VISUAL ARTS

The Visual Arts curriculum provides a sequential and meaningful focus on skills and concepts while emphasizing art production, art history, aesthetics, and art criticism. Instruction and student learning are driven by the National Core Arts Standards (2016) and corresponding anchor standards of Creating, Presenting, Responding and Connecting. These standards foster development of Visual Arts literacy, inquiry skills, 21st century and life skills.

A quality education in the Visual Arts will provide students with the means to:

Value art as an important realm of human activity, and a lifelong source of insight and understanding
Offer self-reflective opportunities focusing on expression and development of personal style
Provide opportunities to develop interpersonal skills through collaborative work
Improve perceptual skills and strengthen knowledge base
Enhance critical and creative thinking abilities as well as problem-solving skills
Develop visual literacy skills
Broaden career opportunities and possible application
Foster development of 21st century skills

Course offerings provide guided learning experiences with two-dimensional and three-dimensional art forms and concepts. A variety of subject matter, materials, tools and production techniques are explored. The courses encourage students to make connections with other disciplines through class discussions, assignments, research, readings, lectures, guest speakers and field trips.

Grades 9-12:

Grades 10-12:

Grades 11-12:

Full Year Courses

Ceramics I
Drawing I
Painting I
3D Studio Art I

Semester Courses

Digital Arts
Digital Arts II
Design in Everyday Life: A Personal Perspective - Conard Only
Design in Everyday Life: A Global Perspective - Conard Only

Semester courses in Design (Conard Only) and Digital Arts offerings can be combined for a full-year course.

Full Year Courses

Ceramics II
Cooperative Visual Arts Strategies
Drawing II (ECE credit available)
Painting II
3D Studio Art II

Full Year Courses

Ceramics III
3D Studio Art II
Advanced Placement in Studio Art (grade 11 at teacher discretion)

3D Studio Art I

1 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None

Graduation Category: Arts

This course serves as an introduction or a continuation of use of three dimensional art materials. It is a continuation of the development of skills, concepts and technique for students who have previously taken Ceramics I- II. For those students without experience in using 3D materials this course may serve as an introduction to 3D Studio Art.

Emphasis will be on planning and use of craftsmanship to address the creative process in making three dimensional art. Students will create sculpture using materials such as plaster, wood, wire, clay, found objects and varieties of paper and students may explore techniques such as carving, modeling, assemblage and hand building. Throughout the course, art criticism and relevant art history related to sculpture will be a focus.

3D Studio Art II

1 Credit
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: 3D Studio Art I

Graduation Category: Arts

This course continues the development of skills, concepts and techniques learned in 3D Studio Art I. The student who enrolls will be interested in further exploration of use of 3D materials to create sculpture and to explore a more independent level of work. Throughout the course, art criticism and relevant art history related to sculpture will be a focus.

Students will continue to foster skills of planning and use of craftsmanship to address the creative process in making three dimensional art. Students will create sculpture using materials such as plaster, wood, wire, clay, found objects and varieties of paper, to name a few. Students may explore such techniques as carving, modeling, assemblage and hand building using a wide variety of materials to create sculpture, relief sculpture and kinetic art.

Advanced Placement in Studio Art

1 Credit
Grade 12, (grade 11 at teacher discretion)
Prerequisite: A minimum B average in 2 credits of Art or teacher permission

Graduation Category: Arts

This is a college-level experience emphasizing an area of studio art in depth. This advanced course provides an extended opportunity for advanced art students to develop a portfolio of original artwork for college admission, and to pursue possible work in a chosen area of concentration. Specific class assignments are individualized for maximum effectiveness. Throughout the course, criticism and relevant art history will be addressed. The Advanced Placement Program is a cooperative education endeavor of the College Board. The Educational Testing Service provides its operational services. Participation in the Advanced Placement exam is an expectation of this course.

Ceramics I

1 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None

Graduation Category: Arts

This course will introduce students to clay as an artistic medium. Clay will be used both for sculptural and functional purposes. Specific projects will allow creative problem-solving while students explore various hand building and wheel throwing skills and both traditional and experimental finishing techniques. Throughout the course, criticism and relevant art history will be addressed.

Ceramics II

1 Credit
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Ceramics I

Graduation Category: Arts

This course continues the development of skills, concepts and techniques learned in Ceramics I. A greater emphasis is placed on craftsmanship and wheel throwing as well as individual expression, while creating sculptural and functional ceramics. Throughout the course, criticism and relevant art history will be addressed.

Ceramics III

1 Credit
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Ceramics I and II

Graduation Category: Arts

This course continues the development of skills, concepts and techniques learned in Ceramics I and II. A greater emphasis is placed on personal expression as well as craftsmanship and wheel throwing. Students will create sculptural, functional and conceptual ceramics. They will explore the use of glazes and different clay bodies. Throughout the course, art criticism and relevant art history will be a focus. This course is ideal for juniors who wish to build a three-dimensional/clay work portfolio in preparation for AP. The class serves as a continuation of Ceramics I and II.

Cooperative Visual Arts Strategies

1 Credit
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation

Graduation Category: Arts

This course is ideal for students in grades 10-12 who may be interested in a career in teaching and/or peer collaboration. Perhaps they would like to take their visual arts knowledge and skills to a new level by working to help other students foster their creative skills through a variety of visual arts experiences. Class participation involves working with a team of peers to learn how to develop and implement lesson plans and to collaboratively design meaningful learning experiences to support all learners. All activities will be used to help students develop relationships and an appreciation for student differences. This course is paired with Visual Arts Explorations.

Design in Everyday Life: A Global Perspective - Conard Only

Semester 2
.5 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None

Graduation Category: Arts

These courses will engage students in examining the world around them to make connections between everyday life and the design of objects used on a daily basis. The principles and elements of design will provide a foundation for the course. In semester one, students will explore everyday objects and art through a personal lens with possible topics to include fashion/accessory design, logos, jewelry, textile and product/package design. In the second semester, students will explore everyday objects and art through a global lens with possible topics to include architecture, landscape design, product/package design and interior design. Students may enroll in one or both semesters of the course.

Design in Everyday Life: Personal Perspective - Conard Only

Semester 1
.5 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None

Graduation Category: Arts

Digital Arts

.5 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Can run Sem 1 or 2

Graduation Category: Arts, STEM

With digital art becoming a major force in the art and design world, it is more important than ever for students to become acquainted with this medium. In this course, students will explore design technology to create digital art and relate it to traditional art history and contemporary culture. This course will include industry standard practices where students will discover digital tools to create, edit, manipulate, replicate and transform artwork. The course content will include fundamentals of using iPads and Apple Pencils to bring digital drawings and paintings to life. Using technology, digital art is easy to share, portable, and can be printed quickly and easily. This course is an investment in a future in art and design careers. Students will develop skills that employers and colleges are seeking. Students may enroll in one or both semesters of Digital Arts (i.e. Digital Arts and Digital Arts II).

Digital Arts II

Sem .5 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Digital Arts

Graduation Category: Arts, STEM

With digital art becoming a major force in the art and design world, it is more important than ever for students to become acquainted with this medium. This course is a continuation of the introductory course (Digital Arts). It will provide students with the opportunity to continue to explore digital art in relation to traditional art history and contemporary culture. Students may begin to create a digital portfolio as they use advanced techniques.
This course will include industry-standard practices, where students will discover digital tools to create, edit, replicate, and transform artwork. Course content will include strategies to build on the fundamentals of using iPads and Apple Pencils to bring digital drawings and paintings to life. Using
Procreate, digital art is easy to share, portable, and can be printed quickly and easily to prepare for a career in art and design. This course is an investment in future art/design careers. All technology will be supplied. Students may enroll in one or both semesters of Digital Arts ( i.e. Digital Arts and
Digital Arts II).

Drawing I

1 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None

Graduation Category: Arts

Drawing is a basic process for creating visual images. It is a fundamental form of visual communication. In this course, students will develop their approaches to drawing from life and from their imagination. Students will have a full range of drawing experiences such as quick sketching to in-depth studies. A variety of materials and drawing techniques will be used to create a wide range of visual qualities and expressive content. Throughout the course, criticism and relevant art history will be addressed.

Drawing II

1 Credit
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Drawing I

Graduation Category: Arts

This advanced course requires successful completion of Drawing I in order to be eligible to enroll. This course focuses on observational drawing and on development of techniques. It also continues to focus on development of skills, concepts, and techniques learned in Drawing I. Students will grow technically as they expand their creative and critical thinking skills. They will work with linear perspective, complex organic forms, interior spaces, reflective objects and personal still lives. Students will be empowered to use their drawing knowledge base to make informed decisions regarding media, subject matter, and composition as they complete portfolio quality pieces. Group critiques are held throughout the course as a way to inform student artwork. (This course is eligible for UCONN ECE credit. See College Credit Programs section for more information.)

Painting I

1 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None

Graduation Category: Arts

This course is designed to acquaint students with the knowledge and understanding of how to express visual ideas through a variety of painting materials such as oil paint, watercolor and acrylic. Students will be provided many opportunities to solve visual problems related to composition, subject matter and technique. Throughout the course, criticism and relevant art history will be discussed.

Painting II

1 Credit
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Painting I

Graduation Category: Arts

This course continues the development of skills, concepts and techniques developed in Painting I. Concentrated work with advanced approaches to composition, subject matter and techniques will be the focus of instruction. In addition, students will work toward the development and enhancement of a personal painting style. Throughout the course, criticism and relevant art history will be discussed.