Visual Arts 2013-2014

Anita Thompson, Department Head

The Visual Arts Department provides a wide selection of required and elective courses through which the student is exposed to ever-expanding visual arts vocabulary along with the tools of visual communication and personal expression. Aesthetic awareness, art appreciation, and media exploration are experienced through ceramics, drawing, photography, sculpture, and painting. Assessment is largely portfolio-based. Seniors often submit a portfolio as either a supplement, or in the case of art or architecture applicants, a requirement to their college applications. The learning environment encourages problem-solving, critical thinking, and technical skill-building while providing the freedom to pursue personal vision.

Arts Requirements
Studio Art
   and
one year of course work in the Performing Arts
   and
one year of course work in either the Visual or Performing Arts

Visual Arts Course Descriptions

Studio Art, Grade Nine
year-long course that meets twice a week

This is an intensive year-long course in which the student is introduced to a wide range of media such as collage, charcoal, clay, and digital imaging.  The student is encouraged to be as experimental as possible. The year begins with an in-depth look at different cultures from around the world and the artwork that is generated from each individual culture. Projects are based on the particular culture being studied. Three-dimensional designs will be explored, based on original drawings of line, space, balance, and composition. The student will analyze her own work and critique work of her classmates.

Ceramics I
year-long course that meets twice a week

In this class the student will learn the three methods of hand-building:  pinch pot, slab construction, and coil construction. The student will create a number of ceramic projects using each different method. Some of the projects will include vessels in the shape of cowboy boots, large birdbaths, jewelry, and whistles. In the half of this course,(with the approval of the instructor) the student has the opportunity to learn how to use the potter’s wheel. The student is encouraged to evaluate the aesthetic and functional qualities of each object created.

Ceramics II, III
year-long courses that meet twice a week

These sequential classes may be taken to build upon the preceding Ceramics course. In Ceramics II & III the students will explore advanced hand-building, clay sculpture, wheel throwing techniques.

Advanced Studio I
year-long course that meets twice a week

The student is presented with a variety of media, such as oil paint, stained glass, and sculpture materials ranging from paper to glass. Students are encouraged to experiment with various combinations and improve their artistic abilities. A strong emphasis is placed on the development of drafting skills. Projects are designed to promote creative expression and critical thinking through the student driven artistic process.

Advanced Studio II, III
year-long courses that meet twice a week

These sequential classes may be taken to build upon the proceeding Advanced Studio course. In Advanced Studio II & III the students will explore advanced painting, drawing, and sculptural techniques while strengthening their craftsmanship through personal as well as classroom critiques.

Transparent Anatomy & Drawing Focus
year-long class meets that twice a week

This course is an in–depth exploration of life and basic drawing techniques. This class is created for both the novice drafter as well as the more advanced drawing student. In this course, one day a week will be dedicated to basic drawing principles such as linear perspective. On the second day students will apply these principles to their work on detailed still lives. In the life drawing classes the students will be learning how to draw the human form by breaking down the body into small increments. They will learn and understand the human body both internally as well as externally. Once a month they will have the opportunity to draw from from life when the nude model visits the class. In both class times, they will be working on gesture, composition, line quality and tonal control. They will accomplish this by using a host of different media.

Photography I
year-long course that meets twice a week

This course is for the beginning photography student. It covers both technical and aesthetic aspects of photography. The student is introduced to the 35mm camera as a tool for communication and personal expression. Digital imaging will also be introduced. Emphasis is placed on the procedures and techniques that are employed in controlling the medium. A major part of this course involves learning about the art of photography, selection of subject matter, and the development of composition. Technical camera and darkroom skills are pursued throughout this course and Photoshop is used for digital manipulation of images.

Estimated additional cost of photographic materials for each course is $90.

Photography II, III
year-long courses that meet twice a week

These sequential classes may be taken to build upon the skills developed in Photography I.  In Photography II & III, the students will explore advanced techniques such as infrared, polarization, and digital imaging. The students are expected to develop a personal style as they pursue subject matter that is relevant to their artistic vision.

Estimated additional cost of photographic materials for each course is $90.

Visual Arts Major / Visual Arts Major Honors
year-long course that meets eight times a week

Course work may consist entirely of any Studio Art, Photography, or Studio/Photography combination This is a full-credit course designed for the serious student who has completed the prerequisites for an Art Major based upon the judgment of the department. The student is able to combine course offerings in all areas of the Visual Arts to meet the eight classes per week requirement. The Art Major gives the student an opportunity to explore the visual arts in depth.

In order to enroll in Visual Art Major Honors, the student must be prepared to complete a full portfolio by the end of the first trimester, a final research paper, and a show of the culmination of her work to be displayed at the end of the year.