3-DIMENSIONAL ART COURSES
INTRODUCTION TO CLAY
Prerequisite: None
Explore the art of ceramics in this hands-on course combining hand-building and pottery techniques. Develop foundational skills in pinch pots, coil construction, and slab building, fostering individual expression and craftmanship. Then, dive into the intricacies of wheel throwing, learning techniques from centering to glazing to create functional vessels. Gain insight into surface decoration and firing processes, witnessing the transformative journey from raw clay to finished ceramic art.
3-D STUDIO ART (CERAMICS AND SCULPTURE)
Prerequisite: None
This course welcomes both beginning artists and experienced artists wishing to learn how to create art in the 3-dimensional form or begin the track to AP 3-D Art and Design. Units will include instruction of the elements and principles of art, with an emphasis on form, function, and personal expression. A variety of sculpting techniques such as clay, metal, wire, and fabrics will be explored.
CERAMICS
Prerequisite: Introduction to Clay
This is an introductory course designed for students interested in learning about hand building techniques such as making pinch pots, slab building, and working with clay coils. Glazing and decorating techniques will be explored.
ADVANCED CERAMICS
Prerequisite: Ceramics
Note: This course can be taken multiple times with teacher and department coordinator approval.
This course is for students who want to continue exploring clay hand building and explore more advanced techniques. Students should be able to work independently.
POTTERY
Prerequisite: Introduction to Clay
This is an introductory course where students will learn to create symmetrical forms and sculptures on the wheel. A strong emphasis on form and function will guide the creation of the projects. Excellence in both the technical and aesthetic realms of clay expression will be stressed. Beginning glazing techniques will be employed to create beautiful and functional pottery. Handbuilding techniques will also be introduced to enhance original pottery designs.
ADVANCED POTTERY
Prerequisite: Pottery
Note: This course can be taken multiple times with teacher and department coordinator approval.
Advanced Pottery offers students an opportunity to further develop technical skills associated with throwing on the wheel and surface decoration. Emphasis will be placed on the study of aesthetics and critical thought to help students develop a unique artistic vision. Students should be able to work independently and understand the key concepts of how to work on the wheel, trim, and glaze.
SCULPTURE
Prerequisite: 3-D Studio Art
This is an introductory course that will explore a variety of sculpting techniques and concepts. Students will develop sculptures from concepts to 3-dimensional forms. Explored materials may include wood, cardboard, found objects, and clay.
ADVANCED SCULPTURE
Prerequisite: Sculpture
Note: This course can be taken multiple times with teacher and department coordinator approval.
This course is a continuation of Sculpture with an emphasis upon theory and philosophy of art and will involve figure modeling and casting. Students should be able to work independently.
AP ART & DESIGN
Prerequisite: Two semesters of Advanced courses in intended media and one semester of Honors (three semesters of Advanced courses if no Honors courses are available); course instructor’s recommendation
The AP Art & Design program consists of three different courses and AP Portfolio exams: AP 2-D Art and Design, AP 3-D Art and Design, and AP Drawing. Students may choose to submit any of the AP Portfolio exams. Students will curate a collection of 15 works to demonstrate inquiry through art and design and development of processes and ideas over the course of a year. Portfolios submitted include works of art, process documentation, and written information about the work presented. In May, students submit portfolios for evaluation based on specific criteria, which include skillful synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas and sustained investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision, guided by questions.
Depending on the student’s choice of media, they may have to provide their own supplies. Students should have a foundation of skills with their choice of media as this class is not based on skill-development, but rather on sustained investigation and discovery while satisfying the AP requirements. This course is not for students looking to prepare college portfolios. Please see the College Board website for additional information.
This course requires a substantial amount of time outside of class to complete the work. For 3-D pottery/ceramic/sculpture, this may be achieved by working during a free period, in a local studio, or investing in a home wheel/ceramic work space.
