VISUAL AND DIGITAL ART

This class is open to all students wishing an introduction to the concepts and techniques of creating visual art. It provides a solid basis for further development and study. This course builds skills in art production, develops knowledge of art history, creates sensitivity toward art criticism, and cultivates aesthetic appreciation. Students develop individual tastes, insights, and attitudes about art and its reflection of society as producers and consumers of art. 
Fee: $50 per semester.

This course is designed for those students with an interest in further study of visual art beyond Beginning Art. Students develop technical skill in various media as well as creative problem solving skills. Projects emphasize the use of 2-D design in the making of expressive artworks.

Prerequisite: Beginning Art

Fee: $50 per semester.

This course is an introduction to the material and subject matter of painting at an advanced level. Students study and practice the application of opaque and transparent painting media, including acrylics and watercolors. Emphasis is directed toward technical quality, color theory, composition, paint handling, construction and personal expression. Areas of historical study stress the emergence of the modern era in art and the work of 20th century artists. Although not necessary, students are encouraged to take this course prior to Honors Studio Art or AP Studio Art.

Students work with printmaking processes such as linoleum block printing, intaglio printing, screen printing, and stenciling. By studying the history of printmaking, students learn about the role of print as a tool of design-based expression. This course is highly recommended for students pursuing graphic design.

Prerequisite: Studio Art.

This course is an introduction into 3-D work focused in the ceramic (clay) medium. Students use clay to construct functional and sculptural objects, with the predominant focus on hand building. Along with building techniques, students learn about firing and surface treatments, including textures and glazes. Students also learn about the historical and the current use of the ceramic medium through the course of ceramic works throughout history. View student work. 

Prerequisite: Studio Art.

In this course students learn to write, film, direct, edit, and act in their own video productions. The history of film is used to teach foundational concepts and develop an appreciation for master works. Each day students produce daily video announcements for the school.
Fee: $50 per semester.

Prerequisite: Studio Art.

This course is for students interested in advanced knowledge and experience with videography. An emphasis is placed on digital portfolio development through the creation of sophisticated videos. Students create personal and community-based projects. Each day students produce daily video announcements for the school.
Fee: $50 per semester.

Prerequisite: Video Production

This course is for students interested in learning how to use digital media as a mode of communication and expression. Students use Adobe Photoshop in the context of photography, image manipulation, illustration and design. Projects are designed to for skill enhancement and self expression.

Prerequisite: Studio Art
Fee $40.00 per semester
 

Students use the Adobe Creative Suite to learn design skills that allow them to manipulate digital images in creating complex graphics suitable for print or web. The lessons are centered on the fundamentals of graphic design, typography, and illustration. The combination of text and images to create dynamic, colorful, and eye-catching publications is at the core of each project.
Fee: $50 per semester.

Prerequisite: Digital Imaging.

Game Design is an introduction to the concepts and techniques of creating video games. Students use programs such as GameSalad, Photoshop and Illustrator to create games for mobile devices and computers. This course builds skill in character design and interactive gaming. The history of video games is assessed in terms of graphics, trends and interactivity.
Fee: $50 per semester.

Prerequisite: Digital Imaging

This course is for students interested in exploring fine art photography. Students learn about manual camera functions, compositional techniques, image adjustment and manipulation in Photoshop and Lightroom and the history of photography. Throughout the semester students will maintain a personal blog on which they will display completed projects.

Prerequisite: Digital Imaging

This course is for students interested in pursuing advanced camera functions, digital editing skills and artistic concept development in a self-directed studio environment. Students will learn off-camera lighting techniques. Students will collaborate with peers in the creation, editing and critical analysis of photo-based artworks. Advanced Digital Photography students are eligible to take the AP Studio Art 2D Design exam at the conclusion of the course.

Prerequisite: Digital Photography

This course is a two-semester course for the advanced art student interested in further study in art. Students complete twelve paintings and drawings that demonstrate their breadth in terms of technical skill. This class is guided by the syllabus of the Advanced Placement (AP) College Board Studio Art: Drawing course. This course is a requirement for AP Studio Art. Students registering for this course must attend a pre-class meeting for their summer assignments. 

Prerequisites: Studio Art and a portfolio review. Painting and/or Drawing are recommended.
Fee: $50 per semester.

Prerequisites: Registration for this course requires a pre-class meeting for summer assignments.  Honors Studio Art, a portfolio review and a teacher recommendation. Painting and/or Drawing are recommended.

This course is for students considering a career in the visual arts. Each week students will participate in a field experience with a professional artist or arts-related business. The course culminates in a trip to New York City to interact with professionals in the arts career field.

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
Fee: TBD
*Course fee is based on NYC trip costs and is subject to change.

This course is for students interested in advanced knowledge and experience with screen printing. Students use handmade and computer generated imagery to print on paper and textiles. Emphasis is directed toward multi-color registration and technical quality. During the semester students will spend three days in New York City visiting artist studios, museums and galleries.

This course will meet outside of normal school hours (typically 3-5 p.m.) instead of during the normal school day. The class is limited to a maximum of 8 students.

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.

Fee: TBD
*Course fee is based on NYC trip costs and is subject to change.

Students enroll in this educational option to earn credit through attending performances, exhibits, etc., or by working with a mentor on an arts-related project. Students study and write about what they have learned. All arrangements must be made with the mentor. A maximum of ½ credit may be earned each semester.

New for 2022-23. More information coming soon.