DEPARTMENT PURPOSE
The visual arts department is committed to nurturing academic excellence while allowing individual creativity and using art as a medium to glorify God. The emphasis is on teaching techniques so each student will succeed in the creation of art projects. The art curriculum consists of projects created from different mediums, technical skills taught from the textbook, Art Talk, and art history, from the textbook, History of Art for Young People. Fundamentals of Art, Intermediate Art, Advanced Art, and Select Studio are offered, and must be taken sequentially to build skills and understanding. Included in the project assignments for all four levels are drawing, painting, design, sculpture, printmaking and pottery. Art history videos will be viewed weekly at all levels, and Select Studio students will write a paper about a selected artist.

CONCEPT LEVEL LEARNER OUTCOMES:
The students will:

1. develop technical skills in selected art media, by finishing the projects assigned.
2. 2.learn techniques from the technical skills textbook.
3. 3.learn about art history, studying different eras and various artists.
4. 4.develop creativity, fostering their individual talents.
5. 5.demonstrate respect for each other’s artwork.
6. demonstrate respect for the art environment by taking care of their workspace.

COURSES OFFERED

• Fundamentals of Art
• Intermediate Art
• Advanced Art
• Select Studio

Fundamentals of Art. (Grades 9-12) Students are given practical instruction through studio activities involving the basic elements of art, which are line, shape, color and texture. They will study the most recent 250 years of art history. (One quarter, .5 credit)

Intermediate Art. (Grades 9-12) Students are given practical instruction through studio activities involving the principles of design, which are rhythm and movement, balance, proportion, harmony and unity. They will also study the great artists of the Renaissance in art history. (Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Art. One quarter, .5 credit)

Advanced Art. (Grades 10-12) Students are given advanced instruction in studio activities. Art criticism and aesthetic judgment will be studied. Representatives from local art colleges will give presentations to show students career options in art. They will study the earliest years of art history, from Ancient through Gothic. (Prerequisite: Intermediate Art. One quarter, .5 credit.)

Select Studio. (Grades 11-12) This course is for students highly motivated in the visual arts. Each individual will write a proposal for areas of interest, chosen from drawing, painting, sculpture, pottery, printmaking or design. The techniques for these mediums must be master in the prerequisite classes. Students will also write a 500-word paper about an artist and give an oral report during class. (Prerequisite: Advanced Art. One quarter, .5 credit.)