Art

The goal of this foundational course is to introduce students to the elements of art and the principles of design through experience in drawing, painting, printmaking, and designing. Students improve their proficiency in utilizing art-making tools, which will ultimately help them communicate their ideas more effectively in their artwork. Through brief introductions to the history of drawing and painting, each student also begins to develop a sense of her own unique visual language as it relates to art history and culture. Throughout the course, creativity and imagination are strongly nurtured as important experience-based tools that are necessary for successful problem-solving of all kinds. The reinforcement of drawing is threaded throughout all of the projects and is echoed in semester-length sketchbook assignments. Finally, students learn to communicate using the language of art through group critiques and written assessments of artwork. Art 1 is a prerequisite for Art 2 and Digital Media.

The goal of this intermediate course is to nurture and develop the two basic art-making skills introduced in Art 1: Foundations 2-D. Students focus on the exploration of more advanced uses of the elements of art and the principles of design, and projects take a on a greater degree of complexity and incorporate a wider variety of media. An introduction to the contributions made by women to art throughout the ages, contemporary art, and conceptual art contribute to each student developing a better understanding of the aesthetic experience and her own rightful place in the history of art. Group critiques and written assessments of artwork help students gain a better understanding of and ability to communicate the language of art. Focus is placed on the art of portraiture and the underlying structures of the face, the fundamental anatomical elements of facial expressions, and the intersections between human anatomy and art. The idea of non-objective art is also presented, and students have the opportunity to create their own work in this style. Art 2 is a prerequisite for Art 3, Photography, and 3-D Media.

This is an advanced course that concentrates on preparing students for the demanding challenge of creating a cohesive body of work. Students review advanced concepts in the formal aspects of art making, conceptual ideas of the 20th century, and the use of a wide variety of media. The focus of this course is to develop an understanding of the student’s own visual language and to encourage and challenge the growth of her understanding of the visual arts.

Three-Dimensional (3-D) Media is a course introducing a variety of materials, tools, techniques, and concepts, including, but not limited to: architectural models, packaging design, 3-D printing, balsa wood carving, sculptural relief and mass production of tiles through mold making, ceramics (both wheel and hand-building), wire sculpture, papier-mâché, fashion construction, and stone carving. Emphasis is on basic design elements, concept ideation, function, aesthetics, creativity, and craftsmanship using essential vocabulary and exploring art history from various perspectives. Current trends in three-dimensional art along with the role of technology in the production of art is explored. Potential health hazards in the visual arts are also covered in regard to proper handling of art materials. Individual and group experiences promote problem-solving, creative thinking, and formal expression.

Digital Media is a course introducing the use of the computer as a tool for creative expression. Focusing on innovation, the importance of process, and communication, students become familiar with the concepts and complexity of design. Coursework focuses on computer artwork that includes portraiture, landscapes, and collage as well as exploring contemporary digital design for art, product, and web end use. Technical and artistic skills are developed using the Adobe Creative Suite. Students are introduced to contemporary digital media artists and discover the symbiosis of experimental product design and science. Students also learn and gain an understanding of historical art periods and how those influence design. Group critiques at the end of class projects help students gain a better understanding of and ability to communicate in the language of art. Digital Media fulfills the Art 2 prerequisite for Art 3, 3-D Media, and Photography.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to black-and-white, 35mm film photography with an emphasis on camera operation, exposure, film developing, darkroom enlarging, portfolio development, and composition. In this course, students develop an understanding of photography as both a medium of art and as a vehicle for social change. Photography is an ideal medium for students to express their creativity, discover problem-solving techniques, gain technical expertise, and, most importantly, acquire the ability to observe.

Studio Art is a highly advanced course that concentrates on helping students create college-level entrance portfolios. Students review advanced concepts in the formal aspects of art making, conceptual ideas of the 20th century, and the use of a wide variety of media. The focus of this course is to develop an understanding of the student’s own visual language and to encourage and challenge her growth in the visual arts. The program emphasizes the development of a sustained artistic practice through exploration, experimentation, and intensive studio work and study. Opportunities to investigate areas beyond one's concentration are also made available.

Encompassing both studio practice and theory, a primary concern of this class is that every student artist be challenged to develop a critical self-awareness about their work and to better understand the aesthetic, social, and intellectual contexts that inform their art-making. Students learn to translate ideas into visual expression by putting into practice their gained skills in a variety of media ranging from painting to the digital arts. Student work is critiqued on issues of presentation and the development of a coherent critical language. Professional practices include preparation of artwork, documentation, exhibition, and presentation. A wide breadth of aesthetic experiences help implement the creation of an organized portfolio of artworks that may be used to submit an Advanced Placement Studio Art portfolio.