Visual Arts

In exploratory art class, students use a variety of tools and techniques to create two and three dimensional works of art. Topics of study include drawing, design, painting and sculpture. Students study the historical background of art and its impact on ancient and modern civilizations. Art criticism, aesthetic judgment, and art careers are emphasized.

In Art & Design 6, students will explore 2D and 3D design strategies and artistic thinking through the use of media that may include pastels, printmaking, paper sculpture, fibers and weaving, collage, or other materials as available. Students will also learn how to apply creative problem solving skills to overcome creative blocks, persist through challenges, and reflect on their own artmaking.

Drawing and Painting 7 is a two-dimensional art course that will explore a variety of dry and wet media, including graphite, colored pencils, pastels, charcoal, markers, watercolors, tempera, and acrylic paints. Students will develop their drawing skills by working from both flat imagery and real life objects. Students will study the historical background of drawing and painting; they will compare and contrast styles and genres of various artists. The scientific aspects of color theory and chemical composition of pigments, binders, and solvents will be explored.

Ceramics and Sculpture is a three-dimensional art course that will explore media such as clay, plaster, wire, metal, and wood. Ceramic projects will involve modeling clay with pinching, coiling, and slab construction techniques. Surface decoration, glazing, and firing techniques will be explored in this course. Students will study historical and contemporary examples of sculptures from various cultures. The compositions of clay and glaze compounds and the chemical reaction during the firing process will be investigated.

In Art & Design 7, students will explore conditions that support creativity while exploring 2D and 3D design strategies and artistic thinking in the use of wood, fibers, clay, paper, collage, or other materials as available. Students will also explore innovative thinking and how to persist through trial and error in the creative process.

Drawing and Painting 8 is a two-dimensional art course that emphasizes modern and contemporary art styles and themes. This course will explore a variety of dry and wet media, including graphite, colored pencils, pastels, charcoal, markers, watercolors, tempera, and acrylic paints. Students will develop their drawing skills by working from both flat imagery and real life objects. Students will study the historical background of drawing and painting; they will compare and contrast styles and genres of various artists. The scientific aspects of color theory and chemical composition of pigments, binders, and solvents will be explored.

In Art & Design 8, students will explore 2D and 3D design strategies and artistic thinking through the use of media that may include plaster, copper, cardboard, clay, paper, or other materials as available. Students will also explore innovative thinking and how to persist through trial and error in the creative process. Students will examine, reflect on, and revise their work throughout the creative process. There is no prerequisite for Art & Design 8. This is an elective course and may only be taken one time during the 8th grade.