Introduction to Visual Expression

Students learn to use photography as a manner of visual expression. Students develop compositional skills, an understanding of the basic principles of 35 mm camera use, basic black and white darkroom techniques, and an appreciation of the history and development of photography as a fine art form. Students are then given the opportunity to refine and expand their newly acquired skills as they are introduced to new photographic, darkroom and digital techniques.

Ceramics

An introduction to the nature of clay, including the three basic hand-building techniques: pinch, coil and slab, and wheel thrown methods. Various glaze, surface enrichment techniques, and firing processes are studied. The course provides students with an opportunity to create decorative, functional and sculptural ceramic ware. Lectures and projects of ceramic forms from both ancient and contemporary cultures are studied to enrich the students’ knowledge of ceramics. The course includes field trips to local galleries, museums and ceramic studios.

Advanced Ceramics

Students are given the opportunity to explore ceramics as a media of personal expression, creating sculptural and functional works.  They have the opportunity to develop  works of their own choice, as well as assigned projects. With teacher mentoring, students are supported in the development of a fine arts portfolio.

Advanced Photography

The serious photo student can refine and expand her compositional skills as she develops an understanding of camera optical controls and digital imaging. Projects will be presented in high quality inkjet prints digitally on a variety of media.

Mixed Media Painting

Students explore the theory and practice of combining painting with other artistic elements. Projects may incorporate unusual surfaces, small objects, fragments of other artwork, or text. Students will learn how to make a variety of transfers from their own illustrations and found images. The course covers critical thinking and critical discourse regarding the student’s artwork, as well as that of the art world.

Advanced Art

Students create projects that incorporate conceptual and formal strategies around self expression and the student’s artistic interests. Course will focus on expanding and refining styles, techniques, and media used in art making. Mixed media will be introduced as a way to explore forms as three-dimensional canvases – surfaces are painted, drawn, and collaged upon. The course covers critical thinking and critical discourse regarding the student’s artwork, as well as that of the art world. Field trips to local galleries, studios, and museums provide inspiration.

Special Projects/Directed Research

This course of independent study is for the self-motivated art student who has completed the Art Department’s course offerings in her chosen media. The focus may be either pictorial or spatial in nature (photography, painting, drawing, ceramics, mixed media, etc.). Student must design a semester’s course of study for themselves, outline a written project, and procure a project advisor.