Course Offerings
Art 1 P
This is the foundation course for all other art department courses. Students receive introductory assignments around the five art focuses, (artistic, perception, creative expression, art history, aesthetics and critique). Introductory art elements and design principles are studied and applied using various media. Course work includes drawing, painting, perspective, color theory, portraiture, expressionism, abstractions and cultural arts, figure drawing and much more! Students keep an in class sketchbook and must make one museum/gallery visit.
Art 2 P
Prerequisite: Completion of Art 1 P
This course expands upon the five focus areas, the elements of art and principles of design in more depth. Students have more creative freedom within project guidelines and are encouraged to create meaning and explore personal style in their art. Course work includes drawing, painting, perspective, color, portraiture, expressionism, abstraction, mural painting, installation, symbolism, cultural arts, figure drawing, composition, comical art and start developing their portfolio! Students must keep a sketchbook, in and out of class, make one museum/gallery visit and participate in extra- curricular art events and activities.
Art 3 P
Prerequisite: Completion of Art 2 P
This course expands further on the four focus areas through studio experiences that emphasize design and composition as applied to drawing and painting. Students will write project proposals, choose projects/media, and conduct visual research on special interest areas. Students will refine their personal style, explore themes in a global context and create a cohesive body of work to be displayed in a portfolio. As portfolios progress, options for Advanced Placement Art will be explored. Students must keep a sketchbook in and out of class, make one museum/gallery visit and participate in extra-curricular art events and activities.
Art 4 P
Prerequisite: Completion of Art 3 P
This course emphasizes the individual student’s development in creative expression and technique. Students choose a media of focus, explore themes and research special interest areas. Mastery of various media and techniques is demonstrated in an exhibition of completed work. Cultural history, aesthetics, analysis, appreciation and technology of art are taught as part of each unit of student. Portfolio preparation is explored for those planning to major in art at the college level. Students must keep a sketchbook in and out of class, make one museum/gallery visit and participate in extra-curricular art events and activities.
AP Studio Art: Drawing
Advanced Placement (AP) Art is intended for highly motivated and talented students who wish to pursue college level studies while in high school. Students produce a Drawing portfolio over a period of one year, utilizing work from the previous year as well. The portfolio is based on a study into composition, mark making, line quality, texture, value, contour. The requirements include submitting 15 sustained investigation pieces (in depth investigation of materials, processes and ideas), as well as 5 selected works (demonstrating skillful synthesis, processes and ideas)Portfolios are sent to the College Board for grading in May. After submission of portfolios, students focus on campus beautification by designing and painting on campus. Students accepted to AP Art must complete all summer assignments before the start of their AP Art year, as well as prerequisite classes completed.AP Central, Collegeboard: AP Art and Design
AP Studio Art: 2-D DESIGN
Advanced Placement (AP) Art is intended for highly motivated and talented students who wish to pursue college level studies while in high school. Students produce a 2D portfolio over a period of one year, including previous years work. Portfolio involves utilizing elements and principles of art in an integrative way. The requirements include submitting 15 sustained investigation pieces (in depth investigation of materials, processes and ideas), as well as 5 selected works (demonstrating skillful synthesis, processes and ideas) Portfolios are sent to the College Board for grading in May. After submission of portfolios, students focus on campus beautification by designing and painting on campus. Students accepted to AP Art must complete all summer assignments before the start of their AP Art year, as well as prerequisite classes completed.
AP Central, Collegeboard: AP Art and Design
CERAMICS 1P
This is an introductory level course designed to offer the student an opportunity to explore ceramic media and processes. This course is directed to all students with little or no experience in ceramics. You will learn The Elements and Principles of Art as it relates to three-dimensional work by utilizing the processes of hand building, molds, wheel throwing, slip and glaze techniques as well as the firing process. Historical and contemporary ceramics are introduced through slides and lectures.
Ceramics 2P, 3P, & 4
Prerequisite: Completion of previous Ceramics level
This is a continuation of Ceramics 1 P with opportunities for more in depth exploration of technique, processes, personal expression and portfolio growth. Students will continue their exploration of ceramic arts by further developing their technical and creative skills in clay. Both sculptural and wheel skills are explored along with additional advanced techniques of surface decoration glazes and kiln firing. The investigation of historical and contemporary ceramic work continues to be an essential component of the curriculum. Self-discipline and willingness to seek new challenges is expected.
PHOTOGRAPHY 1P
The class is designed as a beginning digital photography course. It will encompass aspects of digital image-making. Students learn camera operation, basic lighting concepts, composition and emphasis is placed on the creative process. Through the Elements and Principles of Design, visual aids and discussions, students will gain familiarity with the critique process. Assignments will demonstrate mastery of technical skills and individual creative expression.
PHOTOGRAPHY 2P
Prerequisite: Completion Photography 1.
This second year course in photography will focus on portfolio development, advanced editing, composition, and printing and presentation techniques. Students will hone their skills from Photo 1 to develop works in a series and into a portfolio. Students are free to pursue their own interests in photography but will be required to “specialize” in a different area of photography each quarter.
PHOTOGRAPHY 3P
Prerequisite: Completion of Photography 2P
This third year course in photography will focus on mastery of digital techniques, personal artistic style, and professional portfolio development. Students master advanced technical skills: manual camera controls, professional studio lighting, and complex post-processing.