Course Descriptions

Art 10 

(5 credits)

This foundation course consists of structured assignments that enable students to develop their creativity as well as technical skills. Art 10 focuses on three major components of visual learning:
• Drawing and Design - discovering ways of recording ideas using a variety of media such as paint, charcoal, pastel, pencil, and clay.
• Composition - finding ways to put visual information together to create meaning through painting, sculpture, drawing, clay, and photography.
• Encounters -  Considering the visual image for incorporation into Art development.  Also learning how to evaluate artistic growth.

Art 20 

(5 credits)

Prerequisite: Art 10

Art 20 offers more in-depth study of the arts: drawing and design, painting, graphics, and sculpture. Emphasis is placed on learning good composition (visual organization in an artwork), creative expression using paint, pencil, pastels, clay, etc., and quality workmanship. Encounters with the work of other artists through research, AV presentations, and discussions are regular parts of the program.

Art 30 

(5 credits)

Prerequisite: Art 20

Art 30 is an extension of the Art 10 and Art 20 programs but greater emphasis is placed on student development of independent art study skills. A variety of drawing/design media is further explored for the making of art. Compositions in both two and three dimensions (painting, printmaking, sculpture) require a high level of student commitment and independence in developing creative ideas and following projects through to completion. Encounters with Arts: art research, discussions, and critiques, are integral parts of Art 30. It is beneficial if students are self-motivated and able to creatively solve visual problems presented, utilizing a variety of media.

Sculpture 15

Prerequisite: Art teacher’s approval

This course is designed for students who wish to engage in the creative process and are looking for an alternative to classical art instruction offered in Art 10, 20 and 30. Sculpture’s focus is the “making or building” of artful ideas. Sculpture 15 allows students to design and create numerous projects, each having their own focus and materials usage. Students will be required to create, and problem solve, using their own ideas, in 2-D and then translate them to 3-dimensional form. Students will be encouraged to experiment with materials such as clay, wire, paper, glue, string, thread, wood, paint, plastic and wax.

Sculpture 25

Prerequisite: Sculpture 15

Sculpture 25 allows the student to further develop problem-solving strategies in combination with design principles and elements in the undertaking of numerous projects that have a base in three dimensional form. These projects may use similar or the same materials explored in Sculpture 15 or, depending upon the desire and individualized learning focus of the student, may involve different materials. As in Sculpture 15, the student will be required to create and problem solve in 2-D and then translate these ideas into 3-D form. Students will be encouraged to experiment with materials such as clay, wire, paper, glue, string, thread, wool, plastic, paint, metal, glass, and wax.

Art Special Projects 10, 20, and 30

Prerequisite: Art Teacher’s approval

Self-directed study with teacher supervision and approval has been created specifically for those students who wish to focus on their artistic development. Students must attend all classes and be able to work with little direct supervision. This class is usually taken by students who wish to develop their portfolio for entry to art school or university.