asian, Middle Eastern, Oceanic, Native and Latin American cultures. Students will investigate some of the major themes of non-Western art through hands-on projects in two and three dimensions as well as through readings, presentations, and museum visits. The class is designed for students who are interested in working with a variety of art media, such as clay, fibers, paper, and paint, and who wish to learn about world cultures through their arts. This course satisfies the graduation requirement of the Visual and Performing Arts.
Art I
5 credits
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
This course offers an introduction and working foundation of the fundamental elements of art, i.e.: line, form, shape, pattern, texture, color, composition, motif and composition, in addition to complementary studies in art history. Consideration will be given to the proper utilization, care, and maintenance of the studio space, materials, tools and equipment. Art I is a prerequisite for all other courses in the Fine Arts sequence and recommended for students who intend to continue studies in art beyond the first year.
Art II
5 credits
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
This course provides an environment where guided lessons and activities provide opportunities to generate serious, creative, and thought-filled work in 2D and 3D media with an emphasis on drawing, painting, design and graphic skills. Art history will be presented to complement the study of individual media and an in depth study of the high Italian Renaissance. Consideration will be given to the proper utilization, care, and maintenance of the studio space, materials, tools and equipment. Prerequisite: Art I or a portfolio demonstrating mastery of skills covered in Art I curriculum.
Ceramics I, II, III, IV
5 credits
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Students will explore clay as a building material for both sculptural and functional art work. Through the use of hand-building, slip molds and wheel thrown techniques, students gain insight and appreciation for the crafts tradition and the history of ceramic art. Various surface decoration materials and techniques will also be explored. Consideration will be given to the proper use of materials, tools and the facility. This course is open to all students.
Ceramic Sculpture
5 credits
Grades 10, 11, 12
This full year course is designed for students in grades 10, 11, and 12 who wish to participate in an in-depth study of clay as a sculptural medium. Students will engage in various construction methods to make both abstract and realistic forms, animal and human figures, architectural spaces, and structures of various scales. Alternative firing methods, surface treatments, contemporary and historical approaches will also be explored. Critiques and research will play a major role in student learning. The prerequisites for this course would be Art I or Ceramics I.
Fine Arts I
5 credits
Grades 10, 11, 12
This course will include in-depth study of the Fine Arts through concentration on draftsmanship, design, and painting. Intensive drawing exercises will be an essential part of the course. The Impressionist Movement and its impact on contemporary art will be the focus of the art history element. Consideration will be given to the proper care and utilization of materials, tools and the facility. Preparation, work, and research outside of the class are essential to growth and success. Prerequisites: Art I, Art II, or a portfolio demonstrating excellence.
Fine Arts II
5 credits
Grades 11, 12
This course allows the serious student artist the opportunity to investigate personal art interests and visual considerations. Reviewing the current admission requirements of institutions offering advanced art education will aid in determining the content of portfolio assignments. Special emphasis will be given to drawing and painting proficiencies. The student and teacher will discuss pupil progress and establish the direction for the emphasis of study. A portfolio of quality exhibition work is required for successful completion of the course objectives. Prerequisites: Art I, Art II, and Fine Arts I, or a portfolio demonstrating excellence.
Introduction to Sculpture
2.5 credits
Grades 10, 11, 12
This course is open to all students with at least one year of art experience in the high school. The student will learn about basic sculptural techniques and approaches to the realization of the description of mass and negative space. The student will survey additive and reductive processes of sculpture. Complimentary art history elements will correspond to various activities with an emphasis on visiting sculptural collections in the vicinity. A research paper may be included as part of the formal study.
Sculpture I
2.5 credits
Grades 10, 11, 12
This course is open to all who have successfully completed Introduction to Sculpture with a grade of 70 or above. Building upon skills and media experience in Introduction to Sculpture, the serious student will explore media in more depth and with a greater and sustained commitment. Complimentary art history elements will correspond to various activities with an emphasis on viewing sculptural pieces in the area. A research or opinion paper(s) may be included as part of the formal study.
Advanced Placement Studio Art
5 credits
Grades 11, 12
Concentration A: Drawing
Concentration B: Design
Concentration C: Sculpture (3D)
Each concentration constitutes an independent course. Students are not permitted by The College Board to take more than one concentration simultaneously. Each AP Visual Art Concentration is designed to assist the serious artist in producing a body of work of directed and self-directed work, equal to or surpassing in quality and quantity a college portfolio of rigid professional standards. Works will be reviewed regularly and critiques will measure student growth and critical skills. Demanding standards will be upheld to encourage the greatest development of potential, talent and vision. Students will complete a portfolio to be evaluated by The College Board. Summer assignments will be distributed prior to the academic course year to better prepare students in completing the demanding workload. A slide set of all work completed will be given by each student to the school for a permanent record of progress. Prerequisite: Fine Arts I (minimum) or a portfolio demonstrating mastery of skills covered in Fine Arts I and Fine Arts II.