Art

This is a gateway foundation course designed to introduce students to a wide variety of art media through learning the elements of art and principles of design. The projects in this course will be both two and three-dimensional in nature and help students develop their skills and creative talents. Studio in Art students may continue in advanced level art courses, such as Drawing and Painting I and Fashion Illustration. This course meets the fine arts graduation requirement and satisfies prerequisites for advanced level art classes.

Studio in Crafts is a foundational arts course that introduces students to three-dimensional art and functional art forms, aligning with the resurgence of the handmade movement. Students will explore a variety of techniques and materials used in crafting, including ceramics, fiber arts, calligraphy and mixed media. This course satisfies the New York State arts requirement and can also be taken as an elective. It serves as the prerequisite for the Advanced Studio in Crafts course and is the entry point to the three-dimensional arts pathway. Through hands-on projects, students will develop technical skills and creative problem-solving abilities while producing unique and functional artworks.

Step into the dynamic world of visual storytelling and digital creativity with this exciting foundational course! Dive into graphic design, digital illustration, photography, animation and filmmaking using Adobe Creative Cloud applications like Photoshop, Illustrator and Fresco to bring your creative visions to life. From designing eye-catching graphics to capturing stunning photographs, crafting animated masterpieces and digital painting, you’ll master the art of media creation with iMacs and iPads. This course prepares you for advanced studies in film, photography, or graphic arts and fulfills your art/music graduation requirement. Get ready to imagine, design and inspire!

Students will explore foundational techniques in both drawing and painting. Students will develop essential skills such as observational drawing, color mixing and composition while experimenting with various media, including pencil, charcoal, ink and paint. Through guided projects and creative exploration, students will build confidence in their artistic abilities and develop their unique visual voice. Emphasis will be placed on craftsmanship, problem-solving, and understanding the elements and principles of art. Students will also analyze contemporary and historical works to inform their practice and gain a broader perspective on the role of art in society.

Drawing and Painting II builds upon the foundational skills developed in Drawing and Painting I, challenging students to refine their techniques and deepen their artistic expression. This advanced course emphasizes personal style, complex compositions and mastery of various media, including advanced use of watercolor, acrylic and mixed media. Students will engage in thematic projects that encourage creative risk-taking and conceptual thinking, pushing the boundaries of their artistic vision. Critical analysis of contemporary and historical art will inform their work, fostering connections between their practice and broader artistic movements.

This course is intended for students in grades 10-12 who are interested in exploring careers in the fashion industry. Students will study costume and fashion history, develop a fashion portfolio by drawing the human form, and study the techniques necessary to successfully depict costumes and fabrics on the fashion figure. After Fashion Illustration, students may continue in Advanced Fashion Illustration.

This course is intended for students who are interested in continuing exploring the fashion industry. Students will study costume and fashion history, finalize a fashion portfolio by creating original designs and study the techniques necessary to successfully depict costumes and fabrics on the fashion figure. Collaborative opportunities will be explored with the theater arts program and/or media arts programs. After Advanced Fashion Illustration, students may continue in Portfolio or Drawing and Painting I or II (in sequence).

This is a college-level course in which students will further explore creating art in two-dimensional forms. Students are expected to submit a drawing and two-dimensional design portfolio. Students create a portfolio of work to demonstrate the artistic skills and ideas they have developed, refined, and applied. In addition to developing a portfolio, students will be expected to photograph and catalogue images of their work, participate in critiques, keep an original sketchbook for developing ideas, and study artists, art movements and terminology.

Art Portfolio Development is for the serious art student interested in pursuing art in college. The course will concentrate on developing a professional art portfolio. Each person will have a portfolio ready to present for college admission at the end of the course. Observational drawing and experimental – as well as abstract – painting will be the main focus of the year. The final exam will consist of the finished portfolio, a resume, and artist statement and portfolio review.

Graphic Arts I is a course that blends art, technology and strategy. We'll follow American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) guidelines to learn the fundamentals of design, from ideation to presentation. You'll master Adobe Creative Cloud software and work on real-world projects like packaging, social media graphics and advertising campaigns. By building a strong design portfolio, you'll prepare for exciting careers in advertising, web design, game design, UX design and print design. Let's explore, experiment and design together!

Graphic Arts II is an advanced course that builds upon knowledge and skills from Graphic Arts I and Electronic Media. Aligned with the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) standards, students will master industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite or similar web-based tools to create sophisticated designs for packaging, social media, and advertising. This course empowers students to embark on independent graphic design projects and portfolio preparation, and can open doors to exciting career opportunities in the dynamic field of design.

Photography I is a dynamic course designed to elevate the quality of students’ photographs, provide a better understanding of the medium and develop students’ own personal aesthetic and artistic styles. This introductory course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of professional level tools including Photoshop and Lightroom Classic, and how to use iMacs and iPad Pros for digital imaging. Students take their own photos with their cell phones and DSLR cameras. With a constructivist approach, students make aesthetic evaluations through critiques, collaborate on projects and always approach work with hands-on exploration. Historic and contemporary examples of photography underpin all of the projects.

Photography II is where students level up their creativity! This course begins with a short review of topics taught in Photography I before jumping into a series of projects designed to encourage students to deepen their creative expression by making digital images. Students continue to take photos with their cell phones and DSLR cameras, and focus on enhancing their Photoshop and Lightroom Classic skills while developing a digital portfolio. Critiques, collaborative projects and activities are designed to grow a community of 21^st century artists that know how to work together with peers. Projects are grounded in the curated work of historic and contemporary photographers picked to inspire and engage.

In Animation, students will learn the magic of turning drawings and models into moving stories. From classic flipbooks to cutting-edge digital animation, students will master every step of the process, from storyboarding to editing. Using powerful tools like Adobe Animate, After Effects and Premiere Pro, students will create stunning animations and build a portfolio that showcases their talent. Join now and help animate the future!

In Film I, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at filmmaking. You'll learn to use DSLR cameras, write captivating scripts and storyboard your own stories. From planning shots and angles to mastering audio and lighting techniques, you'll have the chance to create amazing films. Collaborate with classmates, experiment with special effects and learn about copyright law. By the end of the course, you'll have a portfolio of your own films and a solid foundation for a future in film and video production.

In Film II, you'll dive deeper into the art of storytelling, from crafting compelling scripts to editing breathtaking visuals. Explore the world of documentaries, broadcast journalism and narrative filmmaking. You'll work with professional-grade equipment, collaborate with classmates and experiment with advanced techniques. By the end of the course, you'll have a portfolio of polished films that showcase your talent and prepare you for a future in the exciting world of film and video production.

Advanced Studio in Crafts is an elective art course designed for students who have successfully completed Studio in Crafts and wish to further develop their skills in three-dimensional and functional art forms. This course emphasizes advanced techniques and encourages students to take a more independent approach to their projects, allowing for greater creative exploration and self-expression. Students will refine their craft in areas such as ceramics, fiber arts and mixed media, with opportunities to experiment and innovate. Through self-directed projects and teacher mentorship, students will create sophisticated works that demonstrate technical skill and conceptual depth. This course is ideal for those seeking to expand their artistic portfolio and deepen their understanding of the handmade arts.

This is a college-level course in which students will further explore creating art in three-dimensional forms. This includes, but is not limited to, weaving, basketry, pottery, sculpture and fabric sculpture. Upon completion of a portfolio to be submitted toward the end of the year, students may receive a college course credit with a passing grade of 3 or higher.

Studio in Pottery and Sculpture is an introductory course in three-dimensional art that aims to deepen students' understanding of the elements of art and principles of design, while also delving into art history and the diverse artistic expressions of various cultures. Throughout the course, students will engage with ceramics and sculpture materials, focusing on the development of technical skills. Emphasis will be placed on exploring techniques for manipulating materials and refining surfaces, allowing for a comprehensive hands-on experience in the world of three-dimensional art.

In the Advanced Studio in Pottery and Sculpture course, students are immersed into three-dimensional studies, enhancing their technical expertise in pottery and sculpture. Building on the foundational skills developed in Studio in Pottery and Sculpture, students will enjoy creating more complex projects by engaging with natural clay and diverse sculptural materials. With a strong emphasis on individual expression, the course encourages students to explore advanced techniques for manipulating materials and refining surfaces. Students will have the opportunity to experiment with sophisticated glazing methods, such as layering glazes and using underglazes to achieve rich textures and vibrant colors. Students will also refine their clay modeling techniques, utilizing armatures for larger sculptures and mastering both additive and subtractive methods to create detailed forms. Through this course, students will cultivate their creativity and technical skills, guiding them on their artistic journeys.

IB SL Visual Art is a one year course that includes an additional, alternating lab class requirement. The course encourages students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries.

IB HL 1 and 2 Visual Art include an additional, alternating lab class requirement. IB HL 1 Visual Art is the first year of a two-year sequence. IB HL 2  Visual Art is the second year of a two-year sequence.