This course is an introductory studio art course that develops one’s studio skills, as well as knowledge and techniques in drawing and other 2-dimensional mediums. Students will develop an understanding of the principles and elements of art and the basic vocabulary for describing visual aspects of their work. They will also acquire a general understanding of the roles art has played throughout history and the influences of the visual arts on culture. Demonstrations, slide lectures, group and individual critiques will be the primary tools utilized during class time to allow students to fully develop their technical understanding of 2-D and 3-D space. This course will also introduce students to color theory and allow them to experiment with a variety of mediums. 

This class is an introduction to the fundamentals and principles of photography, with an emphasis on digital photography. Through hands-on projects and research into historical and current-day practices, students will gain knowledge of how to take photographs and an appreciation of photography as an art form. Students will explore how to create imagery using composition and aesthetics, practicing time-honored methods to elevate the quality of their imagery through an investigation of color, texture, contrast, pattern, and lighting. With the addition of Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, students will expand and explore their digital images and become proficient at saving and sharing high-quality files.

This class is an opportunity for students to explore film photography. Students will gain an understanding of how to use manual SLR cameras to take black and white pictures and how to safely and effectively employ darkroom equipment to develop their film and print their photos. Projects will enable students to work on improving the exposure, composition, and storytelling within their photographs. Through research, readings, and a variety of classroom discussions, students will expand their knowledge of photographic history and techniques. They will practice speaking about their artwork and that of their classmates to better understand and improve their work. Students who have previous experience with film photography will explore how to use the medium to express their unique viewpoint and elevate their work through principles of design including unity, movement, contrast, and different forms of creative lighting. 

In this semester-long course, students will receive an introduction to the basic techniques of stained glass making, leaded and copper foil methods, as well as three-dimensional construction techniques. Students will practice drafting patterns, cutting glass, painting and staining, etching, grinding, and soldering glass together.

This class is designed to introduce students to a range of approaches in digital design using Creative Cloud. Using photography, type, color, illustrations, and other imagery, students will learn to communicate themes in dynamic and engaging ways. Projects will aim at developing students’ understanding of how to utilize the software as well as push them to think about how to best visually communicate themes and concepts in their work. The class will explore both print and online outlets for the work of a modern-day graphic designer.

This course is designed for students with an interest in developing skills in color mixing and expanding their understanding of how to represent three-dimensional space and forms on a two-dimensional surface. Throughout the semester, students will be building on the basic fundamentals of composition, focusing specifically on line, value, form, gesture, and color theory. Emphasis will be on understanding and applying these principles through a variety of projects, including but not limited to still life, landscape, portraits, and organic abstraction. Multiple mediums will be explored, such as oil paint, watercolor, gouache, and acrylic.

This studio course is an introduction to the fundamentals of printmaking. There will be an overview of a wide range of printmaking techniques, with a closer introduction to five different printmaking processes: monoprint, collagraph, linocut, woodcut, and etching/drypoint. The emphasis of the course is learning the principles of design and developing and mastering basic techniques, with attention to composition. The approach includes working both from objective reality and subjective imagination. Demonstrations and slide lectures, as well as group and individual critiques, will be utilized throughout the course.

Students will gain a working knowledge of the anatomy of the book, including the form, construction, bindings, and craftsmanship of a book. They will also be introduced to the extended world of Book Arts, such as papermaking, sculptural techniques, and some printmaking. This will allow students to experiment with mixed-media and a variety of different mediums, as well investigate the principles, techniques, and concepts in historical and modern bookbinding.

This course is an investigation of the principles, techniques, and concepts in historical and modern bookbinding. Students will also gain a working knowledge of anatomy of the book, form, construction, bindings, and craftsmanship of a book. They will also learn about the conceptual aspects of shape, texture, movement, and composition. This course will also introduce students to the extended world of Book Arts, such as papermaking, sculptural techniques, and some printmaking. This will allow them to experiment with mixed-media and a variety of different mediums as well.

Students will explore elements and principles of art and design through creating and appreciating 3-D objects. This course will provide an opportunity to experiment with a wide range of media such as paper, clay, wire, found objects, cardboard, wood, plastic, and other durable materials. Students will learn how to manipulate these materials and safely use sculpting tools. We will explore how viewers experience 3-D objects and how artists use principles of design such as form, texture, space, unity, proportion, and balance to create a successful 3-D experience.

This course introduces students to the variety of materials and processes involved in hand-produced textiles. Throughout the semester, students will explore the methods in which textiles are constructed, make their own textiles, and learn the basics of sewing. We will begin with original fiber, spin it into yarn, then weave it, knit it, crochet it, etc. There will also be a component of the course that is dedicated to learning how to use a sewing machine as well as how to hand sew fabric. Students will experiment with surface design on textiles using dyes, embroidery, and other approaches to fabric finishing.

This course will continue to build upon many of the techniques students learned during Textiles I. Students will be encouraged to further develop and hone skills, such as spinning yarn, dyeing with natural materials, weaving, knitting, as well as embroidering. Various new dyeing processes will be introduced as well as approaches to manipulating fiber and fabric.

This course is a precursor to the senior year AP Drawing, Photography, or 3-D portfolio. It allows students to gain additional one-on-one attention with an instructor and develop their skills beyond the introductory and advanced courses offered. Throughout the semester, students will be exploring the Breadth portion of the final AP portfolio. Journaling will be a major component of the class as well. Goals for the semester are for students to develop an understanding and experiment with a variety of materials, techniques, and concepts. Students will also regularly discuss and critique artwork with peers and their instructor.

For this AP course, students will create a portfolio of work that demonstrates inquiry through art and design and development of materials, processes, and ideas over the course of a year. For the AP Drawing course, students are expected to submit a portfolio of 15 digital images of works of art and process documentation that demonstrate sustained investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision.

The drawing portfolio is designated for work that focuses on the use of mark-making, line, surface space, light and shade, and composition. Students can work with any materials, processes, and ideas. Drawing, painting, printmaking, and mixed media work are among the possibilities for submission. There will also be a heavy emphasis on interpretation, analysis, and conceptual development of both the artists’ work as well as work of their peers. Students should be prepared to regularly discuss artwork as a class as well as develop narrative and concept in their own art.

For this AP course, students will create a portfolio of work that demonstrate inquiry through art and design and development of materials, processes, and ideas over the course of a year. For the AP 2-D course, students are expected to submit a portfolio of 15 digital images of works of art and process documentation that demonstrate sustained investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision.

This portfolio is designated for work that focuses on the use of two-dimensional elements and principles of art and design. Students should consider how materials, processes, and ideas can be used to make work that exists on a flat surface. Students may work with any materials, processes, and ideas. Graphic design, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, fashion design, fashion illustration, painting and printmaking are among the possibilities for submission. There will also be a heavy emphasis on interpretation, analysis, and conceptual development of both the artists’ work as well as work of their peers. Students should be prepared to regularly discuss artwork as a class as well as develop narrative and concept in their own art.

For this AP course, students will create a portfolio of work that demonstrates inquiry through art and design and development of materials, processes, and ideas over the course of a year. For the AP 3-D Art and Design portfolio students are expected to submit a portfolio of 10 digital images of works of art and process documentation that demonstrate sustained investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision.

This portfolio is designated for work that focuses on the use of three-dimensional elements and principles of art and design. Students should consider how materials, processes and ideas can be used to make work that involves space and form. Students can work with any materials, processes, and ideas. Figurative or non-figurative sculpture, architectural models, metal work, ceramics, glasswork, installation, performance, assemblage, and 3-D fabric/fiber arts are among the possibilities for submission. There will also be a heavy emphasis on interpretation, analysis, and conceptual development of both the artists’ work as well as work of their peers. Students should be prepared to regularly discuss artwork as a class as well as develop narrative and concept in their own art.

This is a year-long course for seniors who would like to further explore a specific medium but may not be interested in an AP course. This will be a culminating experience for seniors who are interested in developing both the personal voice of their work as well as developing technique in their chosen medium. Throughout the year, students will create a body of work (8-12 pieces) which will then be exhibited at the Senior Art Show. Any medium is allowed. This course is fairly self-directed; therefore, students will need to have approval from a UHS art instructor before signing up. Students should be prepared for regular critiques and discussions around their artwork and be open to giving and receiving feedback.