Art

1 trimester 

Students will be introduced to a variety of art media and techniques and they will learn foundation concepts of composition and design. The art genres of still-life and landscape will be studied. Lessons include drawing and painting. Art history will be a component of class material. Students will develop their technical skills, enhance their creative abilities and grow in their awareness, understanding, and appreciation of visual art. Students will build beginner art portfolios. 

2 semesters 

Students will explore a myriad of artmaking materials and techniques. 2-D and 3-D composition and design skills will be the focus of art making. Projects will reference historical traditions and alternative techniques with pencil, charcoal, pastels, paint, clay, fibers, collage, and photography. Studio work will include direct observation, abstraction, and conceptualization with a goal of developing a working understanding of the theories of art through artmaking. Students will practice realistic presentation of subject matter, effective organization of the elements and principles of art, and vivid communication of moods, feelings, and ideas. Each student will be required to keep a sketchbook and portfolio for the year. Selected portfolio works will be exhibited during the Arts Festival. Students will develop a disciplined approach to craftswomenship and embrace the opportunity to explore ideas and concepts of their own expression. 

Prerequisites: 84 or above in Visual Arts Foundation and departmental approval 

2 semesters 

Students will learn about the formal elements and principles of art. An extensive variety of art materials, a myriad of techniques, and 2-D composition and design skills will be the focus of projects. The art genres of still-life, landscape, and portrait will be explored in art making. Drawing and painting projects will be theory and art history based. Lessons will include pencil, charcoal, chalk pastel, oil pastel, acrylic, watercolor, and ink. Each student will be required to keep a sketchbook and portfolio for the year. Selected portfolio works will be exhibited during the Arts Festival. Students will develop strong technical skills in art making and they will challenge their creative abilities. They will also deepen their awareness, understanding, and appreciation of visual art. Students will think critically about their own art, art history, and contemporary contexts. 

Prerequisites: 84 or above in Visual Arts Foundation and departmental approval 

2 semesters 

In this course, students will develop decision-making, creative, and technical skills through a structured art method that emphasizes the cyclical process of artmaking. Projects may include relief, lithograph, collagraph, anthotype, monotype, and embossing. Some of the artwork will be made using found objects, household materials, traditional equipment and even tech resources like 3D printing. The curriculum is designed to empower students to address two essential questions: 1. How do I think creatively? 2. How can I best share my vision? Technical lessons will be complemented with individual meetings and proposals. As students progress through projects, they will increasingly engage with creative thought steps, shaping their decision-making and fostering independence. Projects will revolve around student-driven themes and mediums based on class interests and collaborative feedback. This course will empower students to explore their artistic potential and create meaningful artwork. Students will be required to maintain a sketchbook and portfolio, and selected works will be exhibited during the Arts Festival.   

Prerequisites: 84 or above in Visual Arts Foundation and departmental approval 

2 semesters 

Students will learn about the formal elements and principles of art. Students will explore a myriad of building techniques and 3-D composition and design skills will be the focus of projects. Clay, glazes, found/recycled objects, and alternative surface finishes will be the main materials used in this course. Functional and decorative motifs will be explored in art making. Ceramic and sculpture projects will be theory and art history-based. Lessons will include hand-building with coils and slabs, throwing on the pottery wheels, and additive and subtractive sculpture. Each student will be required to keep a sketchbook and portfolio for the year. Selected portfolio works will be exhibited during the Arts Festival. Students will develop strong technical skills in art making and they will challenge their creative abilities. They will also deepen their awareness, understanding, and appreciation of visual art. Students will think critically about their own art, art history, and contemporary contexts. 

Prerequisites: 84 or above in Visual Arts Foundation and departmental approval 

2 semesters 

Students will deepen their understanding of the formal elements and principles of art. Advanced art materials and techniques will be used in this course and projects will be art history based. The art genres of still-life, landscape, portrait, and figure will be studied. The emphasis of study will be on figurative artwork. Art theory, art history, art criticism, and aesthetics will be components of class and homework material. Also required are two art history research projects and presentations, and an independent art project. Each student will be required to keep a sketchbook and portfolio for the year. Selected portfolio works will be exhibited during the Arts Festival. Lessons include drawing, painting, ceramics, and sculpture.. Several field trips to local museums and exhibitions are part of the curriculum. Students will master their technical skills, define their creative voice, and own an artistic style. Students will think critically about their own art, art history, and contemporary contexts. This course is designed for students who are serious about art, or for those interested in pursuing an art related career and may possibly be applying to art & design schools. 

Prerequisites: 94 or higher in previous art class and departmental approval 

2 Semesters 

A.P. Studio Art will introduce and reinforce advanced drawing and design techniques and concepts. Students will work in depth on technical skills and composition strategies with a variety of 2-D media. They will develop and enhance their creativity and execute original artwork. Students will focus on a theme for portfolios that will be exhibited during the Arts Festival and submitted to the College Board for scoring. Art history texts and resources will be used and several field trips to museums and exhibitions are required. Students will be required to maintain weekly sketchbook exercises. Art theory and art criticism-related assignments will be part of the coursework. Students are expected to spend at least six hours a week outside of class working in the art studio and/or at home on portfolio artwork and related assignments. 

Prerequisites: 94 or higher in previous art class and departmental approval