This course is open to any student who has successfully completed the ceramics course. In this course, students will continue to explore various ceramic construction techniques, such as hand-building with slabs and coils and sculpting. A great deal of time will be spent learning how to throw on a potter’s wheel. Various glazing techniques will be explored. Students will learn how to reclaim clay, create slip, mix glazes, experiment with alternative firing techniques, and how to load and unload a kiln. Weekly sketchbook assignments are required for this class and you will build a digital portfolio to keep a record of your progress and also display your work.

Course Syllabus

Students registering for this course select a concentration in drawing, 2D design, or 3D design. Whichever area is chosen, the creation of portfolio is required. Each portfolio consists of three sections „ quality, concentration, and breadth of work. Exact deadlines must be met throughout the school year in order to fulfill the requirements of this advanced course. Possible awarding of college credit is based on presentation of the actual portfolio or through submission of slides for the 3D segment. Five summer assignments must be completed by the first day of school. These assignments will be available on the district website.

Course Syllabus

This course is designed to provide an understanding and appreciation of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms within historical and cultural contexts from a global perspective. Students will study 250 College Board required works of art in-depth from prehistory to contemporary culture which are divided in ten content areas. The students examine major forms of artistic expression from the past to the present from a variety of global cultures and will know the form, function, content and context of these 250 works. Students learn to look at works of art critically, intelligently, and sensitively, and to analyze what they see. A field trip to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and/or the Barnes Foundation is part of the curriculum. Many colleges and universities offer advanced placement and/or credit to students who have performed successfully on the AP Art History Examination.

Do you want to learn how to hand build with clay? Ceramics is designed for the beginner through the advanced art student. You will explore the many uses of clay, from the simple handmade forms of early cultures to the extremely varied applications of clay in today’s society. Ceramics will increase your understanding and application of the elements and principles of design, knowledge of specific artists, and the functionality of clay throughout history. You will have the opportunity for creative expression through the use of your imagination and acquired skills. Teacher demonstrations will be provided showing a variety of ceramic hand-building techniques such as slab, coiling and sculpting with clay. A variety of glazing techniques will be shown. Weekly sketchbook assignments are required in this course.

Course Syllabus

Do you enjoy art AND technology? Are you interested in taking your artwork into the digital world? We will review and expand your skills using the principles of Art and Design beginning with pencil and paper. Then we will use this knowledge to create artwork with various programs on the computer. You will learn to use the Wacom tablet with the Adobe suite, and other programs. Possible projects include creating comics, illustrations, logo and/or concert poster, short animations and more. A weekly sketchbook assignment is required for this course in order to improve your observation and drawing skills.

Course Syllabus

This course will build on the skills and knowledge gained in Digital Arts I. We will expand on computer skills to execute bigger and more complex design projects. These projects will take several smaller creations and put the printed project together. You will work on a professional presentation by using a combination of various computer programs. A weekly sketchbook assignment is required for this course in order to continue improving your observation and drawing skills.

Do you like to draw? Do you wish your drawing skills were more developed? This course starts off working with line, builds up to shading and then we explore color. We work with pen, pencil, ink, charcoal, pastels and anything else you can draw with. This course will teach you how to observe closely and to see as an artist. A weekly journal is required for this class and all grade levels are welcome.

Course Syllabus

All art has meaning and this course will help you to examine and understand how to convey meaning in your own work. You will stretch your observation skills and refine your individual techniques. You will begin to interpret objects creatively and are expected to solve visual assignments in more than one way. A journal is required for this class.

Course Syllabus

Are you looking to build your portfolio? Colleges look for portfolios that have a diverse collection of work, such as portraits, still-life, figure drawings as well as an understanding of a variety of techniques and media. We will continue to explore the meaning of art and explore art mediums to develop your own personal style. You will refine your drawing skills through the use of various media. Projects will be linked to global events that are happening in today’s society. You will also create from observation and explore your own imagination to help develop your creativity. A sketch journal is required for this class and you will develop a digital portfolio to keep a record of your progress and also display your work.

Course Syllabus

This course begins with the exploration of color mixing including tints and shades then we add in all the colors! Students will paint on paper, canvas board, and canvas exploring with watercolor, acrylic and also pastels. Our subject matter covers realism, abstraction and communication with color and images. A journal is required for this class and all grade levels are welcome.

Course Syllabus

Continue your exploration of painting by delving into personal expression. Students will paint with watercolor, acrylic and be introduced to oil paints on a variety of surfaces such as cardboard, paper, and canvas. The opportunity exists for students to stretch their own canvases and work in a large format. You will explore different styles of painting as you begin to develop your own unique signature. Expression of emotion and use of imagination are part of building your painting skills. A journal is required for this course.

Course Syllabus

In this class we will continue to explore and experiment with oil, acrylic, and watercolor and paint on a variety of surfaces. You will stretch your own canvases and begin to paint on a large scale. You will be encouraged to explore different mark making techniques to help you develop and build your own individual style as well as incorporating the styles and techniques of famous painters. A sketch journal is required for this class and you will continue to add to your digital portfolio to keep a record of your progress and also display your work.

Course Syllabus

Paper has been used for centuries and in a variety of ways. This course explores many uses of this interesting material. We will make paper, create different handmade books, learn how to bind a book, write with calligraphy pens, marble end papers, design paper jewelry, learn quilling, cut kirigami, recycle newspapers to make bowls, assemble pop-up cards and more. Good craftsmanship (workmanship) is important when working with your hands. This class requires good fine motor skills.

Course Syllabus

Do you like to build things or work with your hands? If you enjoy working with wire, plaster, cardboard, and found objects, then this course is for you. This course concentrates on developing technical skills as well as artistic appreciation and understanding of successful three-dimensional artwork. Studio projects will be linked to the discussion of art historical topics and/or the applications of sculpture in modern societies. You will use a variety of methods, including assemblage, carving, and modeling. Weekly sketchbook assignments are required in this course.

Course Syllabus

A craft is not only beautiful but also useful. Traditional crafts are created throughout the world by many talented people other than classically trained artists. A central component to crafts is working with one’s hands to create a decorative and functional works of art. This class surveys crafts from around the globe, including macrame, clay, fibers, printmaking, paper cutting and sculpture.

Course Syllabus