Visual Art Program Expansion Proposal:
Changes to current Program:
1. Two 1.0 FTE Visual Art Teachers—one for 3D and one for 2D focus
2. Students must get C or above to move to an advanced level class
3. Expand course offerings with intentional scope and sequence and
prerequisites:
2D courses
1st semester
Intro to Art (2 sections)
Draw/Paint 1 (1 section)
Draw/Paint 2+ (2 sections)
2nd semester
Draw/Paint 1 (2 sections)
Draw/Paint 2+ (2 sections)
Draw/Paint 3+ (1 section)
3D courses
Ceramics, Sculpture & 3D
Design 1 (4 sections)
C, S & 3DD 2+ (1 section)
C, S & 3DD 1 (1 section)
C, S & 3DD 2+ (3 sections)
C, S & 3DD 3+ (1 section)
Possible Tracks:
1. Full 3D track:
1. C, S & 3DD 1C, S & 3DD 2+ (YEAR ONE)
2. C, S & 3DD 2+C, S & 3DD 3+ (YEAR TWO and ON…)
2. Full 2D track:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Intro to ArtDraw/Paint 1 (YEAR ONE)
Draw/Paint 1Draw/Paint 2+ (YEAR ONE or YEAR TWO)
Draw/Paint 2+Draw/Paint 2+ (YEAR TWO)
Draw/Paint 2+ Draw/Paint 3+ (YEAR TWO and ON…)
3. Mixed Track:
1. Intro to ArtC, S & 3DD 1 (YEAR ONE)
2. Draw/Paint 1C, S, 3DD 1 (or vise versa) (YEAR ONE)
3. Draw/Paint 2+C, S & 3DD 2+ (or vise versa) (YEAR TWO)
Course Descriptions:
Intro to Art: This is a foundational, beginning art class for students without recent
art experience or those who are not confident in their artistic skills. The class covers
general art vocabulary and concepts and provides students with studio experience
to practice basic technical skills. Students gain an understanding of the different
types of visual art that exist, materials and media used for each, and how to
recognize and use the elements of art. Projects are limited to 2-dimensional work,
including drawing, painting, collage, paper cutting and basic printmaking.
Draw/Paint 1: This is primarily a studio art course that focuses on developing skills
and techniques in media specific to drawing and painting. Experience in Intro to Art
is helpful, but not required. Students will use the elements of art to draw and paint
from observation and imagination. In addition, students will be asked to interpret
and analyze artworks from a variety of time periods and cultures. Students are
encouraged to find their artistic voices, while continuing to develop the technical
skills to visually communicate their ideas in powerful and effective ways. The
creative process for each project includes practice exercises, sketches, research and
finally the making of a final product, which is critiqued for a final grade. Original,
progressive, high quality studio work is expected.
Draw/Paint 2+(*prerequisite: Draw/Paint 1): Students build on the skills they
learned in Draw/Paint 1 to further their artistic development. At this level, focus on
technical skills is minimized and an emphasis is placed on individual style, voice and
expression. Students have the opportunity to experiment with a wide variety of
high quality artistic media. Studio projects offer some initial guidance, but leave a lot
of room for individual artistic choices. Students are also expected to write personal
artist’s statements and engage in critical discussions about their own work, as well
as the work of their peers and professional artists. This class is encouraged for those
who have serious interest in art and/or plan on pursuing a visual arts career.
Students may repeat this class and work independently at more advanced levels if
needed.
Draw/Paint 3+(*prerequisite: Draw/Paint 2+): This class is for serious,
advanced art students only! Students are required to compile an artist’s portfolio for
submission to visual arts colleges. (Advanced art students not planning to attend
college for visual arts are allowed to take the class; the portfolio may also be used as
a CP project). Students work primarily independently to develop a series of pieces
around a chosen theme, with periodic group critiques and individual conferences
with the teacher. Work outside of class may be necessary to fulfill the portfolio
requirements.