Art
A completion of one art credit is necessary to meet graduation requirements. Through these courses offered below, students develop competencies in creating, connecting, responding, and presenting. Students must complete the introductory Visual Studies or Drawing courses with a grade of C or higher to continue in the art curriculum. Once this requirement is fulfilled, they may advance to courses such as Painting, Pottery, Advanced Studio Art, and AP Art.
Visual Studies 1602
1 Credit Grades 9-12
This preliminary course is designed to introduce the student to the visual world and make them more aware of the great potential and importance of visual perception. Students will explore design, composition, and color, while emphasizing the elements of art in a variety of media. The course is oriented to form a sound basic introduction to studio art, but also includes areas of art appreciation and criticism. A grade of C or better in this course is required for entrance into all other art elective courses.
Studio Drawing 1639
1 Credit Grades 10-12
This is a preliminary course for all serious art students. The course explores drawing techniques in various media, with emphasis on line, texture, tone, shape, color, and composition. Art appreciation and criticism are also an important part of this course. Grading includes projects, critiques, and written assessments. Freshmen must have received a waiver from their middle school art teacher in order to sign up for the course. A grade of C or better in this course is required for entrance into all other art elective courses.
Studio Painting 1629
1 Credit Grades 10-12
In this course, students will study and apply a variety of acrylic painting techniques. Students are encouraged to explore and experiment with projects ranging from landscapes, portraits, and mural designs. Students will also study paintings from art history and the contemporary art world. Grading includes projects, critiques, and written assessments.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in Studio Drawing or Teacher Recommendation
Pottery 1619
1 Credit Grades 10-12
In this studio course, students learn basic clay hand-building and glazing techniques in preparation for learning more advanced methods of clay construction. In the second half of the course, students develop these techniques through more complex assignments. Craftsmanship, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving are emphasized in the development of a variety of finished clay projects. Grading includes preliminary drawings, clay work, critiques, and written assessments.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in Visual Studies, Drawing, or Teacher Recommendation
Advanced Pottery 1620
1 Credit Grades 11-12
Advanced Pottery is a studio course that builds on skills and methods learned in Pottery class. Students in this course further develop their skills in hand-building construction, sculpture, advanced glazing, and decorating techniques. They also learn more about cultures and artists noted for their work in clay. Emphasis is on providing students opportunities to utilize and expand on clay skills learned in Pottery to create more in-depth and personal work. Grading includes preliminary drawings, clay work, critique, and written assessments.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in Pottery
Advanced Studio Art 1637
1 Credit Grades 11-12
Advanced Studio Art is designed for students who wish to further develop skills and techniques introduced in previous drawing and/or painting courses. Students will be continually encouraged to expand their creative ideas as well as their technical potential. Grading includes ideation, sketches, final projects, critiques, and written assessmentsPrerequisite: Completion of Drawing and/or Painting with grades of C or better
AP Studio Art (Honors/AP) 1636
AP Studio Art (Honors/AP) 1636
1.5 Credit Quarters 1,2 & 3 Grades 11-12
The AP Studio Art course is designed for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art. AP Studio Art is not based on a written examination; instead, students submit portfolios to the College Board for evaluation at the end of the school year. AP Studio Art students design and create a sustained investigation for their portfolio through organized AP instruction.
Prerequisite: Completion of Advanced Studio Art or Teacher Recommendation
The Art of Fiber Craft 1718
1 Credit Grades 9-12
Working with fiber with one’s hands is a therapeutic artistic endeavor combining science, art, and practical skills. Handwork has the great potential to refine artistic senses while reducing stress and anxiety due to the focused, repetitive activity that engages the mind and body in the present moment. The rhythmic, purposeful movement of hands is a blueprint for the process of receiving, integrating, and using abstract concepts of higher learning. Handwork provides rich “felt experiences” through touch, smell, and movement, which also activate neural pathways in the brain. Using raw materials and transforming them with spinning, making a skein, winding a ball, and finally knitting a finished garment is an alchemical process that works with the animal, plant, and mineral kingdoms. Sewing an article of clothing designed to fit one’s body creates appreciation for materials, time, and human skill. Successful completion of this course fulfills an art credit.
This course is taught at Project DRIVE.
Prerequisite: None