STUDIO IN ART

1 High School Credit

Studio in Art is a full year foundations course that fulfills the required one credit in the Arts for graduation. Students are introduced to the nature, function and techniques of the Visual Arts in the past and present.

Through projects in drawing, painting, sculpture, clay, printmaking, and technology, students will demonstrate the elements of art and principles of design. Historical movements, such as the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Modern Art Styles, are presented.

This class is designed to combine FUN with learning and production.  It is recommended for Freshmen to take early in their high school career.

SCULPTURE

.5 High School Credit

Sculpture is an art elective offered for one-half credit. Three-dimensional design is studied through such mediums as wood, plaster, cardboard, papier-mâché, and found objects, etc. Additive, subtractive, casting methods and metal fabrication are practiced. Some techniques include carving, assemblage, modeling, kinetic and installation art. If you like form and making “cool” things this class is for you!

DRAWING & PAINTING 1

.5 High School Credit

A one half credit elective course in Drawing & Painting contains practices in such media as pencil, charcoal, watercolor, encaustic and acrylic paint. Emphasis will be on realistic renderings using direct observations. Still life, portraiture and figure drawing will be included. Highly recommended for art students considering a career in the arts, or the novice artist who is looking to improve his/her skills. All skill levels are encouraged to apply. End of semester project allows you to paint a cinderblock in the room, giving you the chance to ‘leave your mark!’

DRAWING & PAINTING 2

.5 High School Credit

This semester class is for ½ credit. Drawing & Painting 2 is an extension of Drawing & Painting 1. Coursework includes projects in various media, such as: pencil, pastel, watercolor, acrylic and oil paints. Students will build on techniques developed in Drawing and Painting to create a variety of realistic and abstract works of art.

BASIC BLACK & WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

.5 High School Credit

This art elective is offered for one semester for one-half credit. Introductory instruction in traditional black and white photography is practiced through shooting, loading, developing, printing and dry mounting. Chemical processes in developing film and darkroom printing is practiced.  The history of photography and the visual elements of composition are examined. Film is provided to each student and 35 MM film cameras are used. Simple, automatic cameras may be borrowed from the instructor for those without access to one. Photography as a highly collected, fine art form is stressed.

*Class size is limited; Early sign up is suggested. Priority is given to art majors and/or seniors.

CREATIVE CRAFTS

.5 High School Credit

This half-year elective is offered for one-half credit. Students explore a variety of media and techniques that may include bookmaking, screen-printing, batik, ceramics, stenciling, printmaking, and mold making. A major project for this course is designing and printing your own T-shirt. This course is designed for both serious art students as well as the novice hobbyist.

COMPUTER ARTS

.5 High School Credit

Computer Arts is a ½ year elective for ½ credit. Welcome to the world of “MACS”…the computer platform for the graphic arts. Designed for students in visual communication such as advertising, and media arts, this technology-centered course fosters the exploration and employment of various software programs to produce computer-generated imagery and objects. Students will practice visual manipulation through the integration of studio produced work, electronic enhancement and alteration. Creative problem solving will be emphasized. Planned projects include: CD design, website design and basic filmmaking. An Apple a day! Programs include: Photoshop, ADOBE Design, ADOBE Illustrator, and other creative cloud applications.

ADVANCED COMPUTER ARTS

.5 High School Credit

Developed for students who have completed Computer Arts.  Advanced Computer Arts is a one half-credit course designed to expand their graphic minds.  Planned lessons include animation and advanced movie making.

ACE VISUAL ARTS

1 High School Credit

College Credit Available: ART101 Introduction to Visual Arts

ACE Visual Arts is a full year course for students seeking to obtain one ACS Senior High credit and/or three college level credits from G.C.C. (ART 102: Two Dimensional Design).  This course caters to both the serious art student wishing to add flat work to their existing portfolio, as well as novice students desiring a college level arts component upon graduating.

The Visual Elements of Art and Principles of Design are examined and incorporated in all production throughout the course.  These include Graphic Grid Covers, Neo-Expressionistic Paintings, and a full sketch pad of drawings illustrating Stippling, Observation, and a Visual Diary series.  A Post-Modern Watercolor, Art Style research, and a Stylized Poster complete the year.

Lectures and debates on Art Criticism and Aesthetics are conducted.  Students are encouraged to practice "Successful INtelligence" through brainstorming techniques.  Topics such as Conceptual Art, Art as Activism, and Censorship are investigated.  Specific music videos are studied as a means of recognizing "Film as Art."  Students may be responsible to submit artwork to GCC upon course completion.

ART OF VIDEO GAMES

.5 High School Credit

A foundation course focusing on basic computer programming through art.  An annotated history of video gaming will be studied along with hands-on experimentation.  Students will work towards an end goal of creating their own original video game.  Basic computer art skills in Photoshop, Animation, and Coding will be explored.

CERAMICS

.5 High School Credit

Ceramics is an art elective offered for one-half credit. For the student interested in clay, this course includes wheel thrown pottery and a variety of hand building techniques. Projects include: Native American pinch pot candles, Graffiti slab wall hangings, electric kick wheel, fabrication, and molded coil bowls. Baker Brook natural clay is acquired for modeling techniques. Bisque surfaces are treated with both glazes and pigments. Be prepared to get wet and muddy on the wheel!