Visual & Media Arts

This course is designed to develop ceramic hand-building techniques and wheel techniques, from beginner to advanced in Ceramics. Students will examine various glazing and firing techniques. Students will be encouraged to develop work in a 3D medium that emphasizes function as well as form. The importance of good design, form, critical thinking, and problem-solving will be stressed. Students will be encouraged to start developing their own artistic style through research, reflection, and class critiques. This course is repeatable up to 3 times, with the students repeating the class having the expectation of moving up a level each time repeated.

Course Number: 875

Duration: Semester

Credits: 0.5

Grade: 9-12

Fees: $40

Course Number: 732

Duration: Semester

Credits: 0.5

Grade: 9-12

Fees: $30

Additional: Sketchbook 8.5”x11”  Regular #2 pencil and eraser.

This course is designed to develop skills from beginning to advanced drawing finesse. Students work with a variety of drawing materials and techniques. Students will practice planning and projecting ideas and experiences with aesthetic content and for personal expression. Students will be encouraged to develop their own artistic style through research, reflection, and class critiques. This course may be taken up to 3 times, with the expectation that students will learn more complex techniques, demonstrating improved skills with each successive course.

Course Number: 801

Duration: Semester

Credits: 0.5

Grade: 9-12

Fees: $40

Additional: Sketchbook 8.5”x11”  Regular #2 pencil and eraser.

In this course, students will develop metals, sculpture, and mixed 3D media skills from beginner to advanced in Jewelry Design. Students will be encouraged to develop work in a 3D medium that emphasizes function as well as form. Throughout, students will be encouraged to develop new approaches to their work. The importance of good design, critical thinking, and problem-solving will be stressed. Students will be encouraged to start developing their own artistic style through research, reflection, and class critiques. This course is repeatable up to 3 times, with the students repeating the class having the expectation of moving up a level each time repeated. 

Course Number: 880

Duration: Semester

Credits: 0.5

Grade: 9-12

Fees: $40

In this course, students will develop metals, sculpture, and mixed 3D media skills from beginner to advanced in Sculpture. Students will be encouraged to develop work in a 3D medium that emphasizes form and visual imagery over function. Throughout, students will be encouraged to develop new approaches to their work. The importance of good design, critical thinking, and problem-solving will be stressed. Students will be encouraged to start developing their own artistic style through research, reflection, and class critiques. This course may be taken up to 3 times, with the expectation that students will learn more complex techniques, demonstrating improved skills with each successive course.

Course Number: 877

Duration: Semester

Credits: 0.5

Grade: 9-12

Fees: $40 Additional: Sketchbook 8.5”x11”  Regular #2 pencil and eraser.

This course is designed to develop painting skills from beginner to advanced. The course will explore 2D art stressing the use of color, principles of design, and various painting media. Students will be encouraged to start developing their own artistic style through research, reflection, and class critiques. Students interested in a career in Art are encouraged to take this class early in their high school coursework to learn skills necessary for other art classes. This course may be taken up to 3 times, with the expectation that students will learn more complex techniques, demonstrating improved skills with each successive course.

Course Number: 867

Duration: Semester

Credits: 0.5

Grade: 9-12

Fees: $40

Additional: Sketchbook 8.5”x11”  Regular #2 pencil and eraser.

Students will learn Printmaking processes and techniques such as mono-printing, block printing, and screen printing. Students will learn and apply the elements of art and design principles in their artwork. Students will learn the elements of art and identify how artists use them to create successful artworks. Students will also be able to apply the skills they learn in this course to their everyday life. This course may be taken up to 3 times, with the expectation that students will learn more complex techniques, demonstrating improved skills with each successive course.

Course Number: 861

Duration: Semester

Credits: 0.5

Grade: 9-12

Fees: $40

Additional: Sketchbook 8.5”x11” Regular #2 pencil, eraser, headphones for Chromebook.

This course is designed to offer a solid foundation in the photographic processes. The course focuses on basic camera operations, composition techniques, photo editing with professional-level applications such as Photoshop or Lightroom, and an introduction to chemical processing in the darkroom. Students are encouraged to develop personal artistic expression through photography.

Students are expected to complete work outside of class. A digital camera is required (images captured on mobile devices are welcome). 35mm film cameras are available for student use, however, students are encouraged to use their own cameras.

Course Number: 814

Duration: Semester

Credits: 0.5

Grade: 9-12

Fees: $35

Additional: May take this class only once.

In this class, students will gain a better understanding of using a digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR) or mirrorless camera as well as composition, lighting, and digital manipulation techniques in Lightroom and Photoshop.

Students are encouraged to provide their own digital camera for this course. Using mobile technology for image capture is acceptable for some assignments. Cameras will be available for student use. Students are expected to complete work outside of class and are encouraged to enter regional and state art competitions.

Course Number: 847A

Duration: Semester

Credits: 0.5

Grade: 10-12

Fees: $30

Additional: Credit in Foundations in Photography (B average recommended); students are encouraged to also take Intermediate Photography – Film. Students may complete this course twice.

This is an intermediate-level course focused on controlling light by mastering exposure and depth of field using single-lens reflex (SLR) film cameras and digital photography. Students will develop film and use their negatives to print photos in the school’s darkroom. Students will also explore hybrid photography by scanning and enhancing their negatives in professional-level applications such as Photoshop or Lightroom.

Course Number: 847B

Duration: Semester

Credits: 0.5

Grade: 10-12

Fees: $30

Additional: Credit in Foundations in Photography required. Students may take this class twice.

AP Art is designed for serious-minded art students that are intending to pursue art study in college. The course will focus on the development of a significant and robust portfolio of pieces suitable for the collegiate application. AP Art offers the student the opportunity to pursue portfolio development in the following areas of assessment by the College Board: AP Studio Art: 2D, AP Studio Art: 3D, AP Studio Art: Drawing

Course Number: 879AP

Duration: Full Year

Credits: 1

Grade: 11-12

Fees: $70 

Additional: students eligible for free/reduced lunch should check with their counselor about AP exam fee waivers. Students should have at least 3 levels in one visual arts class(IE Drawing 1,2,3) or 4 semesters of art before taking this class.

Students will be able to work in the 2D – 3D media of their choice, including drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, metals or computer graphics. Students will spend the year developing individual portfolios to submit for college consideration and scholarship competitions. Students will be guided through the individual preparation of their portfolios based on prior experience, artistic strengths, and career plans with the help of the instructor.

The creation and presentation of portfolios, including the creation of a digital record of work, will be emphasized. Students requesting this course will have demonstrated high motivation, interest, and the ability to work independently during previous art courses. A sketchbook is required. This class may be taken for 879AP: AP (Advanced Placement) credit with permission from the instructor.

Course Number: 871

Duration: Full Year

Credits: 1

Grade: 11-12

Fees: $70

Additional: Students should have at least 3 levels in one visual arts class(IE Drawing 1,2,3) or 4 semesters of art before taking this class.