Visual Arts

Students are encouraged to explore the boundaries of their creativity and to take risks in the pursuit of original artistic expression. Public display of their work builds artistic confidence and pride.

Students in grade six participate in an arts-rotation that acquaints them with the many options offered on the west campus. Students in grades seven and eight are required to choose one or two courses from the Visual Arts Curriculum for the entire year, or they may select a course from the Performing Arts or Music curricula. Classes meet twice per six-day rotation and may be followed up by additional independent studio sessions. Emphasis is placed on originality and long-term commitment to art. During independent studio time, students may continue work on their projects or participate in other art room activities.

Electives include the following courses:

Architectural Design: This course involves a study of drafting and building architectural models. Technical drawing and model-making techniques are explored. Floor plans and models are accurately drawn and built to scale. The use of space in function and design are an integral part of each student's plan. An historical survey of architectural styles is covered.

Ceramics: Students are introduced to hand building and potter's wheel techniques. Relationships between form and function and the use of hand building-sculpture techniques as methods of self-expression are explored. More advanced students explore in depth technical aspects of the medium. Museum and gallery visits are scheduled as they relate to student projects.

Digital Design: This course helps students learn to harness the power of the computer as a creative tool for producing original and complex images. We use Paint Shop Pro, a raster graphic drawing, painting and conversion program to learn to create montage and other image types. A unit of animation is also taught and includes digital stop motion and tweening software such as Adobe Flash among other techniques and programs.

Painting and Drawing: This class emphasizes basic techniques in an atmosphere that encourages personal, expressive work. It reinforces the fundamentals of drawing and painting from observation, imagination and memory, as well as design and color theory. Students are offered a wide variety of materials including watercolor, acrylics and various drawing media. Museum visits and artist oral reports are also part of the curriculum.

Photography: Students gain a complete overview of the photographic process. Beginning with understanding of Camera Obscura and pinhole photography, students learn how to construct cameras of their own. Through hands-on experience they learn the interrelationships between film speeds, apertures, shutter speeds, depth of field and focal lengths. They expose and print paper negatives and learn one of the oldest nineteenth century printing techniques. Students then experiment with low-tech cameras and soon move on to using 35mm contemporary cameras. The curriculum enables students to comprehend the historical tradition of photography and how it relates to contemporary image making. Each student is required to keep a journal, which is a reflection of his or her growth as an artist/photographer through the year.

Stained Glass: Students begin by learning about the nature of glass. Based on this knowledge, they produce a design. They learn how to craft their design into a finished product, using the copper foil method. Skills include pattern making, glass cutting, foiling, tinning and soldering the individual pieces of glass. Students complete one or two projects per year. Museum visits are part of the curriculum.

Video Movie Making: This course encompasses the basic elements of video production. The class meets together twice a cycle for discussions, screenings, lesson-based activities, and production shoots. Assignments introduce students to elements of film language as used as a tool for storytelling. They include creative brainstorming, story structure, character study, shot and frame composition, staging, continuity, and editing. Each student is required to storyboard, direct, and edit several short movies, independently and in groups. Group feedback sessions in a supportive environment encourage an open exchange of ideas and helpful suggestions between students. Students receive several reading and writing assignments.