Visual Arts

Studio Art 1  Studio Art 1 is an entry-level course designed to build a foundation from which a student may grow. Through the traditional disciplines of drawing and painting, students are made aware of the thinking that is fundamental to any creative activity. Through work in the studio, they learn to order and to discipline resources. The course deals primarily with the development of a concept and with its expression in graphic form. However, allowance is made for experimentation in other media, with appropriate emphasis placed on technical concerns. Experience gained in the important areas of creativity, imagination, and invention is soon put to work on independent art projects.

Advanced Studio Art  In this class, students work to create visual pursuits designed around each of their particular interests. Focus is on two-dimensional art such as drawing, painting, print-making, and collage. Portfolio development is a large component of this course. Additionally, students will examine significant works of art and artists to help them make stylistic connections and enrich their own work. Individual approaches to subject matter and personal expression are stressed.

Ceramics  This course provides students with a comprehensive set of elemental techniques with which to create a variety of finished sculptural and functional ceramic pieces. Hand-building techniques include pinch, coil, and slab construction; students also use a potter’s wheel. Students concentrate on wedging their clay, centering, creating basic forms, and further developing their skills. Throughout the course, students gain an understanding of glazing and surface decoration, discerning how these relate to pottery form. Interested students may acquire a knowledge of different firing techniques, as well as experience in loading and firing a kiln.

Graphic Design  This course is framed around understanding the principles of design (contrast, repetition, alignment, & proximity) and will teach students critical skills in graphic design. Working in programs such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop, each student will learn how to effectively analyze and create layouts to send powerful messages. Topics explored include logo design and development, typography, magazine layout, and template design. Students will finish the year by designing and creating the school art and literary magazine. They will also create a website showcasing their work from the year. Completing this course will equip each student with an understanding of their own design aesthetic and with the training to explore an interest in the design and advertising industry.

Introduction to Visual Communication Design  With a hands-on approach, this course introduces students to the world of visual communication design. Analyzing how media is currently used in our society, students will begin to gain an understanding of how to effectively captivate an audience with new media. Through use of traditional studio materials, as well as digital media, this class includes an in-depth exploration of the principles of design, color theory, symbolism, and collage in order to empower students to convey a visual message in the 21st century. 

Media Arts  This course explores expression of art through the use of modern and innovative technology. In addition to the observation of society’s manipulation of image and video, students will be experimenting with creation through the use of Adobe Photoshop, GarageBand, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere, digital cameras, video production, and a variety of other innovative tools. Students will learn to express their own ideas through harnessing media, building on their ability to communicate in the 21st century. Working both individually and collaboratively, students will be tasked with creating projects that embody what they think is important to share with the world.

Photography  This course involves a study of photography from the traditional analog to digital and experimental photographic techniques. The course begins with the 35 mm SLR camera and its component parts (what they are, how they function, and how to use them). It also includes composition and darkroom techniques (making and using solutions, film developing, printing, and darkroom manipulation). The course will evolve over the year as students apply their traditional training to working with digital SLR cameras and finishing the year with experimental photography. 

Sculpture  This is a course where students can develop their artistic voice through the creation of three-dimensional artwork. The class begins with fundamental 3D design projects to foster an understanding of balance and aesthetics while developing skills in construction and fabrication. The class continues by exploring both traditional and contemporary sculptural materials, from clay, wood, metal, and plaster to found object works and installation. Each project is introduced with direct instruction highlighting specific movements, artists, and schools of thought to provide historical context to the assignment. Various sculptural methods, including additive, subtractive, casting, and assemblage are employed to help each student achieve their artistic vision. Students are challenged to consider both their subject and the materials used to create their subject. Assignments explore different conceptual elements and styles from representational and figurative works to abstract objects. Consideration for the display and lighting of finished works are included in each assignment, and sight-specific projects require students to incorporate concept through location in both time and space. The course culminates with an independently developed project based in the materials of the students’ choosing.