The award winning art program has been a two-time state champion in Project XL. The art program has received first place at the 3rd District Congressional Art Awards. The program has also received Scholastic Art Awards... multiple Gold and Silver Key Winners and Portfolio Winners.
Tom Grove, Chairperson
Department email: tgrove@blueblazers.org
Department Telephone: 574-295-4731
Description of classes...
Introduction to Two-Dimensional Art
(Core 40 & AHD Course) #8011
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Students taking Introduction to Two-Dimensional Art engage in sequential learning experiences that encompass 1) art history- historical analysis of art work from a variety of cultures and time periods; 2) art criticism - critically examining current works and artistic trends; 3) aesthetics - attempting to respond to questions about the nature of art; and 4) production - searching for meaning, significance and direction in their own work.
A beginning course in art with an emphasis on building of skills and techniques in a variety of art materials, such as pencil, pen, crayon, paper and paint. The basic elements and principles of art and design will be explored. Students will solve creative problems in a studio setting and will examine the work of notable artists. The Introduction to 2D Art student need not possess a high degree of artistic skill, but should demonstrate a willingness to learn.
Art 9 Honors #8177 & 8188
(Intro to 2D Art I H & Intro to 3D Art I H)
(Core 40 & AHD Course)
Level: 9 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
This course with the theme "Realizing the Sky's the Limit", is planned for entering ninth grade students who are gifted/talented in art. Students gain admission through an application and selection process.
Students in this course will build knowledge, skills and techniques in a variety of two and three-dimensional media. They will develop, analyze and synthesize original concepts in their work. Elements and principles of two-dimensional design will be explored and these will be applied effectively as students complete challenging art assignments.
Experiences will be teacher and student directed. Assignments will stimulate scholarly inquiry into the historical, social, political, and spiritual implications of mankind's art involvements. Students will integrate higher order thinking and a diversity of responses into their work.
Art 10 Honors #8277 & 8288
(Intro to 2D Art II H & Intro to 3D Art II H)
(Core 40 & AHD Course)
Level: 10 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
This course with the theme "Establishing Visions of Excellence", is planned for tenth grade students who are gifted/talented in art and who have successfully completed Introduction To Two-Dimensional Art I: H and Introduction To Three-Dimensional Art I: H or have petitioned for admission.
Students in this course will build knowledge, skills and techniques in a variety of two and three-dimensional media. They will develop, analyze and synthesize original concepts in their work. Elements and principles of three-dimensional design will be explored, and these will be applied effectively as students complete challenging art assignments. Students will be expected to begin the process of assembling a pre-college portfolio.
Students in this course will describe, analyze and interpret works of western and non-western art. As a result of this investigation, a higher level of personal meaning and artistic sophistication will be evidenced in students' portfolio work. Students will recognize the potential of art-related professions in the larger community.
Visual Communication
Students in Visual Communication engage in sequential learning experiences that encompass art history, art criticism, aesthetics, and production and lead to the creation of portfolio quality works. Students create advertising designs and utilize graphic design, typography, illustration, and computer technologies. Additionally, students: (1) reflect upon the outcome of these experiences, (2) explore historical connections, (3) write about the process, (4) make presentations about their progress at regular intervals, (5) work individually and in groups, (6) find correlations to other disciplines, and (7) explore career options related to visual communication.
Visual Communication 1 #8041
(Core 40 & AHD Course)
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
The Visual Communication 1 student will be involved in a variety of studio experiences relating to the art of advertising and communications. The basic elements and principles of design will serve as a foundation. Computer software based practice and projects will be included. An introduction to the psychology of advertising in contemporary society will be included. Additional expense may be required.
Prerequisite: Intro to Two-dimensional Art with a recommended grade of “C” or higher.
Visual Communication 2 #8051
(Core 40 & AHD Course)
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term................ Credit: 1 credit/term
This course encompasses such areas as campaign ads, logotypes, poster designs, and illustrations. Further studio experiences along with lecture and critiques are included. More advanced skill level is required. Computer software based practice and projects will be included. Career opportunities will be discussed. Additional expense may be required.
Prerequisite: Visual Communication 1 with a recommended grade of “C” or higher.
Visual Communication 3 #8061
(Core 40 & AHD Course)
Level: 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Individual direction will be encouraged with continued emphasis on design elements and principles. Computer software based practice and projects will be included. Students will discuss the effects of graphic art on their environment, and will complete various projects including T-shirt designs, display boards, and book jackets. Students will begin to prepare a portfolio.
Prerequisite: Visual Communication 2 with a recommended grade of “C” or higher.
Visual Communication 4 #8071
(Core 40 & AHD Course)
Level: 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Assignments are a continuation of Visual Communications 3 with increasing skill development. Computer software based practice and projects will be included. Emphasis is on creative problem solving on an individual basis. Portfolio work will be finalized.
Prerequisite: Visual Communication 3 with a recommended grade of “C” or higher.
Drawing 1 #8211 (Core 40 & AHD Course)
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
A first course in drawing from life (portraits, human figure, still life and landscape) and from imagination. Students will gain familiarity with a variety of drawing materials such as pencil, crayon, chalk, charcoal, and ink. Notable paintings and drawings from art history will be examined and discussed.
Prerequisite: Intro to Two-Dimensional Art with a recommended grade of “C” or higher.
Drawing 2 #8221 (Core 40 & AHD Course)
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Second level of work in drawing media. The emphasis will be on further exploration of techniques and materials and the completion of more advanced work. Students will study notable works of art. Each student will begin to assemble a personal portfolio.
Prerequisite: Drawing 1 with a recommended grade of “C” or higher.
Drawing 3 #8231 (Core 40 & AHD Course)
Level: 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Expectations are more advanced. Students will be encouraged to pursue individual directions with emphasis on portfolio development. Greater proficiency with materials and techniques will be sought. Analysis and criticism of student and professional work will continue to be stressed.
Prerequisite: Drawing 2 with a recommended grade of “C” or higher.
Drawing 4 #8241 (Core 40 & AHD Course)
Level: 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Most advanced level. Each student will work independently in a well-defined direction. Frequent critiques, both individual and group, will be employed. The student portfolio will be refined and finalized. Individual research on relevant art history topics will be important.
Prerequisite: Drawing 3 with a recommended grade of “C" or higher.
Painting 1 #8251 (Core 40 & AHD Course)
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
A first course in painting from life (portraits, human figure, still life and landscape) and from imagination. Students will gain familiarity with a variety of painting materials such as watercolor, tempera , acrylic, oils, and ink. Notable paintings and drawings from art history will be examined and discussed.
Prerequisite: Intro to Two-Dimensional Art and Drawing 1 with a recommended grade of “C” or higher.
Painting 2 #8261 (Core 40 & AHD Course)
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Second level of work in painting media. The emphasis will be on further exploration of techniques and materials and the completion of more advanced work. Students will study notable works of art. Each student will begin to assemble a personal portfolio.
Prerequisite: Painting 1 with a recommended grade of “C” or higher.
Painting 3 #8271 (A Core 40 & AHD Course)
Level: 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Expectations are more advanced. Students will be encouraged to pursue individual directions with emphasis on portfolio development. Greater proficiency with materials and techniques will be sought. Analysis and criticism of student and professional work will continue to be stressed.
Prerequisite: Painting 2 with a recommended grade of “C” or higher.
Painting 4 #8281 (Core 40 & AHD Course)
Level: 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Most advanced level. Each student will work independently in a well-defined direction. Frequent critiques, both individual and group, will be employed. The student portfolio will be refined and finalized. Individual research on relevant art history topics will be important.
Prerequisite: Painting 3 with a recommended grade of “C" or higher.
Media Arts 1 (Photography and Design 1)
(Core 40 & AHD Course) #8151
Level: 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term................ Credit: 1 credit/term
Students will complete various projects using a variety of two dimensional media, including black and white photography, digital photography, video, and printmaking in order to familiarize themselves with the basic design elements, principles and strategies. The emphasis will be on good composition. Film development and photo enlarging will be included. A 35-mm film camera is needed. * Additional expense is required.
Prerequisite: Intro to Two-dimensional Art or Art Honors 9.
Media Arts 2 (Photography and Design 2)
(Core 40 & AHD Course) #8161
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term................ Credit: 1 credit/term
Students will continue in the above areas with increased attention to skill development. Darkroom techniques will be refined and work will begin on an individual portfolio. A 35-mm SLR film camera is needed. * Additional expense is required.
Prerequisite: Media Arts 1
Media Arts 3 (Photography and Design 3)
(Core 40 & AHD Course) #8171
Level: 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Individual direction in photography, digital imaging and printmaking will be stressed. Regular student/teacher discussion and critique will be used. Students will be expected to fulfill more demanding requirements of quality and artistic expression. New and experimental techniques will be explored. A 35-mm film camera and a digital camera are needed. Portfolio development will continue. * Additional expense is required.
Prerequisite: Media Arts 2
Media Arts 4 (Photography and Design 4)
(Core 40 & AHD Course) #8181
Level: 11, 12 Length: 1 term................ Credit: 1 credit/term
Most advanced level. Students will be expected to show individual initiative in completing high quality photographs and prints. Students will investigate career opportunities in photography and digital imaging media. The portfolio will be revised and finalized. A 35-mm film camera and a digital camera are needed. * Additional expense is required.
Prerequisite: Media Arts 3
Ceramics
Students in Ceramics engage in sequential learning experiences that encompass art history, art criticism, aesthetics, and production and lead to the creation of portfolio quality works. Students create works of art in clay utilizing the processes of hand building, molds, wheel throwing, slip and glaze techniques, and the firing processes. Additionally, students: (1) reflect upon the outcome of these experiences, (2) explore cultural and historical connections, (3) write about the process, (4) make presentations about their progress at regular intervals, (5) work individually and in-groups, (6) find direct correlations to other disciplines, and (7) explore career options related to ceramics. Art museums, galleries, studios, and community resources are utilized.
Ceramics 1 #8451 (Core 40 & AHD Course)
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
A course in the use of ceramic clay materials for creative expression. Students will explore clay and glaze types and develop skills in building ceramic forms, both functional (such as cups and pots) and nonfunctional (such as animal sculptures). Emphasis will be placed on observing the fundamental elements and principles of good design. Students will develop an appreciation for the beauty of clay. Notable works in ceramics will be examined. Additional expense is required.
Prerequisite: Intro to 2-D Art or Intro to 3-D Art with a recommended grade of "C" or higher.
Ceramics 2 #8461 (Core 40 & AHD Course)
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Students will continue to develop skills in clay. More advanced hand-building techniques will be explored, along with an introduction to the use of the potter’s wheel. More advanced surface treatments and glazes will be employed. Students will be encouraged to analyze and criticize professional and student work. Additional expense is required.
Prerequisite: Ceramics 1 with a recommended grade of “C” or higher.
Ceramics 3 #8471 (Core 40 & AHD Course)
Level: 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Further advancement in the use of ceramic techniques and materials will be expected. Students will develop individual portfolios of creative work in ceramics. Personal directions will be explored with regular teacher evaluation. Career avenues will be examined. Research will be encouraged, including gallery and studio visits. Additional expense is required.
Prerequisite: Ceramics 2 with a recommended grade of “C” or higher.
Ceramics 4 #8481 (Core 40 & AHD Course)
Level: 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Most advanced level. Students will pursue individual work and research in ceramics. Glaze and firing techniques will be developed. The portfolio will be refined and finalized. Additional expense is required.
Prerequisite: Ceramics 3 with a recommended grade of “C” or higher.
Sculpture
Students in Sculpture engage in sequential learning experiences that encompass art history, art criticism, aesthetics, and production and lead to the creation of portfolio quality works. Students create realistic and abstract sculptures utilizing subtractive and additive processes of carving modeling, construction, and assembling. In addition, students: (1) reflect upon the outcome of these experiences, (2) explore historical connections, (3) write about the process, (4) make presentations about their progress at regular intervals, (5) work individually and in groups, (6) find a direct correlation to other disciplines, and (7) explore career options related to sculpture. Art museums, galleries, studios, and community resources are utilized
Sculpture 1 #8351 (Core 40 & AHD Course)
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
A studio course involving creative experiences in a variety of 3D materials, such as wood, plaster, clay, metal, fabrics, and wire. Well-developed composition based on the basic elements and principles of design will be stressed. Notable works of sculpture will be examined and analyzed. Additional expense is required.
Prerequisite: Intro to 2-D Art or 3-D Art with a recommended grade of "C" or higher.
Sculpture 2 #8361 (Core 40 & AHD Course)
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Second level of studio experiences in a variety of materials. Students will be expected to develop stronger skills and greater familiarity with materials. More advanced visual imagery will result for greater individual research. Students will criticize and evaluate their own work and the work of professionals. Additional expense is required.
Prerequisite: Sculpture 1 with a recommended grade of “C” or higher.
Sculpture 3 #8371 (Core 40 & AHD Course)
Level: 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Continued work in 3-dimensional media. Students will be expected to build a portfolio of strong work. Individual directions will be pursued.
Prerequisite: Sculpture 2 with a recommended grade of “C” or higher.
Sculpture 4 #8381 (Core 40 & AHD Course)
Level: 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Independent work in sculpture. Direction will be established through regular student/teacher critique. Advancement of skill, technique and concept will be stressed, with an emphasis on individual research through libraries, galleries and museums. Career avenues will be explored. The portfolio will be refined and finalized.
Prerequisite: Sculpture 3 with a recommended grade of “C” or higher.
Art History #8091 (Core 40 & AHD Course)
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
This course does not require previous training in art or a high level of skill in drawing or other studio areas. Students enrolled in Art History will study the wonders of mankind’s artistic history from ancient times to the present. They will also be exposed to study of artistic perception, art analysis and criticism. Students will learn to examine their visual and artistic world more closely and carefully than ever before. They will be encouraged to discuss works of art and ask questions regarding the origins of the works and the reasons for their creation. The course will include an interesting combination of slide presentations, videotapes, lecture and discussion, museum visits, research and writing assignments and creative projects.
Advanced Art: Honors Art/AP
#8175 & 8186 (Core 40 & AHD Course)
Level: 11, 12 Length: 3 or 4 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
This course is designed for self-motivated junior and senior students who have demonstrated a serious interest in the study of art. Can be elected for up to 8 consecutive terms. Course numbers can be taken concurrently. The emphasis is on individual directions in one or more media areas, including painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, visual communication, photography and printmaking.
Students will develop, analyze and synthesize original concepts in their work. Elements and principles of design will be explored, and these will be applied effectively.
Experiences will be teacher and student directed. Assignments will stimulate scholarly inquiry into the historical, social, political, and spiritual implications of mankind's art involvements. Students will integrate higher order thinking and a diversity of reponses into their work.
College and career opportunities will be explored. Each student will compile a portfolio, with the option of submitting the portfolio for college admission or scholarship consideration. Students will be expected to supplement their in-class experience with outside work, including sketching and museum or gallery visits.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Two-dimensional Art or Honors art, plus four terms from at least two different studio areas (with a recommended grade of “C” or higher in each), and permission from the Art Department chairperson.
Advanced Two-Dimensional Art I & II
(Core 40 & AHD) #8551, 8553, 8555 & 8557
Level: 11, 12 Length: up to 8 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
This course is designed for junior and senior students who have successfully completed introductory courses and/or honors courses and studio courses totaling five or more terms and wish to continue pursuing individual directions in art.
Students in this course will build knowledge, skills and techniques in a variety of two-dimensional media, such as drawing, painting, visual communication and photographic media. They will develop, analyze and synthesize original concepts in their work. Elements and principles of two-dimensional design will be explored, and these will be applied effectively as students work to build a precollege portfolio. Post high school art opportunities will be explored.
Experiences will be teacher and student directed. Students must receive departmental permission to enroll.
Advanced Three-Dimensional Art I & II
(Core 40 & AHD) #8561, 8563, 8565 & 8567
Level: 11, 12 Length: up to 8 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
This course is designed for junior and senior students who have successfully completed introductory courses and/or honors courses and studio courses totaling five or more terms and wish to continue pursuing individual directions in art.
Students in this course will build knowledge, skills, and techniques in a variety of three-dimensional media, such as ceramics, sculpture, jewelry and mixed media. They will develop, analyze and synthesize original concepts in their work. Elements and principles of two-dimensional design will be explored, and these will be applied effectively as students work to build a precollege portfolio. Post high school art opportunities will be explored.
Experiences will be teacher and student directed. Students must receive departmental permission to enroll.
