Course Offerings:
Fundamentals of Art
1 credit
Regular Grading Scale
Fundamentals of Art explores the basics of drawing, painting, ceramics, and print making while satisfying the state required art credit. Projects will focus on these mediums while incorporating art history and practical hands-on application of art theories and procedures. A fee is charged for this course.
Visual Arts Foundations (Visual Arts Track)
1 credit
Regular Grading Scale
Prerequisite: Portfolio and teacher recommendation required
Visual Arts Foundations is structured like the Fundamentals of Art, but is developed for those students pursuing the Visual Arts Diploma and/or desire a more advanced pace. 8th graders pursuing the Visual Arts Track for high school will work with the middle school art teacher prior to scheduling. Current high school freshman can submit a portfolio to the High School Department Chair for approval. A fee is charged for this course.
Advanced Drawing & Painting
1 credit
Honors Grading Scale
Prerequisite: Visual Arts Foundations, or portfolio submission and teacher recommendation from Fundamentals of Art
Advanced Drawing and Painting is an in depth investigation of advanced drawing and painting techniques and mediums. Various artists and historical movements will be incorporated. Students will explore new mediums while learning to incorporate concept, developing work that is self-expressive. In depth multi-process work will be a focus as students begin to build their portfolios. The course is taught in a studio type setting. A fee is charged for this course.
Ceramics & Sculpture
1 credit
Regular Grading Scale
Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Art
This class is taught in a studio setting and designed for students interested in 3D exploration. Students will build upon skills learned in Fundamentals or Visual Art Foundations to increase their level of mastery in additive and subtractive sculptural techniques. Ceramics work will include hand building and wheel throwing. Other materials used may include, but are not limited to: wire, plaster, wood, and found objects/recycled materials. Students will create a variety of functional and conceptual pieces that will develop a strong 3D portfolio for use in competitions, AP, and/or college portfolios. A fee is charged for this course.
Mixed Media Studio
1 credit
Regular Grading Scale
Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Art or Visual Arts Foundations
This class is taught in a studio setting and is designed for students who want to explore a variety of materials and experience a wide range of art-making processes. Students will follow multistep processes and learn to unify various materials for purposeful concept and design. Experiences may include, but are not limited to: fabric dyeing, printmaking, embroidery, drawing, painting, and assemblage. The work students produce will serve to increase variety in portfolios submitted to competitions, the AP exam, and/or colleges. A fee is charged for this course.
AP Studio Drawing
1 credit
AP Grading Scale
Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Art or Visual Arts Foundations, AND Advanced Drawing and Painting *Completion of Summer Homework is required for admission
AP Studio Drawing is taught in a studio setting at the college level. Students will work toward mastery of skills while exploring advanced media and mark making techniques. Students will apply concept, meaning, and intent as they build their portfolios. Students will submit a portfolio to the College Board to qualify for college credit in the spring. A supply and testing fee is charged for this course.
AP 3D Design
1 credit
AP Grading Scale
Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Art or Visual Arts Foundations AND Ceramics & Sculpture Recommended: Mixed Media Studio
*Completion of Summer Homework is required for admission
This class is taught at the college level in a studio setting. AP 3D explores the elements and principles of design as they pertain to building form and shaping space. Students will master previous building techniques and explore advanced processes including, but not limited to: casting, glass fusing, and installation, while applying concept, meaning, and intent in Portfolio development. Students will submit a portfolio to the College Board to qualify for college credit in the spring. A supply and testing fee will be charged for this course.
AP 2D Design: Drawing/Painting-based
1 credit
AP Grading Scale
Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Art or Visual Arts Foundations AND Advanced Drawing & Painting. Recommended: AP Studio Drawing
*Completion of Summer Homework is required for Admission
AP 2-D Design is taught in a studio setting at the college level. AP 2-D Design explores the use of the elements and principles of art as they define composition. Drawing, painting and other mark-making medium skills are expected to combine with concept to create higher level process art. Students will submit a portfolio to the College Board to qualify for college credit in the spring. A supply and testing fee will be charged for this course.
AP 2D Design: Digital
1 credit
AP Grading Scale
Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Art or Visual Arts Foundations AND Digital Photography
Recommended: Graphic Design
*Completion of Summer Homework is required for Admission
AP 2-D Design is taught in a studio setting at the college level. AP 2-D Design Digital explores the use of the elements and principles of art as they define composition. Digital art, photography, mixed media, and other design media will combine with concept to create higher level process art. Students will submit a portfolio to the College Board to qualify for college credit in the spring. A supply and testing fee will be charged for this course.
Digital Photography
1 credit
Regular Grading Scale
Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Art or Visual Arts Foundations
This course provides a thorough investigation of photography as an art form. Students will learn about the history of photography, DSLR camera functions and fundamentals, various photographic techniques and composition skills, and post-production editing using Photoshop CC. Students will have several opportunities to practice camera skills and techniques during class, but will work independently outside of class time on shoot assignments. Time management and development of good work ethics is crucial to using lab time effectively to meet project deadlines. Equipment required: Students are responsible for providing their own DSLR camera, and SD card. A fee is charged for this course.
Graphic Design
1 credit
Regular Grading Scale
Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Art or Visual Arts Foundations
This course provides a comprehensive overview of visual design using digital media. Students will use the Adobe Creative Cloud to create graphics suitable for print and web applications. Students will learn how graphics in advertising are used to promote ideas through project-based assignments, as well as the tools and techniques needed to build a fully functioning website. Time management and development of good work ethics is crucial to using lab time effectively to meet project deadlines. A fee is charged for this course.
Film
1 credit
Grades 10, 11, 12
Regular Grading Scale
Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Art or Visual Arts Foundations
The Film curriculum is under revision. It will be available for the 2024-2025 school year.
Portfolio Studio
1 Credit
Regular Grading Scale
Prerequisite: CONCURRENTLY taken with an AP Art Class or, for a Senior Visual Art student who has completed 2 AP Art Classes
Portfolio Studio is offered only to students who are currently taking an AP Art Class or to a Senior who has already taken 2 AP classes and wishes to develop their portfolio for college admission and/or scholarship opportunities such as Scholastic Arts. A fee is charged for this course.