Visual Arts

If you take a visual arts class outside of school and have a portfolio of work that shows your technical skills, you might be able to skip an introductory or 2nd year art/photo class to go into a higher level art class. Fill out this form to set up a meeting Dr. Phillips where you can share your portfolio and discuss your artistic goals. These meetings should happen between the beginning of January-the middle of February if you want permission to register for an advanced art class for next year.

• Visual Arts Comprehensive I/II (2D and 3D Design: open to 9th-12th grade, yearlong class, no prerequisites. This class covers 2D design skills during the fall semester, including composition, perspective drawing, drawing from observation, color theory, watercolor and acrylic painting techniques, printmaking, collage, art history. 3D design skills are covered during spring semester, including ceramics, wire, carving, assemblage, and casting.
• Photo I: open to 9th-12th grade, yearlong class, no prerequisites.This class covers using DSLR cameras, Photoshop, darkroom photography, creative compositions and techniques, and photo history.
• Crafts I: open to 10th-12th grade, semester class, no prerequisites. This class covers ceramics, book and paper arts, and fibers. It pairs great with JFE or another semester long class.
• AP Art History: open to 10th-12th grade, yearlong class, no prerequisites. This class covers 250+ artworks and works of architecture. Skills learned include visual and contextual analysis, comparison, attribution, and argumentation. The exam includes multiple-choice questions and free response questions. This class pairs well with AP World History and is a good class to take before or after AP Euro. You do have homework assignments where you will read about the artworks we study so you are prepared for discussions in class. 

All advanced classes build on skills learned in previous art or photo classes. You can sign up for these classes once you finish the prerequisite classes or get permission from Dr. Phillips or Mrs. Vatalaro.

• Photo II: yearlong class, prerequisite: Photo I

This class builds on the Photo I skills with addition of film photography, alternative photography, and focuses more on your personal choices and own voice in the photography

• Photo III: yearlong class, prerequisite: Photo II

This class continues from Photo II with the addition of more of your own experimentation and investigation of subject matter, techniques, and art styles.

• Photo IV: yearlong class, prerequisite: Photo III

This is a continuation of Photo III with the emphasis on more light research and independent assignments.

• Draw Paint I: yearlong class, prerequisite: VA Comp I/II or Advanced Visual Arts (8th grade). This class builds on 2D design skills and media. Figure drawing, relief printing, portrait painting, mixed media, scratchboard, graphic design, and illustration are some of the projects from this class. 
• Draw Paint II: yearlong class, prerequisite: Draw Paint I. This class is a Pre-AP Art class. Students are expected to be able to use a variety of 2D media to create work using their own ideas and topics. Oil painting, pastel drawing, and mixed media are some of the projects from this class.
• AP 2D Design and AP Drawing are yearlong classes with these prerequisites: Draw Paint II or advanced Photo class. Students create a portfolio of work to turn into the College Board in May. 60% of the exam is a sustained investigation and 40% is selected works. Students are also evaluated on their written evidence of their investigation. Because the rubric requires students to document their materials, processes and ideas and write about their sustained investigations, students must have strong writing and sketchbook skills, as well as strong technical skills to take this class.