Art Department

In a required art course in ninth grade and an elective in tenth grade, students are exposed to the history and theories of art while they are involved in tasks that encourage them to express themselves through various artistic media. Students learn to "slow down" so that they can better notice, see, perceive and experience their surroundings. They can then begin to experience and appreciate the beauty and divine spark in all that God created. Through studying examples of artistic works, students learn the fundamental principles that comprise artistic creativity. These principles include the five basic perceptual skills: perception of edges, spaces, relationships, lights and shadows, whole or gestalt; and the seven elements of art: the dot, line, shape and form, space, texture, color, design and composition.

The objective of the Studio Art elective for eleventh graders and the Advanced Studio Art elective for twelfth graders is for the student to develop a portfolio of artwork, demonstrating the individual's thought processes, learning process, and in-depth exploration of subject matter. The focus is not only on the use of art elements and craftsmanship, but on the integration of the growth of the personality of the student with the exploration of creativity within the student's choice of subject matter.

To this end, students utilize in-class working time as well as peer and class critiques to develop an artist's eye and skills with regard to color, value and form in various genres and techniques.

AP Studio Art requires an exceptional art student to assemble a portfolio of 40 works in various media. Students may earn college credit for this course, based upon portfolio review by the administrators of the Advanced Placement Exams.

This elective is an introductory course about architecture and interior design in which students learn about architectural and design innovations and achievements. Basic color theory and space planning of commercial and residential design is studied. Students learn how to draft floor plans and elevations and to coordinate colors, textures, and patterns. Plans and materials are arranged on presentation boards and discussed in class.

The Art History elective engages the student at a level comparable to a introductory college course. We cover all of the major art movements of the western world, from prehistoric times to the contemporary art scene. Classroom discussions emphasize understanding art within diverse historical and cultural contexts. Students are encouraged to examine and critically analyze major forms of artistic expression from the past and the present as a springboard to gain insight into the human psyche.