COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Intro to Visual Art:
In this course students will learn about the 7 elements of art: line, shape, color, value, form , texture and space. They will be assigned to make various artworks in which they show their knowledge of these elements. The artworks will show a variety of 2D and 3D techniques, materials and tools, such as: dry materials (pencil, charcoal, color pencil, oil and soft pastels), wet tools (paint, watercolor, ink, block print), collage techniques, ceramics, wood, paper maché and fabric.
STEAM:
STEAM stands for the relationship between Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. In this course, students will work with all these subjects and more. They will be working on projects in which they will learn skills from all these subjects to excel in problem-solving, innovative, and creative thinking.
These are exactly the skills you’ll need in your future job, which probably does not yet exist. Most projects that you will be working on will involve present-day, world problems like climate change, food production, transportation, and housing. But the most important take away will be communication of ideas and innovations. Are you that student who is curious, creative, and concerned about your future? If you are, then this is the course for you!
Visual Art 2D:
Prerequisite: Intro to Visual Art
In this course students will further explore the 7 elements of art. They learn how to make a good 2D composition with the Principles of Design: balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, rhythm, pattern and unity/variety. They will explore the 2D techniques from the Intro course further and explore new 2D techniques, such as photography, video and digital art. Students also learn about various 2D artists throughout the history of art.
Visual Art 3D:
Prerequisite: Intro to Visual Art
In this course students will further explore the 7 elements of art. They learn how to make a good 3D composition with the Principles of Design: balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, rhythm, pattern and unity/variety. They will explore the 3D techniques from the Intro course further and explore new 3D techniques, such as ceramics, metals (jewelry making) and foundry. Students also learn about various 3D artists throughout the history of art.
Beginning Ceramics:
Prerequisite: Intro to Visual Art
In this course students will focus on the beginning ceramic techniques such as: pottery making (hand-built and throwing), sculpturing with clay (additive and subtractive techniques) glazing and casting techniques. While learning these techniques students need to apply and show knowledge of the elements of art and the principles of design. Students also learn about various ceramic artists throughout the history of art.
Advanced Ceramics:
Prerequisites: Intro to Visual Art and Beginning Ceramics/or Visual Art 2D or 3D
In this course students explore more advanced ceramic techniques and they focus on two ceramic techniques of their choice. While mastering these techniques they need to apply the principles of design and they need to be able to explain their choices. Students also learn about various ceramic artists throughout the history of art.
AP Art/Advanced Art:
Prerequisites: Intro to Visual Art and Beginning Ceramics/or Visual Art 2D or 3D
The AP/Advanced Art portfolio demonstrates a student’s ability to explore Breadth (variety), Depth (also referred to as “Concentration”), and Quality, in 3 distinct bodies of work. High scores may lead to college credit. This course enables students to develop a cohesive body of work by investigating a strong underlying visual idea in 2D or 3D design that grows out of their own coherent plan of action or investigation. Students will be expected to solve problems creatively by using their knowledge of elements and principles of design in this course. Students will use a range of conceptual approaches as well as technical skills in a variety of media and they will need to exhibit familiarity with traditional and contemporary approaches to art.