This year-long course will build upon the knowledge and skills gained in Ceramics I. Students will continue developing wheel throwing, trimming, finishing, and glazing skills. Class exercises and projects will demand that students explore solutions to more complicated and challenging visual problems. Students will demonstrate different glazing techniques to achieve the desired appearance and aesthetics to express their creativity. Students are encouraged to develop creative thinking,  personal expression, and skills to create quality work.

Prerequisite: Ceramics I

Art of Seeing is a trimester class designed for the beginner, with the premise that anyone can be an artist by learning and honing observation skills. The elements and principles of design (line, shape, texture, pattern, etc.) will be reinforced through projects that allow students to explore various 2D methods and media. This class is recommended for students who want to gain confidence with foundation studio skills before moving on to media-specific electives.

OFFERED: Fall

In the fundamental ceramics trimester course, the emphasis will be on basic wheel techniques and the unique properties of the functional object. Students will also learn basic glazing techniques and surface treatments. Ceramics II students will work more independently while developing skills and techniques. In Ceramics III, students will again continue to build skills & techniques of production along with creating surface design and altered forms.

Available Levels: I, II, and III 

OFFERED: Fall, Winter, Spring

This trimester course explores hand-building in clay, making functional vessels and pieces. The student will explore both additive and reductive techniques as well as a variety of surface designs and form alterations. Projects include tiles, coil pots, slab forms, and a mobile.  At the end of the trimester, students will explore some wheel-thrown techniques and make a sgraffito vessel.

OFFERED: Fall

Design is a class that will focus on design principles, color theory, and composition. Through this trimester course, students will explore a range of materials (drawing, painting, collage, and artist’s books) and themes in hand-rendered projects. Throughout this course, there will be an emphasis on technical proficiency and the process by which ideas are developed.

Available Levels: I and II

OFFERED: Fall

In this trimester course, students will hone their drawing skills by experimenting with various 2D techniques and materials. The goal is for students to learn how to accurately communicate proportion, surface texture, color, form, weight, and light through observation. Students will create compositions that express their individual styles of working.

Available Levels: I and II 

OFFERED: Fall

This class is geared toward students who wish to take their art-making to the next level by honing their technical skills and developing their voices as artists. In Junior Portfolio*, students will learn and apply the real-world skills needed to develop a body of work and its presentation in the form of a portfolio. Although a year-long course, the course takes students through three trimesters focusing on different aspects of portfolio development: Drawing/Design, Personal Voice, and Presentation. This class is intended for eleventh graders who can. utilize their portfolios in the college application process and would provide a strong base for the twelfth-grade Pinnacle* art class, Senior Studio Art*.

Prerequisite: Advanced study in art electives. Drawing/Design is recommended.

Requires Department Chair Approval

In this trimester course, students will learn the basics of soldering, forming, and cold connections using nickel, copper, brass, and sterling. Students will design functional objects/ jewelry in metal and learn how to cut, shape, texture, and finish their work. Emphasis will be placed on creative design, problem-solving, and developing skills working in the media. Metals II and III students will further develop technical skills and master more complicated techniques.

Available Levels: I, II, and III 

OFFERED: Fall, Winter, Spring

Painting is a trimester course designed to introduce painting techniques using oil paint, acrylic, and watercolor. Students will work from direct observation of still life and nature, as well as their imagination. Successful completion of Drawing or Art of Seeing is recommended. 

Students in Painting II will build on the techniques in watercolor and oil with new projects, further developing their style through the study of master painters.

Available Levels: I and II 

OFFERED: Spring

In this trimester introductory course, students will explore the art of photography through film mechanics, digital practices, and alternate processes. The emphasis in the first half of the trimester will be placed on light, metering, and camera mechanics. The second half of the class will focus on editing photographs digitally, composition, aesthetics, and imagery. Students can access 35 mm SLR and DSLR cameras, Adobe software, and a wide-format printer. Successful completion of Design or Art of Seeing is required.

Available Levels: I and II.

Prerequisite: Design or Art of Seeing

OFFERED: Spring

In this course, students will learn the techniques and processes of relief printing, including linocuts, stamps, and printing on fabric. Learning will be enhanced by studying print in art history as a means of artistic expression. As students become proficient in the technical aspects of the course, they will be encouraged to develop personal direction and individual style in their work.

OFFERED: Spring

This trimester sculpture course will explore a variety of media, including paper, wood, and natural and found objects. Using conventional and non-conventional techniques, sculptures will be created by working from life and the imagination. There will be an emphasis on technical facility, conceptual learning, and personal style development.

OFFERED: Winter

In this Pinnacle* class, students learn to work independently and collaboratively as serious artists. Through concept or material-specific assignments, students increase the depth of investigation and develop essential skills of personal expression and technique. Students address essential questions about the artist’s impact as they authentically engage in the community and collaborate in this class. Outcomes include the ability to discuss and defend choices as a practicing artist and a body of work which can be presented in a portfolio or exhibition.

Prerequisite: Advanced study in art electives

Requires Department Chair Approval