VISUAL ARTS

VISUAL ARTS COURSES

Studio in Art: 1 Credit, Ames and MHS; This course is the prerequisite course for many other course offerings in the Art Pathways.  
This course is for students desiring a broad background in the visual arts as part of their general education as well as students who plan to elect further courses in art. This course is an introduction to the fundamental elements, principles and processes of 2 and 3-dimensional design and uses a variety of traditional and nontraditional media with an emphasis on problem-solving, creative exploration and collaboration. Students will use and transfer traditional art making skills into digital art making skills. Through the use of digital creativity tools such as iPads and dynamic art and communication apps, students will create traditional and new media as they explore painting, drawing, photography, art critique, storytelling, animation, graphic design and movie-making. This course emphasizes observation and interpretation of the visual environment, visual communication, imagination, and symbolism through an introduction to various visual arts media. The focus of this comprehensive course is the study of how artists convey ideas through application of a variety of media, and the study of historical and contemporary art and artists from a worldwide perspective. This is a full year course that offers a broad scope in the making of art. The State Education Department recommends this course to meet the Art/Music requirement for the high school diploma. 

3D Art I:  1 Credit, MHS; Prerequisite: Studio in Art  
This course is the entry level course into the 3D Art Pathway for students seeking a sequence in art. This Sculptural course promotes expression of ideas through three-dimensional works. Students explore a study of historical and contemporary 3 dimensional art, and artists from a worldwide perspective. They will begin to develop knowledge of 3 dimensional art techniques and processes with an emphasis on design, craftsmanship, and expression. Experience includes, but is not limited to, representational and abstract sculpture through subtractive (plaster carving), additive (modeling), functional and decorative clay & ceramic works, fabrication, and assemblage techniques in one or more media. 

3D Art II:  1 Credit, MHS; Prerequisite: 3D Art I or prior instruction in ceramics or sculpture  
This course is the intermediate level course in the 3D Art Pathway for students seeking a sequence in art. This Sculptural course builds on a student's ability to express ideas through three-dimensional works. Students will delve deeper into historical and contemporary 3 dimensional art, as well as artists from a worldwide perspective, and instruction and practice in the critique process are addressed. They will further develop, build on and strengthen their knowledge of 3 dimensional art techniques and processes with a continued emphasis on design, craftsmanship, and expression. Experience includes, but is not limited to, representational and abstract sculpture through subtractive (rock carving), additive (life sized installations), clay & ceramic works, fabrication, and assemblage techniques in advanced sculptural media.  

Anime and Cartooning:  .5 Credit, Ames 
This course fills a ½ credit elective slot in any of the Art Pathways. This course focuses on both the history of Anime (contemporary Japanese animation), beginning in the 1970s to its current place in Visual and Animation Arts today. Students will utilize traditional and digital tools for their creations, along with traditional materials such as Prismacolor pencils and markers, AD Markers, and Micron Ink Pens. Students will also utilize the iPad and software tools, including Procreate. Assignments and projects in this course will build from the entry-level project and culminate in a blended traditional and digital story.

Computer Art & Graphic Design:  1 Credit, MHS; Prerequisite: Studio in Art  
This course is the entry level course into the Digital Media Art Pathway for students completing a sequence in art. It is designed to introduce the student to the skills necessary for a career as a graphic artist, graphic designer, digital photographer or illustrator. Digital Media Art courses explore the creative and conceptual aspects of designing and producing digital imagery, graphics, and photography. Students study the techniques, genres, and styles from a variety of mediums and forms. Topics may include development of ideas, application of tools and technology, composing, capturing, processing, and programming of imagery and graphic information; their transmission, distribution, and marketing; and contextual, cultural and historical considerations. Students will be exposed to Digital Media techniques using iPads, PhotoShop, WeVideo, Procreate, Adobe Illustrator, and various other applications including programs for 3-D rendering and basic animation. The use of drawing tablets and iPads for more creative control will be emphasized. Students will produce graphic portfolios for use in college admission or a career in graphic art or commercial field.

Creative Crafts:  .5 Credit, Ames and MHS 
This course fills a ½ credit elective slot in any of the Art Pathways. In this art course students will learn about and experience a variety of materials and methods in the broad field of crafts. Crafts courses help students apply form and structure to the materials and accompanying aesthetics of crafts through a survey of a wide range of craft forms; some possibilities include fibers, ceramic work, silk-screening, mask-making, papermaking, jewelry work, and so on. The focus of this comprehensive course is on communication of ideas and application of form and structure through diverse media, and the study of historical and contemporary art and artists from a worldwide perspective.

Drawing and Painting I:  1 Credit, MHS; Prerequisite: Studio in Art  
This course is the entry level course into the Traditional Art Pathway for students seeking a sequence in art. The objective of this art course is for students to develop skills employing observation in order to create still life, portraiture, figure studies and landscape works of art. Students will explore graphite, charcoal, chalk pastels, oil pastels, mixed media, watercolor paint and acrylic paint while investigating a variety of techniques and processes within each medium. The Elements of Art and Principles of Design will function as the framework for this inquiry to further their artistic and analytical skill development. Students will augment their learning through the use of technology, possible museum visits and the contributions developed by artists within a certain cultural context, whose creations transformed the way we view art today. 

Drawing and Painting II:  1 Credit, MHS; Prerequisite: Drawing and Painting I   
This course is the intermediate level course in the Traditional Art Pathway for students seeking a sequence in art. Its objective is for students to create meaningful and expressive works of art building upon previously acquired skills and new ones learned. Students will explore creative ways to use materials and processes to create original projects. The Elements of Art and Principles of Design will function as the framework for this inquiry to further their artistic and analytical skill development. Students are given more in depth problems to solve creatively while becoming more adept through a broad exposure to various media. Students will augment their learning through the use of technology, possible museum visits and the contributions developed by artists within a certain cultural context, whose creations transformed the way we view art today. 

Studio in Interior Design (Fall) and Studio in Advertising Design (Spring):  .5 Credit/.5 Credit, MHS; Prerequisite: Studio in Art
NOT offered in 2024-2025  

• Studio in Interior Design (Fall) - acquaints students with the designing of interior space. Floor plans, furniture arrangements, memo boards and individual pieces of furniture are designed and rendered, perspective drawings are emphasized. Color schemes based upon wall coverings, fabrics, flooring and lighting are developed. The study of furniture and periods, including rendering of each piece are an integral part of this course. This course is offered every other year.   
• Studio in Advertising Design (Spring) - is designed to develop in students the knowledge and understanding of aesthetic principles and skills involved in advertising. The course covers the development of advertising, its function and the production processes involved. Experiences similar to those found in advertising agencies are simulated in the classroom. Individual approaches to the problems and the study of current trends in advertising are encouraged. Assignments include the areas of Ad campaigns, logos, newspaper advertisement, magazine layouts, package design, brochures, stationery, and television commercials. This course is offered every other year. Prerequisite: Studio in Art  

Studio in Textile Design (Fall) and Studio in Fashion Design (Spring):  .5 Credit/.5 Credit, MHS; Prerequisite: Studio in Art  

• Studio in Textile Design (Fall) - introduces students to the multifaceted world of designing fabrics. The curriculum introduces students to designing women’s, men’s and children’s wear as well as decorative, plaids, florals and woven design. The history of textiles, color theory, terminology and use of materials are covered in the course. Students will be working with an assortment of media and will incorporate technology tools as they explore fashion and design trends. This class is recommended for any student interested in further studies in Fashion Design.   
• Studio in Fashion Design (Spring) - aims to develop and encourage students in the designing of clothing for the human figure. Principles of drawing the human figure and simple action figures are taught. The history of fashion is studied along with its influence on our everyday dress. Students will design for the female and male figure and for children. Students will experience working in a variety of media, including acrylics, tempera, colored pencils, mixed media and pen and ink.  Students will also utilize technology tools to explore fashion and design trends.  

AP Art & Design (Drawing, 2D Design & 3D Design):  1 Credit, MHS; Prerequisite:  Any level II Art course or Special Permission from Department Director  
This course is the culmination course for all Art Pathway for students seeking a sequence in art. Students will explore their own art through a sustained investigation process. The AP Art & Design course is designed for students with a professional or academic interest in either Traditional Art, Digital Media Arts, or 3-Dimensional Art. This course focuses on the development of a personal investigation in a chosen art pathway, enabling the students to demonstrate mastery of media, technique, problem-solving, and depth of ideas. Such conceptual variety can be demonstrated through either the use of one or the use of several media. Students will have access to all mediums/tools from previous years and courses including, but not limited to: iPads, Adobe Suite, Airbrushing, Sewing machines and any traditional medium needed for their sustained investigation. Students refine their skills and create artistic works to submit via a portfolio to the College Board for evaluation. The course culminates with a major art exhibit, installed and curated by and for the student artists. Failure to complete all course requirements, including participation in all AP exams, will result in the loss of AP course designation on a student’s transcript and AP weighting will NOT be applied.