Drawing Course
Instructor: Melissa Burns and Samantha Mahar
Description: Drawing is a semester course offered to budding artists as well as the person who thinks he or she “can’t draw.” Students produce their own works of art, maintain an artist’s journal and portfolio, as well as participate in the school art show.
Basic Design Course
Instructor: Melissa Burns and Samantha Mahar
Description: Basic Design is a course for students to take after they have completed Drawing. Students will focus on Color Theory and how to utilize color media in their works. Sculptural processes in clay will be introduced, as well as the principles of design. Students will be required to maintain a portfolio in addition to participating in the school art show.
Sculpture & Ceramics Course
Instructor: Melissa Burns and Samantha Mahar
Description: Sculpture is a semester course considering the 3rd dimension of form. Students will be exposed to classical and contemporary sculptors as they create works of art, problem solving the mysteries of that 3rd dimension. Students will be required to maintain a portfolio in addition to participating in the school art show.
Film History & Criticism
Instructor: Samantha Mahar
Description: Film History and Criticism is a semester course open to students in their junior or senior year. The course will cover the history of film, from magic lanterns in the 17th century to current digital and 3-D developments. The course will be examine technical, artistic and cultural aspects of the media. Several films will be watched and analyzed throughout the course. Taught alternating years.
Painting Course
Instructor: Melissa Burns
Description: Painting is a semester course in which students will explore the various techniques in watercolor, ink washes, gouache and acrylic painting. Students will study the techniques and styles of important painting periods such as Impressionism, Futurism, Color Field Painting and other 20th century styles. Students will be required to maintain a portfolio in addition to participating in the school art show.
Printmaking Course
Instructor: Samantha Mahar
Description: Printmaking is a semester course in which students will learn multiple printmaking techniques including: monoprint, woodcut, linocut, collagraph, etching and silkscreen. Students will also be instructed in the proper use of a printing press, history of printmaking and the role of printmaking in today’s art world. Students will be required to maintain a portfolio in addition to participating in the school art show.
Digital Photography
Instructor: Samantha Mahar
Description: Students will apply the Principles of Design through the medium of digital photography. In addition to exploring how to organize a work of art, students will learn how to operate a digital SLR camera and basic editing skills. It is helpful for students to have their own cameras, but not required as the school has cameras to borrow. Students will be required to maintain a portfolio in addition to participating in the school art show.
Advanced Art / AP Studio Art Course
Instructor: Melissa Burns
Description: Advanced Art is a year-long class for the Intermediate or Advanced artist. Students will explore the media and ideas presented in Drawing, Basic Design and Applied Art, only in more depth. Students will be expected to exhibit in and attend each semester art show, while compiling work in their portfolio.
AP Art History
Instructor: Samantha Mahar
Description: AP Art History is a full year course designed to prepare students for the AP exam administered in May. The course will cover the history of art from the earliest work of prehistory through to contemporary artists and movements. All media (painting, sculpture, architecture, etc.) will be included in this course. Students will become familiar with the work of individual artists as well as the work associated with artistic movements and time periods. Class meetings will include lectures, class discussion and field trips when possible.
Visual Arts/ Drama Independent Study: Students who are interested in exploring topics or skills not covered in the preceding classes may arrange an independent study with a current instructor. The student must come up with a plan of study, fill out the required form, and obtain approval from the supervising faculty member and Academic Dean. Amount of credit awarded will be determined by the Dean.
Extra Curricular Opportunities in Art
Photography Club
Advisor: Samantha Mahar
Description: Students will learn how to take dynamic photos and they will build a portfolio of their work.
Art Club
Advisor: Melissa Burns
Description: The Art Club is involved in a variety of extracurricular art projects. The club also travels to visit museums and assists local artists in their studios.