Art Department

The Art I course is focused on the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design. The elements and principles are the fundamental building in the creation of artwork. Projects in this "hands on" class will introduce students to a variety of media. Students will investigate art history and arts from different cultures. Art I students will improve critical thinking skills and expand their creative problem solving abilities. Students will utilize the process of critical analysis as well as develop an awareness of aesthetics.

The Art II course is designed to reinforce the elements of art and principles of design, which were introduced in Art I. Students will expand their knowledge of art history, styles in art, artists, and different cultures. Emphasis will be placed on exploration of different media and methods of producing art. Students will be encouraged to utilize self-expression, creativity, and originality along with good craftsmanship in their art projects.

The Drawing & Design class extends the student's knowledge of art by utilizing past art experiences and challenging each student to explore a variety of means of self-expression. Students will refine their drawing skills, investigate additional methods and materials and review a variety of artistic styles. In addition the student will be able to utilize their drawing skills for commercial and advertising art applications.

The Photography course offers students basic knowledge of 35mm photography. The course covers manual camera operation, film exposure, aspects of composition and lighting, film processing and darkroom skills. The history of photography and works of major photographers will be examined as styles are related to various projects. Classroom work will consist of a combination of photo assignments, darkroom work, research, critiques, and field trips that emphasize the development of each student's artistic vision.

The Ceramics I course incorporates the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design and how they apply to clay as a medium. Students will focus on creating both sculptural and functional pieces. Students will utilize a variety of hand building and glazing techniques. Ceramics styles from the past and from other cultures will be investigated. The creative problems posed in ceramics will assist students in developing their critical thinking skills. Students will learn the process of critical analysis as well as develop an awareness of aesthetics as they apply to the medium.

Ceramics II is a continuation of the Ceramics I course. It is designed for the student with the desire to further their knowledge and develop higher-levels skills in the ceramic media. It is assumed that the student possesses knowledge of basic hand building, wheel throwing, and ceramic sculpture techniques. These skills will be utilized as a basis for the development of more advanced study. While refining their skill and knowledge, the developments of a personal style will be fostered. Ceramic vocabulary terms, art history, and art criticism are and integral part of the curriculum. Students will use a variety of ceramic techniques to express conceptual ideologies. Clay body, glaze mixing and experimentation, research in the ceramic field and kiln operation will be emphasized. The students will gain insight and critical thinking skills through exposure and interaction with ceramic artists.

Ceramics III is designed for the advanced student who wishes to continue his/her study of ceramics. The student will work on a contractual basis with guidance from the instructor. Students who elect this course must be self-motivated, possessing the commitment to work independently with instructor feedback as needed. Students will explore individual areas of interest while refining their skills and developing their individual artistic styles. Assignments of a technical and experimental nature will focus on advanced knowledge and technique. Students will assume more responsibility for studio management such as, kiln operation, glaze research, and studio maintenance. Art criticism as well as cultural and historical styles will be integrated into the curriculum for the advanced student. The pursuit and development of each student's individual style, and the justification of their aesthetic decisions, are the goals of each assignment.

The Sculpture class is designed for the student who wishes to express his/herself three-dimensionally. The course utilizes a variety of media to introduce students to the exploration of form. Students will be introduced to sculpture vocabulary and aesthetic analysis through the production and criticism. During their course study, students will employ various styles of expression to produce sculptural pieces in each of the four major techniques: manipulation, addition, subtraction, and substitution. Understanding of art history, social issues, and cultural awareness will be encouraged through study and the creative process. Upon completion of the sculpture course, students will possess a broad knowledge of technique, aesthetic awareness, historical and cultural context, and the ability to analyze three-dimensional media.

The Advanced Art course is designed for students who have completed Art I and Art II. Advanced Art will focus on exploring art through a variety of 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional projects utilizing different mediums. Students will apply their previous knowledge of the elements of art and the principles of design while fine tuning their skills in drawing, painting, design, collage, assemblage and modeling. Students will build their portfolios for presentation and will be able to defend their works using appropriate visual terms.

Advanced Placement (AP) Studio Art is an intensive course that addresses advanced concepts in drawing, painting, and 2-D design. Students taking this course produce portfolios of slides for use in the college admissions process and are prepared to submit portfolios for Advanced Placement Evaluation.
This course is designed for students who wish to take the National Advanced Placement examination to earn college credit in Studio Art. Students may submit works for two portfolio options, the 2-D Design Portfolio and the Drawing Portfolio. Works may include drawings, paintings, prints, computer generated art, photography, collage work, etc. The evaluation of the portfolio materials will reflect three areas of concern: quality, breadth, and concentration.
Within this course students will be given a choice of portfolio direction. They may choose to pursue a drawing concentration or a two-dimensional design concentration.

Painting introduces the students to essential concepts and techniques of painting. With an emphasis on perceptual work, the students will develop still life, landscape and portrait paintings. The student will explore and apply varied uses of paint as a material. (Exploring its ability to create space through expressive, symbolic, and descriptive form). Students will be introduced to basic control of tools, methods of paint application, color mixing, and preparation of the painting surface, as well as presenting their finished artwork. The painting class utilizes the elements of art and the principles of design.

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