This course is designed to familiarize students with basic concepts, processes, and vocabulary used in the major field of art. Classroom experiences will provide students with a basic understanding of drawing materials and techniques, aesthetics, historical and cultural influences, and critical evaluation of art.

In Pottery 1, students develop and refine the essential skills needed to create sculptural, functional, and visually appealing pottery. They will master the terms, tools, and techniques of the craft, including hand-building with coils and slabs, using molds, working on the wheel, decorating, and glazing. The course also explores historical and contemporary pottery, offering students a deeper understanding of its significance throughout history and its continued impact on our daily lives.

Pottery 2 builds on the skills acquired in Pottery 1, challenging students to create more advanced and refined projects. With guidance, support, and constructive critiques, students are encouraged to explore their own artistic style and craft unique, expressive pieces.

This course is designed with studio emphasis. Offerings include acrylics and/or watercolor painting, modeling sculpture, drawing and graphics. Instruction will provide students with background in aesthetics, historical and cultural influences, and critical evaluation of art work. All areas include instruction in more than one technique, i.e., graphics include wood and linoleum printing, etching, mono-printing, etc. Students enrolled in this program will arrange individual contracts with the instructor for their chosen area of study as well as learning about new materials and techniques. 

This course is designed to teach the fundamentals of wood sculpture including low relief, 3-D carving, waterfowl, and other wildlife sculpture. Basic concepts such as aesthetic value, historical and cultural influences, critique methods, as well as the use of tools and sharpening, are included. Safety training is paramount. 

 In this course, students gain hands-on experience with camera operation, composition, and the creative use of light. They will explore the history of photography, study contemporary photographers, and experiment with various photographic styles. The course also offers the unique opportunity to work in a traditional darkroom. Students will build a strong foundation in both the technical and artistic aspects of photography, empowering them to capture the world through their own distinctive lens.

This demanding studio course has as its culminating goal the creation of a portfolio to be submitted to the AP Board for evaluation. This course directs students to advance their skills in both the investigation and the creation of visual art. The course requires a high level of independence as students must work well beyond the classroom instructional hours to meet the requirements of the portfolio.

This course will consist of a year-long investigation into the historic and aesthetic significance of the history of western art. Substantial reading and writing will be required in order to fully cover the text, History of Art for Young People, by H.W. Janson. Field trips to museums in the area will be an essential part of this course.