Visual Arts
All of the courses in the Art Department satisfy the Arts and Humanities or Free Elective requirements for graduation.
The department of Visual Arts offers a diverse range of courses for students in grades 9-12 ranging from introductory courses to advanced placement. Our courses provide an opportunity for students to broaden their aesthetic horizons and enhance their creative abilities. Students engage in project-based learning that enhances creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. Students learn to utilize design thinking, problem-solving, and risk-taking by exploring multiple mediums. Additionally, the department offers an intensive program for students who are considering studying art in college or pursuing careers in art or art-related professions. The advanced level courses are strongly recommended for portfolio preparation that is necessary for college admissions in fine arts, architecture, fashion design, and media design.
A LAB FEE WILL BE CHARGED FOR ALL VISUAL ARTS COURSES
Essentials & Drawing and Painting
- ESSENTIALS OF ART (AD) 7112
- ACCELERATED ESSENTIALS OF ART (AD) 7113
- ACCELERATED DRAWING AND PAINTING 1 (AD) 7157
- ACCELERATED DRAWING AND PAINTING 1 (YR) 7150
- ACCELERATED DRAWING AND PAINTING 2 (AD) 7159
- HONORS DRAWING AND PAINTING 2 (YR) 7158
ESSENTIALS OF ART (AD) 7112
ESSENTIALS OF ART 7112
-Course is offered in an ALTERNATE DAY format
-Grades 9-12
Essentials of Art is an exploratory course open to all students and is an excellent introduction to the Art Department. The course exposes students to a variety of visual arts experiences in 2D and 3D including drawing, painting, ceramics, and sculpture. The course is a survey of all the department has to offer and provides students with an opportunity to discover the mediums they would like to pursue.
ACCELERATED ESSENTIALS OF ART (AD) 7113
ACCELERATED ESSENTIALS OF ART 7113
-Course is offered in an ALTERNATE DAY format
-Grades 9-12
Accelerated Essentials of Art is similar to Essentials of Art except that this course is based on a more rigorous curriculum. In accelerated classes, students are expected to have expanded personal solutions to art- based problems and create using the highest levels of production. Students will be asked to complete additional requirements to their work and/or complete additional assignments.
ACCELERATED DRAWING AND PAINTING 1 (AD) 7157
ACCELERATED DRAWING AND PAINTING 1 7157
-Course is offered in an ALTERNATE DAY format
-Grades 9-12
For students entering 9th grade, a sample of work is required for acceptance in this course.
Accelerated Drawing and Painting 1 is an introductory course open to all students who have interest in drawing and painting. Emphasis is placed on developing fundamental drawing and painting skills and techniques. Possible materials include pencil, charcoal, pastel, watercolor, ink, and acrylic paint. No previous experience with drawing or painting is required although students should have a strong interest in developing in and through the arts.
- Students requiring a portfolio for college admission are encouraged to take this class. (Architecture, Fashion, Graphic Design and Visual Arts)
ACCELERATED DRAWING AND PAINTING 1 (YR) 7150
ACCELERATED DRAWING AND PAINTING 1 7150
-This course is offered in a FULL YEAR format
-Grades 9-12
Accelerated Drawing and Painting Full Year is an everyday course similar to Drawing and Painting Alternate Day except that this course is more in-depth. In accelerated classes, students are expected to have expanded personal solutions to art-based problems and create using the highest levels of production. Students will be asked to complete additional requirements to their work and/or complete additional assignments.
ACCELERATED DRAWING AND PAINTING 2 (AD) 7159
ACCELERATED DRAWING AND PAINTING 2 7159
-Course is offered in an ALTERNATE DAY format
-Grades 10-12
Completion of Drawing and Painting 1 Required
Accelerated Drawing and Painting 2 is an alternate day advanced level course that builds on the skills developed in Drawing and Painting 1. Emphasis is placed on learning a variety of painting styles and techniques. Possible materials include pastel, watercolors, acrylic and oil paints. Throughout this course students will begin to develop their artistic voice.
- This course is strongly recommended for students wishing to take AP 2D Design or AP Drawing.
- Students requiring a portfolio for college admission are encouraged to take this class. (Architecture, Fashion, Graphic Design and Visual Arts)
HONORS DRAWING AND PAINTING 2 (YR) 7158
HONORS DRAWING AND PAINTING 2 7158
-This course is offered in a FULL YEAR format
-Grades 10-12
Completion of Drawing and Painting 1 Required or teacher approval/recommendation
Honors Drawing and Painting 2 is an everyday advanced level course that builds on the skills developed in Drawing and Painting 1. Emphasis is placed on learning a variety of painting styles and techniques. Possible materials include pastel, watercolors, acrylic and oil paints. Throughout this course students will begin to develop their artistic voice. This course offers a more in-depth exploration of painting and drawing allowing students to develop projects which sustain over a period of time, encouraging them to work and rework their ideas.
- This course is strongly recommended for students wishing to take AP 2D Design or AP Drawing.
- Students requiring a portfolio for college admission are encouraged to take this class. (Architecture, Fashion, Graphic Design and Visual Arts)
Design
DESIGN 1 (AD) 7141
DESIGN 1 7141
-Course is offered in an ALTERNATE DAY format
-Grades 9-12
Design 1 is an introductory course open to all students. Emphasis is placed on the foundations for creating digital art and illustration. Students will explore digital fine art through use of modern technology and multimedia applications. Students will explore a variety of presentation formats for displaying their work. No previous experience using digital art is required.
ACCELERATED DESIGN 1 (AD) 7143
ACCELERATED DESIGN 1 7143
-Course is offered in an ALTERNATE DAY format
-Grades 9-12
Accelerated Design 1 is similar to Design 1 except that this course is based on a more rigorous curriculum. In accelerated classes, students are expected to have expanded personal solutions to art- based problems and create using the highest levels of production. Students will be asked to complete additional requirements to their work and/or complete additional assignments.
DESIGN 2 (AD) 7144
DESIGN 2 7144
-Course is offered in an ALTERNATE DAY format
-Grades 10-12
Completion of Design 1 Required
Design 2 is an advanced level course for students who wish to continue exploring digital design concepts. The course will provide students with the opportunity to synthesize ideas presented in Design 1 and apply these ideas to more complex assignments. Students will develop advanced skills in presenting their digital art. Students will begin to develop their artistic voice in this course.
ACCELERATED DESIGN 2 (AD) 7146
ACCELERATED DESIGN 2 7146
-Course is offered in an ALTERNATE DAY format
-Grades 10-12
Completion of Design 1 Required
Accelerated Design 2 is similar to Design 2 except that this course is based on a more rigorous curriculum. In accelerated classes, students are expected to have expanded personal solutions to art- based problems and create using the highest levels of production. Students will be asked to complete additional requirements to their work and/or complete additional assignments.
Ceramics
- CERAMICS 1 (AD) 7131
- ACCELERATED CERAMICS 1 (AD) 7132
- CERAMICS 2 (AD) 7136
- ACCELERATED CERAMICS 2 (AD) 7138
- HONORS CERAMICS 2 (YR) 7134
CERAMICS 1 (AD) 7131
CERAMICS 1 7131
-Course is offered in an ALTERNATE DAY format
-Grades 9-12
Ceramics 1 is an introductory level course. The course exposes students to the skills, tools, materials and processes involved in working with clay. No previous experience with clay is required. Students will use materials and processes that are basic to ceramics including hand building, pinch, coil and slab methods. Students will learn about clay and glazes and may be introduced to the potter’s wheel. Students will also be introduced to the kiln and firing methods.
ACCELERATED CERAMICS 1 (AD) 7132
ACCELERATED CERAMICS 1 7132
-Course is offered in an ALTERNATE DAY format
-Grades 9-12
Accelerated Ceramics 1 is similar to Ceramics 1 except that this course is based on a more rigorous curriculum. In accelerated classes, students are expected to have expanded personal solutions to art-based problems and create using the highest levels of production. Students will be asked to complete additional assignments as required by the teacher.
CERAMICS 2 (AD) 7136
CERAMICS 2 7136
-Course is offered in an ALTERNATE DAY format
-Grades 10-12
Completion of Ceramics 1 Required
Ceramics 2 is an advanced level course. The purpose of Ceramics 2 is to introduce students to the pottery wheel. Ceramics 2 is for students who have successfully completed Ceramics 1 or Accelerated Ceramics 1. Students will continue to learn about clay and glazes, the kiln and firing methods as well as, an in-depth exploration of surface techniques.
ACCELERATED CERAMICS 2 (AD) 7138
ACCELERATED CERAMICS 2 7138
-Course is offered in an ALTERNATE DAY format
-Grades 10-12
Completion of Ceramics 1 Required
Accelerated Ceramics 2 is similar to Ceramics 2 except that this course is based on a more rigorous curriculum. In accelerated classes, students are expected to have expanded personal solutions to art-based problems and create using the highest levels of production. Students will be asked to complete additional assignments as required by the teacher.
HONORS CERAMICS 2 (YR) 7134
HONORS CERAMICS 2 7134
-Course is offered in a FULL YEAR format
-Grades 10-12
Completion of Ceramics 1 Required
Honors Ceramics 2 is an everyday advanced level honors course. This course gives students advanced information about the skills, tools, processes and materials in manipulating clay, the pottery wheel and glazing. Major emphasis will be in wheel throwing techniques. Students will have the opportunity to develop projects which sustain over a period of time, encouraging them to work and rework their ideas.
Metals
- METALS 1 (AD) 7172
- ACCELERATED METALS 1 (AD) 7178
- METALS 2 (AD) 7173
- ACCELERATED METALS 2 (AD) 7174
- HONORS METALS 2 (YR) 7279
METALS 1 (AD) 7172
METALS 1 7172
-Course is offered in an ALTERNATE DAY format
-Grades 9-12
Metals 1 is an introductory level course. The course exposes students to both functional and structural methods and techniques of metalsmithing. No previous experience with metals or three-dimensional design is required. Students will make jewelry or sculptural pieces that could include rings, bracelets, pendants, or necklaces. Students will be acquainted with methods of work, putting jewelry on display, and ways to finish pieces.
ACCELERATED METALS 1 (AD) 7178
ACCELERATED METALS 1 7178
-Course is offered in an ALTERNATE DAY format
-Grades 9-12
Accelerated Metals 1 is similar to Metals 1 except that this course is based on a more rigorous curriculum. In accelerated classes, students are expected to have expanded personal solutions to art-based problems and create using the highest levels of production. Students will be asked to complete additional assignments as required by the teacher.
METALS 2 (AD) 7173
METALS 2 7173
-Course is offered in an ALTERNATE DAY format
-Grades 10-12
Completion of Metals 1 Required
Metals 2 is an advanced level course. The purpose of Metals 2 is to provide students with further opportunities to advance the skills, tools, materials and processes of metalsmithing. Metals 2 is for students who have successfully completed Metals 1 or Accelerated Metals 1. Students will create more complex pieces and experiment with a variety of ways to create three-dimensional metal works of art.
ACCELERATED METALS 2 (AD) 7174
ACCELERATED METALS 2 7174
-Course is offered in an ALTERNATE DAY format
-Grades 10-12
Completion of Metals 1 Required
Accelerated Metals 2 is similar to Metals 2 except that this course is based on a more rigorous curriculum. In accelerated classes, students are expected to have expanded personal solutions to art-based problems and create using the highest levels of production. Students will be asked to complete additional assignments as required by the teacher.
HONORS METALS 2 (YR) 7279
HONORS METALS 2 7279
-Course is offered in a FULL YEAR format
-Grades 10-12
Completion of Metals 1 Required
Metals 2 is an advanced level course. The purpose of Metals 2 is to provide students with further opportunities to advance the skills, tools, materials and processes of metalsmithing. Metals 2 is for students who have successfully completed Metals 1 or Accelerated Metals 1. Students will create more complex pieces and experiment with a variety of ways to create three-dimensional metal works of art.
Advanced Placement
- AP ART HISTORY (YR) 7114
- AP DRAWING (YR) 7116
- AP-2D ART & DESIGN (YR) 7117
- AP-3D ART & DESIGN (YR) 7118
AP ART HISTORY (YR) 7114
AP ART HISTORY 7114
-Course is offered in a FULL YEAR format
-Grades 10-12
The Advanced Placement Program in Art History is open to students in tenth, eleventh and twelfth grade. This course explores topics such as the nature of art, its uses, its meanings, art making, and responses to art. Through investigation of diverse artistic traditions of cultures from prehistory to the present, the course fosters in-depth and holistic understanding of the history of art from a global perspective. Students learn and apply skills of visual, contextual, and comparative analysis to engage with a variety of art forms, constructing understanding of individual works and interconnections of art-making processes and products throughout history. No prior experience in art is necessary to enroll in this course. Students who have done well in studies such as history, literature, and advanced art are encouraged to enroll. Two goals of the course are to encourage the students to pursue further study in college as well as become versed in the visual language of art. Students enrolling in this course should recognize that there is a high level of academic commitment required.
Students will have an opportunity to gain college credit and are encouraged to take the AP Exam in the spring.
AP DRAWING (YR) 7116
AP DRAWING 7116
-Course is offered in a FULL YEAR format
-Grades 11-12
Successful Completion of Drawing and Painting 1 and/or 2 and Teacher Recommendation or Portfolio Review Required.
Advanced Placement Drawing is a rigorous college-level course, which requires the production of an extensive portfolio. Throughout the course, students conduct an in-depth, sustained investigation of materials, processes, and ideas. The framework of the course focuses on concepts and skills emphasized within college art foundations courses. The course focuses on the use of mark-making, line, surface, space, light and shade, and composition. The intent of the course is to help students become inquisitive, thoughtful artists and designers who are able to articulate information about their work. Ongoing critical analysis, through individual and group critiques, enables both the students and the teacher to access the strengths and weaknesses in the work.
- Students who enroll in AP Drawing should do so with the understanding that they plan to participate in the AP Studio evaluation.
- Advanced Placement Drawing is designed for highly motivated students.
AP-2D ART & DESIGN (YR) 7117
AP-2D ART & DESIGN 7117
-Course is offered in a FULL YEAR format
-Grades 11-12
Successful Completion of Drawing and Painting 1 and/or 2 and Teacher Recommendation or Portfolio Review Required.
Advanced Placement 2D Art & Design is a rigorous college-level course, which requires the production of an extensive portfolio. Throughout the course, students conduct an in-depth, sustained investigation of materials, processes, and ideas. The framework of the course focuses on concepts and skills emphasized within college art foundations courses. The course focuses on the use of two-dimensional elements and principles of art and design. Students will consider how materials, processes and ideas can be used to make work that exists on a flat surface. The intent of the course is to help students to become inquisitive, thoughtful artists and designers who are able to articulate information about their work. Ongoing critical analysis, through individual and group critiques, enables both the students and the teacher to access the strengths and weaknesses in the work.
- Students who enroll in this course should do so with the understanding that they plan to participate in the AP Studio evaluation.
- The course is designed for highly motivated students.
AP-3D ART & DESIGN (YR) 7118
AP-3D ART & DESIGN 7118
-Course is offered in a FULL YEAR format
-Grades 11-12
Successful Completion of Ceramics 1 & 2 and/or Metals 1 & 2 and Teacher Recommendation or Portfolio Review Required.
Advanced Placement 3D Art & Design is a rigorous college-level course, which requires the production of an extensive portfolio. Throughout the course, students conduct an in-depth, sustained investigation of materials, processes, and ideas. The framework of the course focuses on concepts and skills emphasized within college art foundations courses. The course focuses on the use of three-dimensional elements and principles of art and design. Students will consider how materials, processes, and ideas can be used to make work that involves space and form. The intent of the course is to help students to become inquisitive, thoughtful artists and designers who are able to articulate information about their work. Ongoing critical analysis, through individual and group critiques, enables both the students and the teacher to access the strengths and weaknesses in the work.
- Students who enroll in this course should do so with the understanding that they plan to participate in the AP Studio evaluation.
- This course is designed for highly motivated students.