Visual Arts Department
2025-2026 Program of Studies
Grade 9-12 Offerings
Maybe you are intimidated by drawing and/or painting or maybe you are looking to improve your drawing/painting skills. Either way, Art Intro is for you!
Art Intro
**This course is prerequisite for Digital Studio Art, Studio I, Studio II and AP Art
Ceramics I
Come explore the world of clay in Ceramics I! This is an introductory class which goes over the basics of working with clay and glaze, handbuilding techniques and how to use the potters wheel.
Ceramics II builds on the knowledge you gain in Ceramics I, improves your clay skills and pushes the boundaries with your ideas. Some of the projects include both wheel thrown and handbuilt components, creating sculptures from clay forms made on the wheel and working on expanding your glazing and design skills. (*Ceramics I must be taken first!)A or Honors Level
Ceramics II
Ceramics III
Did Ceramics I and II inspire you to want more clay? In Ceramics III we explore creating large handbuilt ceramic sculpture and expand our wheel working skills. (10-12 *Ceramics I & II)
A or Honors Level
Do you want to learn more about character design and animation? In this class, students will focus on the pre-production process, designing characters, creatures, environments, props, and illustrations/paintings. Skills learned in this course are foundational still-image practices used for future animation processes. **In this course, students will not be creating animations using movement and/or film.
Character Design and Intro to Animation
Do you like to doodle, journal, and draw? Do you want to explore new materials? Then this is a class for you! This class is a mix of abstract and realistic projects done in a sketchbook, using all kinds of materials, such as drawing, painting, and collaging. Projects will be quicker and more experimental.
Creative Sketchbooks
*This course is prerequisite for Digital Studio Art, Studio I, Studio II and AP Art
Introduction to Photoshop and Graphic Design
Do you love technology? Would you like to learn how to use Adobe Photoshop and get your art requirement at the same time? No need for any prior drawing experience. This is an art course that uses technology as a medium.
iPad Studio Art Using Procreate
Do you enjoy drawing on your iPad? Do you want to learn more about digital drawing capabilities? There is an increased use of digital art at both the college and professional industry level. This course will introduce students to the program Procreate where they will utilize various brushes and techniques within the program to create unique designs that mimic real world art materials to create digital illustrations. Students will use both the iPad and an Apple Pencil for creating. Prerequisite: Art Intro or Creative Sketchbooks
Do you love to take photos and want learn more about photography? This class covers the ins and outs of using both digital and 35mm film cameras. Students will be using a darkroom to print traditional black and white prints as well as learning Adobe Photoshop to manipulate and enhance their photos. (10-12)
Traditional & Digital Photography
Do you love to take photos and want learn more about photography? This class covers the ins and outs of using both digital and 35mm film cameras. Students will be using a darkroom to print traditional black and white prints as well as learning Adobe Photoshop to manipulate and enhance their photos. (10-12) *Traditional & Digital Photography First!)
Darkroom Photography II
Do you feel intimidated when it comes to a traditional art class? Do you want to try working more experimentally? Take risks, try new techniques and embrace the happy accidents!
Mixed Media
Sculpture & 3D Design
Do you like working with your hands and using tools? Do you like art that doesn’t just hang on the wall? Sculpture and installation will explore a variety of mediums including plaster, wire, wood, cardboard and found objects.
Are you looking to delve a little deeper with materials and techniques? Are you looking to start building a portfolio? Studio I is the course for that! During the semester, students will continue to build on concepts and skills, while being challenged to think more independently and creatively. Prerequisite: Art Intro or Creative Sketchbooks
Studio I
Looking to build a portfolio? Studio II is where you want to be. This class explores a variety of media and subject matter in drawing and painting that will be looked for when applying to college. Artists will create works that are both guided and open-ended, showing one’s individual style, creativity and self-expression. (11&12) *Prerequisite: Studio I or iPad Studio Art
Studio II
AP Studio Art: Drawing
This class is for the serious art student who wants to come up with a theme/concentration for the entire year and generate their own assignments based on that. Their artistic journey over the year should show growth and development within their chosen theme. (Grade 12 only)