Indiana Visual Arts State Standards

Philosophy of Visual Arts Department:

Elementary art is all about creating and making connections with art and the real world. In the Art Room, lessons connect to classroom curriculum giving your student more chances to take in that information so we can reach every learner. Connecting art to something they may have learned in another subject can be a powerful way to support your learner.

The purpose for teaching visual art studies at the secondary level is to refine their visual art study at previous school levels and to help students acquire the visual knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, and appreciation that will remain with them through their lives. In Visual Studies, students have an opportunity to find out how the visual arts can assist them in many areas. For example: refining art skills and techniques; improvising visual images; developing informed standards for making choices and evaluating the visual world around them; using technology to create, apply, manage, and evaluate visual arts; and exploring possible careers to further develop their interests and skills.

Elementary School

Faculty: Mrs. Zamora
Elementary Art Website

Middle School

Faculty: Mrs. Holloway

Course Description:
Teaching the visual arts in the middle school, expands upon the visual foundations set at the elementary levels. Students increase their skills, methods, processes and techniques of creation; develop higher order visual, divergent and critical thinking skills, build connections of historical, cultural, and ethnic understanding; work in more specialized ways with current technology; increase vocabulary and communication skills; begin to make educated judgments and choices about the visual world, increase their knowledge of aesthetics; understand the impact their visual education will have on chosen careers; learn to work cooperatively; learn to utilize visual art for expression; make connections with visual art in their community; and recognize the interrelationship of visual learning in other areas of study.

Drawing

1 Term / 1 Credit / Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Faculty: Mrs. Holloway
Recommended Supplies: #2 pencils, pink or white eraser, 9" x 12" sketch book

Course Description:
A class for the study of sketching, realistic drawing, cartooning and imaginative drawing using various drawing media and techniques. Some of these media may include, but are not limited to, pen and ink, graphite and charcoal pencils, pastel, and colored pencil. Other aspects of art that will be covered are art criticism, aesthetics, and history, arts related professions, and interpretation of arts related themes. Student's individual ability is considered in the evaluation of progress.

Painting

1 Term / 1 Credit / Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Faculty: Mrs. Holloway
Recommended Supplies: #2 pencils, pink or white eraser, 9" x 12" sketch book

Course Description:
A class for the study of painting media. Media may include but are not limited to tempera, watercolor, acrylics, oil paints and pastels. Students will master a variety of techniques, styles, and themes ranging from abstract to realistic. Other aspects of art that will be covered are art criticism, aesthetics, and history, arts related professions, and interpretation of arts related themes. Student's individual ability is considered in the evaluation of progress.

Advanced Two-Dimensional Art

1 Credit per Term / Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Drawing 1 and Painting 1
The nature of this course allows for successive semesters of instruction at an advanced level.
Faculty: Mrs. Holloway
Recommended Supplies: #2 pencils, pink or white eraser, 9"x12" sketch book
The nature of this course allows for successive semesters of instruction at an advanced level.

Course Description:
A series of advanced classes for the talented and interested self-motivated student that integrates various drawing, painting, printing, and computer media. Previous experiences will be built upon and all media and techniques are explored. Students will continue to increase their understanding and appreciation of art through responding to and making advanced two dimensional art pieces. Student's individual ability is considered in the evaluation of progress. This course may be repeated.

Ceramics

1 Term / 1 Credit / Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Faculty: Ms. Murphy
Recommended Supplies: Old (protective) Clothing, Folder, Pencil

Course Description:
A class exploring clay based materials using various ceramic and pottery techniques. This class is for the talented, interested, and self-motivated student Some of the activities may include, but are not limited to, hand building and potter's wheel techniques, and casting processes. Other aspects to be integrated will be art history, criticism, aesthetics, interpretation, and the elements and principles of art. Student's individual ability is considered in the evaluation of progress.

Sculpture

1 Term / 1 Credit / Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Faculty: Ms. Murphy
Recommended Supplies: Old (protective) Clothing, Folder, Pencil

Course Description:
A class exploring mostly non-clay based materials building on the knowledge gained in the ceramics class using various techniques. This class is for the talented, interested, and self-motivated student Some of the activities may include, but are not limited to wax, soap, plaster, wire, and casting processes. Other aspects to be integrated will be art history, criticism, aesthetics, interpretation, and the elements and principles of art. Student's individual ability is considered in the evaluation of progress.

Advanced 3 Dimensional Art

1 Credit per Term / Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Ceramics & Sculpture
The nature of this course allows for successive semesters of instruction at an advanced level.
Faculty: Ms. Murphy
Recommended Supplies: Old (protective) Clothing, Folder, Pencil

Course Description:
A series of advanced classes for the talented and interested self-motivated student that uses various media. Previous experiences will be built upon and all media and techniques are explored. Students will continue to increase their understanding and appreciation of art through responding to and making advanced three dimensional art pieces. Student's individual ability is considered in the evaluation of progress. This course may be repeated.

Digital Design 1

1 Credit per Term / Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Faculty: Ms. Murphy
Recommended Supplies: Folder, pencil

Course Description:
An elective course that concentrates on the components of design layout, photo editing, website design and video. The tools taught will be predominantly Adobe Suite including Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere and also Website Design. It is the goal of the class to build in the direction of a digital portfolio on the web including a gallery of artwork, written work, and miscellaneous fun.

Digital Design 2

Course Description:
This is an elective course that builds on the knowledge gained in the introductory class and continues in the area of graphic design, photography, website development, and video. The goal of this class focuses on the continued building of digital skills and a portfolio while having miscellaneous fun based in creativity. This course may be repeated and in that case, will be geared for the individual student.

Photography

1 Credit per Term / Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Digital Design 1
The nature of this course allows for successive semesters of instruction at an advanced level.
Faculty: Ms. Murphy
Recommended Supplies: Having your own camera is not a requirement, however, if you are able to acquire your own DSLR it would personalize the course experience extensively. Entry level DSLR cameras work well for this class.

Course Description:
This is an elective course where students will learn the basics of photography including camera operation, exposure, processing, composition, studio set-up, and lighting. Students will also explore the art of visual communication and ways to use photography as a fine art design element. With the help of unique experiences such as field trips and event photography, students will be able to develop discovery learning skills as well as effective trouble shooting skills. This course utilizes and builds on the skills developed in Digital Design 1 including file management and the use of the Adobe Suite. Adobe Lightroom will be used to process photos in addition to the previously taught software. As a student enrolls in successive semesters of this course, new and more advanced skills will be developed as well as the ability to coordinate project management and team building skills.