Department
Visual Art Courses
SCULPTURE
Explore the fundamentals of sculpture by creating art using a variety of media and tools. Paper, wood, clay, plaster, wire and found objects are some of the media used.
MIXED MEDIA DESIGN STUDIO
Develop unique talents and interests beyond drawing, painting and sculpture. Explore traditional and non-traditional media included, but not limited to, traditional crafts, textiles, metal, building materials, found objects, nature and recycled materials.
DRAWING 1 & 2
Develop a foundation in drawing using a variety of media and techniques in both black and white and in color. Explore line quality, the effects of light and shadow, and expressive uses of value and perspective. Learn about observational drawings as well as other inventive techniques. Continue to refine observational and technical skills in Drawing 2 using a variety of media and compositional approaches. There is also emphasis on portraits and the human form.
PAINTING 1 & 2
Learn about color theory, media, materials and painting techniques. Lessons in composition and rendering of form will provide the student a means for self-expression. Tempera, acrylic, inks and watercolor will be some of the media used to solve problems in realism and abstraction. Painting 2 emphasizes the use of painting as a means of self-expression. Students continue to develop technical skills in the areas of drawing, watercolor, acrylics, oils, and collage.
CERAMICS 1, 2
Begin with an introduction to basic construction techniques in hand building, potter’s wheel and surface decoration in ceramics. Learn the basic language of clay including vocabulary, history, geology
and cultural applications of clay. Emphasis is placed on quality, workmanship and continuing skill development using a variety of ceramics equipment. As students progress through each level they will refine their technical skills on the wheel as well as hand building. Learn to mix clays and slips, as well as experiment with glazes and surface decoration. Build independence and focus on clay as a means of creative self-expression through advanced form construction and decorating techniques. Create larger, more complex functional and sculptural forms with emphasis on the quality of work, aesthetics, and individual expression. A variety of mid-range stoneware and porcelain clay bodies will be used.
AP STUDIO ART
Students will utilize the Elements of Art and Principles of Design to develop mastery in concept, composition, and ideas to create a unique portfolio of work for college credit submission. Students will be an informed and critical decision-maker as they develop a portfolio that is personal to individual talents and interests, while demonstrating master of choice in drawing, painting, 2-D design (i.e. photo) or 3-D design (i.e. ceramics, fashion design) pinciples. Students will explore their creativity and become an independent thinker in their contributions to art and culture.
AP ART HISTORY
This introductory college course focuses on an understanding and knowledge of architecture, sculpture, painting and other art forms within diverse historical and cultural contexts. Students will examine major forms of artistic expression from the past and present and from a variety of cultures. Many colleges and universities offer Advanced Placement and/or college credit to students who have performed successfully on the AP Art History Exam.
HUMANITIES (ART FOCUS)
An interdisciplinary course that is taught by both an English and Art teacher. Students explore historical and cultural connections through literature, art and film. The class features expression in both the visual arts and writing, and coursework is supplemented with a museum field trip (i.e. The Aldrich, The Brooklyn Museum of Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art). This can be an English elective for seniors or an English or Fine Arts elective. Juniors may choose this as a Fine Arts credit.
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Extracurricular Activities
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Participate in Art Club
Become a member of the NHS National Art Honor Society
Enter into local, state and regional art shows
Participate in workshops with local Newtown artists
Art Club
CT Scholastic Art Show
Teen Visions Art Show
