Art

0.33 Credit (Trimester course) 

 Grade 9 

Students will be introduced to a variety of art media and techniques. 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 and homework 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. 

1 Credit 

Grades 10, 11, 12 

Prerequisites: 84 or higher in a previous visual art course or departmental approval 

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, paint, clay, fibers, and collage. 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 craftswomanship and embrace the opportunity to explore ideas and concepts of their own expression. 

1 Credit  

Grades 10, 11, 12 

Prerequisites: 84 or higher in a previous visual art course or departmental approval 

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, portrait, and figure 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. An art history presentation that correlates to studio work is also part of the course requirements. 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. 

1 Credit 

Grades 10, 11, 12 

Prerequisites: 84 or higher in a previous visual art course or departmental approval 

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, intaglio, 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. An art history presentation that correlates to studio work is also part of the course requirements. Each student will be required to keep a sketchbook and portfolio for the year. Selected portfolio works will be exhibited during the Arts Festival. 

1 Credit 

Grades 10, 11, 12 

Prerequisites: 84 or higher in a previous visual art course or departmental approval 

Students will learn about fiber arts techniques and traditions from around the world. Through art making with a variety of natural and synthetic fiber materials, students will understand the many cultural significances of fiber arts. Students will appreciate contemporary applications of materials that have been part of human functional and decorative arts globally since the beginning of time. Projects may include weaving, macrame, knotting & coiling, felt making, felt painting, quilting, knitting and crocheting, stitching, embroidery, Batik, and fabric design & printing. Students 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 fiber arts and they will challenge their creative abilities. Students will also deepen their global awareness, understanding, and appreciation of our world. They will develop a creative voice that will allow them to contribute meaningfully to our world and continue on with a global perspective. 

1 Credit  

Grades 11, 12 

Prerequisites: 84 or higher in a previous visual art course or departmental approval 

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, 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. 

1 Credit  

Grade 12 

Prerequisites:  

• 94 or higher in full-year visual art course 

• Departmental approval 

AP Art and Design 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 or 3-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. An art history presentation that correlates to studio work is also part of the course requirements. 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 and design schools. Students will be 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. 

Note: AP students are required to take the AP exam, and families will be responsible for any associated fees.