Studio Art

In this course, students explore a range of methods and techniques in clay. The skills covered include pinch pots, slab building, coil building, teapots, wheel throwing and glazing. Elements of form, surface and design are discussed in relation to students’ work and goals. Students are encouraged to use projects to express themselves and explore their interests. Through dialogue and writing, they learn to discuss and write about their work on an aesthetic and conceptual level.

This course focuses on pieces made on the wheel, exploring the utilitarian aspects of ceramics. Students learn how to make tumblers, mugs, plates, bowls, vases and pitchers. Non-traditional methods of using the wheel may be explored as well. Through dialogue and writing, students learn to discuss and write about their work on an aesthetic and conceptual level.

Working more independently, students continue to develop their technical skills in clay while exploring sculptural work and portraiture. They work on a variety of pieces, both assigned and independent, to further their skills in clay and conceptual understanding of the art form. Through dialogue and writing, students learn to discuss and write about their work on an aesthetic and conceptual level.

This class is for students who wish to pursue advanced topics in ceramics. Working independently, they choose a specific theme for their work and explore ideas within that theme, culminating in a unified body of work. Through dialogue and writing, students learn to discuss and write about their work on an aesthetic and conceptual level.

This course focuses on the basic elements of drawing and painting, with a strong emphasis on composition, ways of seeing and the expressive qualities of line and mark making. Using the foundation of linear and atmospheric perspective, students learn how to depict the geometry and atmosphere of the still life, urban interior and landscape. Materials used may include pencil, ink, watercolor, acrylic paint, charcoal, pastel, colored pencils and various collage materials.

In this drawing and painting course, students explore the power of narrative and visual storytelling in a variety of mediums, such as comic strips, graphic novels, Manga, children’s books and storyboards. Students learn the basic principles of sequential visual storytelling as they explore writing, panel layout, composition, design and color using various mediums and materials, including graphite, ink and brush, design markers, watercolor, gouache and collage.
 

In this course, students explore a range of painting and printmaking methods and materials and further develop an understanding of the aesthetic principles of composition, design and color theory. Mediums may include watercolor, gouache, ink, acrylic and oil paint, monoprinting, block printing and collage.

This course is designed for students to pursue independent painting and drawing projects. Students work in a series and are expected to work well independently. Additionally, they are asked to create project proposals and preliminary sketches before beginning each piece.

In this drawing and painting course, students explore the power of narrative and visual storytelling in a variety of mediums, such as comic strips, graphic novels, Manga, children’s books and storyboards. Students learn the basic principles of sequential visual storytelling as they explore writing, panel layout, composition, design and color using various mediums and materials, including graphite, ink and brush, design markers, watercolor, gouache and collage.
 

This course introduces students to the metalworking processes and concepts behind jewelry design. Students learn how to work with sterling silver, copper, brass and nickel. The class encompasses fundamental metalsmithing techniques, including sawing, soldering and stone setting. Projects encourage students to develop their own style and create work that reflects their interests.

This course builds on the skills students learned in Metalsmithing and Jewelry I. Students take their foundation in metalworking skills to a more advanced level as they create complex pieces and learn more technical skills. As their understanding of the medium grows, they are encouraged to make pieces that reflect their unique style.

This course allows students who have taken Metalsmithing and Jewelry I and II to advance their skills and techniques while further developing the projects they began in those foundational classes. Greater autonomy is encouraged as they become more confident in their understanding of the metals studio and jewelry design. Students can pursue the skills and projects they are most interested in learning more about.

This class is intended for advanced metalsmiths. Students work with a theme that interests them and create a series of related pieces. They develop a body of work that reflects their interests and explore one idea, technique or type of jewelry in depth. Great autonomy is given to students so they can pursue the work they are most interested in

In this introductory course, students learn to operate a 35-mm single lens reflex camera. They also learn to make contact sheets from their film and create 8” by 10” enlargements from their negatives. Emphasis is placed on acquiring proficient darkroom techniques, and elements of composition and photo theory are discussed.

Students use the technical skills learned in Black & White Photography I but work more independently and at a faster pace. They apply darkroom skills and filters to control and manipulate their final prints. The purpose of this course is for students to begin developing their own individual photographic vision.

In this advanced photography course, students learn the history of photography from 1837 to the present. They continue to refine their darkroom skills and learn to print in an 11 x 14 inch format. Throughout the course, students experiment with personal and individual themes in their work.

The cyanotype print is an alternative photographic process that produces beautiful monochromatic images in shades of blue. In this class, students learn to mix and coat watercolor paper with a chemical solution to produce their light-sensitive paper. They then experiment with pinhole cameras, found objects and negatives to produce their final images.

In this studio art class, students combine digital photography with traditional black-and-white darkroom printing. To create images, students shoot with either a 35-mm digital camera or a cellphone camera and then produce digital negatives from their digital files. Finally, they take the digital negatives into the darkroom to create photographic prints. Assignments for this class are based on the formal elements of composition, and students are required to evaluate and interpret the images produced from each assignment.

In this studio art course, students investigate and discuss film history, theory and technique through the analysis of film clips. Working individually and in groups, they have the opportunity to plan, produce and edit two short narrative video projects using HD digital cameras and the iMovie HD editing system.

Students in this course experiment with a greater range of cinematic techniques, including lighting, sound production, performance for the camera and more complex editing techniques such as montage. Working both in groups and individually, students develop and produce one or two video projects, including one shot in black and white and another exploring the theme of Surrealism. Additionally, they continue to study various films to learn more about the process and art of filmmaking.

Students in this course experiment with various styles of cinematography, editing and sound production. Working more independently, they plan and develop a “self-portrait” on film and a short documentary. As always, students continue to analyze clips from films to learn more about the process and art of the moving image.

Students in this advanced course pursue independent video projects. As always, they are expected to carefully plan each project by creating a detailed storyboard and/or shot list, along with a production schedule. Finished projects are in the five to ten-minute range and should be suitable for submission to student film festivals.

In this course, students produce stop-motion animations using a variety of materials, including clay, sand, wire, rice, drawings, cut-out paper and objects. The class explores the basic techniques of stop-action, such as object, line and cut-out animation. Students create storyboards, shot lists and small sets, in addition to learning basic cinematography, lighting, directing and editing techniques. Digital SLR cameras and the Dragonframe stop-motion animation software are used to produce a series of short videos.

Digital Art I is a beginner studio art elective designed for students interested in creating art using digital tools and software. In this course, students learn to use graphics tablets, stylus pens, digital cameras and applications such as Adobe Photoshop and Procreate to produce self-expressive artwork. Additionally, they explore composition, design principles and color theory.

Digital Art II builds on the techniques and skills learned in Digital Art I. Students complete hands-on projects in abstract design, digital photography, digital collage and composites, and digital illustration. They learn advanced Photoshop tools and design strategies to deepen their understanding of art and develop their artistic voice and visual language.

Students in Digital Art III work through a series of conceptually based projects to further develop their visual language and hone their skills and aesthetics. Advanced Photoshop layer mask techniques, filters and other visual effects helps students expand their artistic vision and push their creative boundaries.

Students in this advanced-level course delve into their creative agenda through self-inspired projects. Each unit analyzes personal themes, concepts and innovative strategies to produce and prepare a body of work suited for college and university presentations.

This course examines the artistic and photographic foundations used in composing and processing digital photographs. Throughout the semester, students study the artwork of established artists, learn the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design, and explore the digital darkroom to develop their individual aesthetics. They also curate and produce bodies of work and prepare digital photographs for presentations, print and portfolios.

In this semester-long course, students continue to explore different techniques available in digital photography. Building on skills learned in Digital Photography I, they develop a unique body of work and explore new possibilities for expressing themselves. Group critiques, in-class exercises and projects offer a platform for discussion of theoretical and aesthetic concerns. The effect of technology on the visual arts is examined from contemporary and historical perspectives.

Digital Photography III is a continuation of  the first two Digital Photography levels.. In addition to learning advanced photo-editing skills, all projects emphasize a conceptual approach, focusing on  individual unique aesthetics. Each unit encourages portfolio development and culminates in presentations and group critiques.

Advanced Digital Photography is a continuation of Digital Photography III. In addition to learning advanced technical skills, all projects are based on a conceptual approach, with a focus on individual aesthetics. Each project culminates in presentations and group critiques.