(This course is for elective credit only. Students interested in additional art courses should take Foundations in Art instead of Explorations. )

 

This course aims to provide students with a fresh perspective on art, catering to individuals who may not have considered themselves “artists” before. It offers a unique opportunity to discover and appreciate the role of art in our lives through engaging activities, exploration, and hands-on experiences that extend beyond traditional artistic boundaries.

 

 

501535 Foundations in Art (Weight – 1.1)                                                                                0.5 credits
(Formally Introduction to Art, this course serves as a prerequisite for advancement to additional art classes.)

 

An introduction to drawing, painting, design, and 3-D (sculpture & pottery) with a focus on the artistic process, media techniques, art appreciation and the basic art elements and principles used in art production. Students will demonstrate artistic knowledge through projects and sketchbook assignments.

506135 Artistic Crafts & Fibers (Weight – 1.1)                                                                        0.5 credits

This introductory course aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of historical and contemporary crafts and fiber arts. Students will explore a range of two- and three-dimensional techniques, such as embroidery, weaving, felting, sewing, crochet, and fabric dyeing. Students will apply a personal aesthetic in creating and refining artistic ideas using fiber and craft media.

 

503131 Drawing I/Painting I (Weight – 1.1) (Grades 10, 11, 12)                                                 1.0 credit

 

This course elaborates on the development of a 2-dimensional composition through the intentional selection of visual elements, materials, and drawing and painting techniques. Students will develop their awareness of artistic styles and the ability to reflect on professional and student artwork. Students will be required to create and maintain a sketchbook.

 

Prerequisite: Foundations in Art (formally Introduction to Art) with a grade of ‘B’ or higher OR upon teacher approval                                                                                                                                                                 

 

 

503231 Drawing II/Painting II (Weight – 1.1) (Grades 11, 12)                                                    1.0 credit

(This course will be scheduled during the first semester only.)

 

This course is designed for students who are interested in learning advanced drawing and painting techniques to develop their awareness of composition. Students will be exposed to the production of observational and thematic artwork that encourage students to make creative choices to further investigate their artistic style. Students will be required to maintain an annotated sketchbook, which will be used to guide independent investigations through research, planning and reflection.

 

Prerequisite: Drawing I/Painting I with a grade of ‘B’ or higher OR upon teacher approval

 

 

506235 Digital Arts (Weight – 1.1) (Grades 10, 11, 12)                                                              0.5 credits

This course introduces key concepts and principles related to digital arts. Through a combination of hands-on projects, theoretical knowledge, and practical skills, students will explore various aspects of digital painting, animation, and illustration. This course aims to foster artistic expression, technical proficiency, and critical thinking in the realm of digital visual arts.                                                                                                                                                                      

 

502131 Ceramics I/Sculpture I (Weight – 1.1) (Grades 10, 11, 12)                                              1.0 credit

 

This course offers students a variety of experiences in 3-dimensional form. Students will explore the techniques used in basic ceramics and sculpture. Students will be encouraged to think creatively, problem solve and begin to contemplate form. Aesthetics, criticism and art history will be covered as it relates to art production in 3-dimensional form. Basic clay construction includes: pinching, modeling, coil building, slab construction, surface manipulation, and wheel throwing.

 

Prerequisite: Foundations in Art (formally Introduction to Art) with a grade of ‘B’ or higher OR upon teacher approval.

 

 

502231 Ceramics II/Sculpture II (Weight – 1.1) (Grades 11, 12)                                                 1.0 credit

 

This course is designed for those students who want to refine their skills and explore advanced ceramic processes. Students will be encouraged to establish individualized goals reflecting a sense of personal expression, to be shown in the production of functional and non-functional art pieces. Students will maintain a sketchbook to plan and develop designs, conduct artist research, and track glazing results.

 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Ceramics I/Sculpture I with a grade of ‘B’ or higher OR upon teacher approval

 

505135 Graphic Design (Weight – 1.1) (Grades 10, 11, 12)                                                        0.5 credits

 

This course will introduce students to the digital art process and focus on the applications of visual communications. Adobe Illustrator and traditional media techniques will be utilized throughout the design process. This class offers students the opportunity to explore media and techniques that focus on marketing and consumer products, such as logos, package design, and advertisements. Students will learn to communicate effectively and creatively through the proper use of design elements and principles, appropriate typography choices and visually stimulating compositions.

 

Prerequisite: Foundations in Art (formally Introduction to Art) with a grade of ‘B’ or better OR upon teacher approval

 

504135 Photography I (Weight 1.1)                                                                                             0.5 credits

 

This course is designed to teach students the basic concepts of digital photography. Emphasis is placed on the proper handling, care and operations of the digital SLR camera as well as the artistic approach to shooting images. Students will explore a variety of compositional strategies to create more interesting photographs. Students will critically examine and write about images. It is not necessary for students to own a digital SLR camera to participate in this course.

 

 

504235 Photography II (Weight 1.1) (Grades 10, 11, 12)                                                         0.5 credits

 

This course is designed for students who want to master the use of the digital SLR camera. This class includes advanced use of camera functions and Photoshop. Artistic and thoughtful choices regarding composition, camera settings and subject matter will be heavily emphasized in this course. In this course students will critically examine photographs and discuss or write about them in a cohesive manner. It is not necessary for students to own a digital SLR camera to participate in this course.

 

Prerequisite: Photography I with a grade of ‘B’ or better OR upon teacher approval

 

 

501611 Advanced Placement Art and Design (Weight 1.3) (Grades 11 and 12)                             1.0 credit

(This course will be scheduled to meet every other day for the full year.)

 

The AP Art & Design course is a comprehensive program designed to foster artistic exploration and development among high school students similar to the experience of a foundational college course. This advanced placement course offers two distinct pathways—AP 2-D Art & Design and AP Drawing—that provide students with the opportunity to showcase their artistic skills and conceptual understanding. Emphasizing a strong foundation in visual communication, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving, students will explore the connection between ideas, materials, and processes through a wide range of media, techniques, and concepts. Students will also complete a sustained investigation of a chosen theme that reflects their personal voice and artistic identity. The AP Art & Design course challenges students to engage in a thoughtful artistic process, encouraging them to experiment, take risks, and develop an understanding of the purpose behind their choices.

Assignments will require approximately 5-7 hours of work outside of class per week. Students will be expected to complete summer assignments prior to the start of the course. Students enrolling in AP Art and Design will be required to submit the selected portfolio in May.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of 3 advanced two-dimensional art courses (Drawing/Painting I-III, Photography I-III, Graphic Design I-II) with a grade of ‘B’ or higher. Completion of Drawing/Painting II is highly recommended prior to APAD but may be completed simultaneously with APAD in the fall semester. Teacher approval required.

 

106131 Yearbook (Weight – 1.1) (Grades 10,11,12)                                                               1.0 credit

 

This course is designed to produce our high school yearbook. Students will be instructed and work on developing skills in the following areas concerning yearbook:  composing, revising, editing, creative design of layouts, photography, marketing and public relations. Yearbook involves independent working, including work to be accomplished outside of the classroom and regular school hours; therefore, only students seriously interested in and dedicated to professional production should consider this course. Students selected for Yearbook will be invited to an informational meeting, upon which they’ll need to participate in an application process to officially enroll in the course.  See Mrs. Schock with questions. 

 

Recommended Courses: Preferred to have completed of Graphic Design, Photography, OR Desktop Publishing with a grade of ‘B’ or better.

 

Art Independent Study Options

 

Each independent study option allows students to further investigate and master a specific area of interest. Students will be required to complete 4 predetermined projects, allowing the remainder of the course to investigate self-guided projects. Maintaining a sketchbook is a requirement to demonstrate the artistic process, including planning and self-evaluation. Students will maintain a display of their work in the hallway, accompanied by an artist statement for each final work. Only students seriously interested in and dedicated to production of artwork should consider the independent study option. These options can be scheduled every day for the semester or alternating days for the entire school year.

 

 

IS505135 Graphic Design II (Weight 1.1)  (11, 12)                                                                     1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Graphic Design I with a grade of ‘A’ or better AND teacher approval REQUIRED

 

IS502231 Ceramics/Sculpture III (Weight 1.2) (11, 12)                                                               1.0 credit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Ceramics/Sculpture II with a grade of ‘A’ or better AND teacher approval REQUIRED

 

 

IS503231 Drawing/Painting III (Weight 1.2) (11, 12)                                                                 1.0 credit 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Drawing/Painting II with a grade of ‘A’ or better AND teacher approval REQUIRED

IS504235 Photography III (Weight 1.2) (11, 12)                                                                          1.0 credits

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Photography II with a grade of ‘A’ or better AND teacher approval REQUIRED

 

 

501631 Studio Art II (Weight 1.1)  (11, 12)                                                                                  
(Reserved for AP Art & Design and above mentioned independent study students only.
Teacher approval REQUIRED. Not for credit.)

This is an open studio opportunity for students to continue the development of their portfolio work. Students will work independently. Student/teacher critiques will be reserved for class.