Ceramics II is an advanced pottery course where students build upon the skills they have acquired in Ceramics I. This course is for a student who is motivated to undertake very ambitious work in clay and further their understanding of ceramic art as a means of artistic expression. Ceramics II students who have demonstrated proficiency in the course are given considerable freedom as they pursue their own artistic endeavors guided by the instructor.

The goal of this course is to provide students the opportunity to grow as artists in a community of other highly motivated artists. These students produce works in clay that utilize higher-order thinking in terms of expressing thoughts, ideas, feelings, and attitudes. Students explain or justify themes and aesthetic decisions, making connections to art history, spirituality, and current events. Projects display advancement in complexity and mastery of the ceramic process.

In this course, students will create a series of 3-dimensional works of art that highlight the principles of art and design as well as responses to historical, thematic, and cultural prompts. They will learn and apply appropriate vocabulary in verbal and written analysis of their work and the work of others; plan rigorously and justify their aesthetic choices thoughtfully; participate in the discussion of current and historical roles of 3-dimensional art in society; and create sophisticated, art forms from in the medium of clay and glaze. Their projects will be readily added to the college/art school application process and submitted in juried art competitions and exhibitions.

The honors class will have the requirement of additional work time added outside of the regular meeting time. This class will also require students to submit work to a minimum of two different ceramic juried shows. The artist will also create a digital portfolio of their work which includes images on a gradient background, and written artist statements. (Students learn photography skills and lighting techniques.)

This course introduces and develops the basic principles of art through drawing, design and color projects. Students complete course objectives and assignments using a variety of media and techniques. Graphite, pen and ink and watercolor are used to strengthen drawing skills. Students train in the use of acrylics in addition to other color media as they learn color theory and painting. Most work for this basic course is two- dimensional. This course includes participation in the student art exhibit each spring.

This course includes art history as it relates to various cultures and time periods. Students are expected to work at a more advanced level to display skills acquired in Art I. Students complete complex projects and are given the freedom to select media, refine their techniques and develop individual styles. This course includes participation in the student art exhibit each spring.

This course further develops and hones artistic skills in individual areas of interest as students explore a wide variety of mediums and techniques. Students assemble a portfolio of works to use when applying to an art college or liberal arts university. Great focus will be placed on student planning and preparation before embarking on a new creative challenge, as well as, reflection and critique upon completion. This course can be taken in preparation for AP Studio Art. Honors Art III students participate in the student art exhibit each spring.

This course guides students to complete a college-level portfolio comprising 15 works of art related to a topic of investigation chosen by each student. Emphasis is placed on providing written and visual evidence of the process, planning, and revision of the student's work. By May of each year, students must complete a portfolio of 15 works suitable for AP submission (AP Drawing Portfolio). Students submitting a drawing portfolio will focus on showcasing the use of their chosen medium and strength in rendering light and shadow to convey form, as well as the ability to create the illusion of space and depth on a two-dimensional surface.

Additional Expectations: Work outside the course is required to complete the extensive portfolio requirements.

This course guides students to complete a college-level portfolio comprising 15 works of art related to a topic of investigation chosen by each student. Emphasis is placed on providing written and visual evidence of the process, planning, and revision of the student's work. By May of each year, students must complete a portfolio of 15 works suitable for AP submission (AP 2D Design Portfolio). Students submitting a 2D Design portfolio will focus on showcasing the use of the elements and principles of art and design, such as line, shape, color, and balance.

Additional Expectations: Work outside the course is required to complete the extensive portfolio requirements.

This course explores the practical and artistic uses of today’s modern digital cameras. Students learn how to use a digital camera and edit their digital images using the latest image editing software. Students examine the history, theory, and methods of photographic expression, while applying their understanding to the production of their own creative works. Students are exposed to compositional rules and guidelines used in photography. Emphasis is placed upon the elements and principles of art and design.

Note: Students are expected to supply their own digital cameras (6 or more mega-pixels suggested) with a removable digital media card. A basic understanding of Mac computer environments and Adobe Creative Suite software is also recommended.

This course will provide advanced training in the practical and artistic use of today's modern digital camera. Students will gain instruction in the advanced applications of Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Lightroom as it pertains to photography and graphic design. Students examine the history, theory, and methods of photographic expression while applying their understanding to the production of their creative works. Students are exposed to advanced compositional techniques and guidelines used in photography. Emphasis is placed on using the elements and principles of art and design. The instructions will be application-based lectures and demonstrations given as needed. All students will select and present a piece they created during this course to display at the school’s Art Show during the last month of the school year.

Note: Students must own or have access to a DSLR camera. A basic understanding of Mac computer environments and Adobe Creative Suite software is also recommended.

Provides an understanding and knowledge of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms within diverse historical and cultural contexts on an introductory college course level. Students examine and critically analyze primary forms of artistic expression from various cultures, from the past and present. The course also emphasizes understanding works in context, considering such issues as patronage, gender, and the functions and effects of works of art. Students who have done well in other courses in the humanities, such as history and literature or any of the studio arts, are especially encouraged to enroll.