Visual Arts Course Descriptions

6^th - 8^th Grade Art I MS 

No experience necessary. Students will learn fundamental skills needed to create art in a variety of media including drawing, painting, ceramic, collage, and printmaking. Students will learn art vocabulary and be introduced to the elements of design (line, shape, form, value, texture, color, space) and principals of design (balance, unity variety, emphasis, rhythm & movement, proportion, pattern). Students will use vocabulary correctly while responding to and analyzing visual artworks. Students will be exposed to art from different cultures and develop an appreciation for artists throughout history. 

7^th - 8^th Grade Art II MS 

General Art II MS requires successful completion of Art I MS. Students will build on skills already learned and continue to develop their draftsmanship to produce art that demonstrates refined observational skills, reflection, and sustained attention to complex problems using a variety of art media. Students will understand and apply art elements and principles effectively to express their thoughts and ideas creatively. Students will use appropriate vocabulary while responding to analyzing visual artworks. Advanced Art II MS is open to students by portfolio review only. Portfolio review for this class will take place in April. 

8^th Grade Art III MS 

This class requires successful completion of Art I MS and Art II MS. Students will build on skills already learned and continue to develop their draftsmanship to produce art that demonstrates refined observational skills, reflection, and sustained attention to complex problems using a variety of art media. Students will understand and apply art elements and principles effectively to express their thoughts and ideas creatively. Students will use appropriate vocabulary while responding to analyzing visual artworks. Art III MS is open to students by portfolio review only. Portfolio review for this class will take place in April.

8^th Grade Art I HS 

This class requires successful completion of Art I MS and Art II MS. Students will continue to develop and create art that demonstrates strong observational skills, reflection, problem solving using a variety of art media, expanding their understanding of the elements and principles of art, application of techniques and art processes, in depth understanding of art history, and analyzing and evaluating visual artworks. Artworks created in this class will produce a strong portfolio for future high school auditions. Art I HS is open to students by portfolio review only. Portfolio review for this class will take place in April.