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Classes
All classes focus on developing original thought and creativity through critical thinking projects. Cultivating a culture of free expression where students feel safe to try new things and learn through failure is emphasized. Instructors serve as mentors and supporters to help foster life skills necessary in any post-secondary endeavour.
AP Art History
Duration: Year/1.0 credit
Grade levels: 10, 11, 12
Advanced Placement Art History offers students an exciting opportunity to learn about art, artists, and artworks. Students will view and analyze architecture, sculpture, drawing, painting and other art forms from the beginning of civilization through the post-modern era. Students will examine major areas of artistic expression from a variety of cultures and time periods. This class provides students with the tools for seeing and discussing art works from a critical and expressive standpoint. Students will develop a deep appreciation and sensitivity to various artistic styles, cultures and time periods. This course is designed to prepare students to take the AP College Board Art History exam.
AP Portfolio
Duration: Year/1.0 credit
Grade levels: 12
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This course must be arranged with a specific instructor and qualifies for weighted credit if the student participates in the AP Art Portfolio Exam. A minimum of 2 years prior experience in selected area of study
required. The student will be required to prepare a comprehensive portfolio of artwork meeting AP Portfolio requirements.
Art Metals and Jewelry
Duration: Year/1.0 credit
Grade levels: 9, 10, 11, 12
Further Development: Art Metals and Jewelry II & Art Metals and Jewelry Seminar
*Can be taken all 4 years of high school.
Art Metals and Jewelry I is a beginning course involving the creation of wearable, functional and decorative sculptural metal work. Students learn to brainstorm, research, and design metal works and then use the techniques required to construct them: sawing, filing, soldering, decorating, forming, polishing, and various surface finishing options-- the same techniques that professional jewelers use.
Ceramics and Sculpture
Duration: Year/1.0 credit
Grade levels: 9, 10, 11, 12
Further Development: Ceramics and Sculpture II & Ceramics and Sculpture Seminar
*Can be taken all 4 years of high school.
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This is an introductory course where students learn to work with different materials and tools to produce both sculpture and pottery. The student will learn to use different clay hand-building techniques, to work on the potter’s wheel, and to glaze/finish ceramic ware. In
addition, students will design and create sculptural forms, and learn about the ceramics and sculpture traditions of various cultures.
Duration: Year/1.0 credit
Grade levels: 9, 10, 11, 12
Further Development: Digital Illustration and Graphic Design Seminar
*Can be taken all 4 years of high school.
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In this course, students learn the dynamics of visual literacy. Portfolio development, advertising psychology, and design sensitivity are explored. Students will use professional tools and media used by professional artists. Computer applications may include various animation software, Blender, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Mobile applications include Adobe Sketch, Draw, and more. Units may include animated graphics, digital illustration, digital drawing, digital painting, infographics, logo design, graphic design, lettering, package design, and web page design. The emphasis of this course is to foster creativity, original ideas, and self expression in an innovative and challenging environment. Habits of perception, analysis, judgment, and selectivity are pursued throughout the course curriculum.
Drawing and Painting
Duration: Year/1.0 credit
Grade levels: 9, 10, 11, 12
Further Development: Drawing and Painting II, Drawing and Painting III, & Drawing and Painting Seminar
*Can be taken all 4 years of high school.
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This full year course explores basic drawing and painting techniques. Composition, proportion, shading, and color exploration are among the areas covered by this course, which is an important stepping stone to more advanced work in Drawing and Painting. Media choices may include pastels, charcoal, watercolors and oil paint.
Fine Art Photography
Duration: Year/1.0 credit
Grade levels: 9, 10, 11, 12
Further Development: Fine Art Photography II, & Fine Art Photography Seminar
*Can be taken all 4 years of high school.
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The student will learn about the art of making a photograph. Creativity and craftsmanship are emphasized. Areas covered include: photographic techniques, camera settings, portrait studio, special
effects, and digital photo processing using Adobe Photoshop. There is an emphasis on composition and photographic sensitivity. The major themes in photography will be examined. Access to a camera is not required, but would be helpful. During the second semester the student will develop a personal vision through more experimental and expressive photographic techniques.