023 - multimedia storytelling

one semester course

This in-depth art course explores the visual narrative and develops skills in visual art techniques and integrated media. Guest speakers and lectures are a part of this course as students will work with experienced filmmakers and industry professionals using professional equipment, their iPads and editing software. This course includes: scriptwriting, storyboarding, studio & location production shooting, special effects and editing in all levels of production. Open to grades 9-12.

024 - URBAN ArtS & Murals    

one semester course

Urban Arts and Mural Program (Social Justice & Aersol)       

In this unique course, students investigate urban art aesthetics and learn how to create art for public spaces. For the final project, students create a local, collaborative aerosol mural. We will work with the administration, alumni, and the city, to generate safe and legal alternatives for young artists interested in Urban art. We will explore urban arts in the studio, on sketchbooks, canvases, skateboard decks, and wall murals. Students will be educated on the legal wall process, community engagement and of course social justices, while developing their creative voices. Open to grades 9-12.

026 - introduction to digital photography    

one semester course

In this course students will explore digital photography in relation to fine arts. Students will produce artwork and will participate in critiques to better understand the physical, conceptual and theoretical characteristics of the electronic media as it pertains to art and art-making. Students will use basic technology necessary for the production and enhancement of their work. Open to grades 9-12.

027 - advanced graphics and photography    

one semester course

For those who already know the basics of digital photography and graphic design, this class will allow the student to take control over processing the image. In the Macintosh lab using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, we will cover advanced editing, retouching and file handling techniques. Continued emphasis will be placed on good composition and critical analysis. A digital camera is provided but students are encouraged to use their own if they have one. A flash drive or portable hard drive for file transportation is required. Prerequisite: 026 Intro to Digital Photography or 077 Graphic Design.

070 - basic art foundation      

one semester course

This one semester Basic Art Foundation course is a prerequisite to take other courses in Art. The emphasis will be on specific drawing techniques, drawing media, and an introduction to watercolor and color theory. Using direct observation, geometric forms, portraiture, grid-methods, and the imagination, students will develop their artistic abilities and understanding of basic composition. Line, value, shape, form and space will be the foundation for a variety of media. Charcoal, graphite, ink, and watercolor are some of the available choices. Individual development and experimentation will be encouraged with an emphasis on intent and the visual narrative. Art History and Historic practices will be a resource as well as artists of the present. Students will be required to keep a sketchbook, and take part in critical analysis of their work and others through critiques. This course is open to students who have a directed interest in art.

071 – Intermediate Art       

two semester course

This in-depth drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture course is an introduction to building a solid art foundation and portfolio. Using direct observation, photographs, grid-methods, and the imagination, students will develop their artistic abilities, color theory, and understanding of the visual narrative. Projects include Comic Art, Concept Art, Religious narratives, and Imaginative realism. Graphite, ink, watercolor, acrylic, and clay are some of the available choices. Individual development and experimentation will be encouraged with an emphasis on intent and visual storytelling. Art History and Illustration practices will be a resource as well as artists of the present. Students will be required to keep a sketchbook, and take part in critical analysis of their work and others through critiques. This course is open to students who have a directed interest in art. Pre-requisite: 070 Basic Art Foundations. Open to grades 10-12.

072 – ADvanced Art traditional mediums       

two semester course

This in-depth course explores the visual narrative and develops advanced skills in visual art techniques. Emphasis is directed in drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Using direct observation, photographs and the imagination, students will develop their storytelling abilities in traditional mediums from the renaissance to the present. Advanced color theory is studied as are historical painting techniques as used by the master painters of the past and present. Charcoal, graphite, ink, acrylic and oil are some of the available choices. Individual development and experimentation will be encouraged with an emphasis on intent and the ability to tell a story and convey an emotion or idea. Art history and historic practices will be a resource as well as artists of the present. Students will be required to keep a sketchbook, and take part in critical analysis of their work and others through critiques. Pre-requisite: 070 Basic Art Foundations and 071 Intermediate Art. Open to grades 10-12.

077 – graphic design       

one semester course

This course is an introduction to Adobe Photoshop, Indesign and Illustrator, as well as basic photography. Students study various art movements, layout and compositions, and graphic design. Students in this course are encouraged to enter their compositions in various art competitions. Open to grades 9-12. 

078 – independent study art       

two semester course

Designed for students who have completed Course 072, this class consists of various student-designed projects carried on under the direction of the art instructor. The course is rigorous and designed to build the student’s portfolio for college level artwork. Rendering and painting of form, composition, and the visual narrative are some of the issues that will be developed. Practicing various methods and techniques will increase one’s ability to communicate ideas with accuracy and confidence. Students will be required to keep a sketchbook, do artwork outside the classroom; take part in critical analysis of their work and others; and visit museums and galleries.The Integrated Arts and Technology Department will evaluate the student’s portfolio at the end of the year. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor is required.

089 – AP STUDIO ART       

The course enables students to develop a cohesive body of work investigating a strong underlying visual idea in drawing, painting and printmaking that grows out of a coherent plan of action or investigation (i.e., a “concentration”). Students will have group critiques, with the teacher, enabling students to learn to analyze and discuss their own artworks as well as artworks of their peers. There is an emphasis on making art as an ongoing process that involves the student in informed and critical decision-making. Pre-requisites: Advanced Art and instructor approval. Course is open to juniors and seniors.