Course Catalog
Visual & Performing Arts
Making art fosters persistence, innovation, and problem solving skills by encouraging students to work on projects over sustained periods of time. Students are encouraged to experiment and take creative risks. Students in art classes will create and share for aesthetic appreciation and personal expression. The Deering art curriculum is designed to prepare students with the skills necessary for creating art through drawing, painting, sculpting, ceramics, collage, graphic design and printmaking. In addition to developing the technical skills specific to art, coursework will also strengthen students’ observational and problem solving skills. The study of diverse art and artists are incorporated into the curriculum.
Course Title: Art I Foundations FA
Course Number: 1901
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 2 Fine Arts credits
Open to: All Grades
Description: This course introduces students to the Elements of Art and Principles of Design while developing two and three- dimensional skills and techniques. Studio experiences in the classroom will give students opportunities to explore a variety of media while developing their individual style and creative problem solving skills. Students will demonstrate their ability to describe, analyze, and interpret their own artwork and the work of others through discussions, critiques, and writings. Art serves as a universal language- as a means of understanding the history, culture and values of societies around the world.
Course Title: Advance Art FA
Course Number: 1918
Prerequisites: Successful completion of an upper level art course (Sculpture/3D, Drawing & Painting, Ceramics)
Credit: 2 Fine Arts credits
Open to: All Grades
Description: Students work intensively in a variety of themes, approaches, and styles as they learn to make art that is both personal and reflective of an increased understanding of the many aspects of art and art making. A studio environment in which students work independently while sharing ideas, work methods and opinions is established and fostered. Drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, sculpture, and mixed media will be explored.
Course Title: Advanced Placement Studio Art FA
Course Number: 1906
Prerequisite: Completion of Art 1 Foundations and Studio Art. A willingness and ability to meet AP standards and successful completion of summer art assignments due in September.
Credit: 2 Fine Arts credits
Open to: Grades 11 and 12
Description: AP Studio Art is a year-long course for highly motivated students who are seriously interested in the study of art. The class is equivalent to an introductory college-level studio art course. During the course, students will develop a portfolio of work to demonstrate mastery of the principles of two-dimensional design. Students will work in a variety of two-dimensional media including graphic design, collage, fabric design, drawing, illustration, painting, and printmaking. Students will be encouraged to become independent thinkers who will contribute inventively and critically to their culture through the making of art. The College Board requires a portfolio of approximately 15-20 works in two separate sections. Portfolios are submitted in May with a cost of $97.00. For information about fee reductions, go to Collegeboard.com and Visit Fee Reductions for AP Exams for information about eligibility criteria and the procedure for claiming College Board fee reductions for AP Exams and talk with your school counselor.
Course Title: Clay/Ceramics I FA
Course Number: 1907
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Art I Foundations with priority given to students who have completed two or more art courses
Credit: 2 Fine Arts credits
Open to: All Grades
Description: Ceramics I is designed for students interested in creating functional and sculptural works in clay. There will be a focus on clay-specific hand building techniques such as pinch, coil and slab as well as the basics of glazing. Students will be introduced to the history of ceramics, the many purposes of clay, and properties of the material. Students will be expected to demonstrate and explain ceramic hand building processes, techniques, and terminology. A studio atmosphere that enables creative thinking, class discussions and global citizenship will be established and fostered.
Course Title: Clay/Ceramics II FA
Course Number: 1910
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Ceramics I
Credit: 2 Fine Arts credits
Open to: Grades 10, 11, 12
Description: Ceramics II offers advanced experience in working with clay. Students will continue to use handbuilding techniques learned in Ceramics I to create forms that are more complex and meaningful. In addition, students will be taught how to throw on the potter’s wheel. More advanced glazing and embellishment techniques will also be covered. Students can expect to refine their skills in ceramic processes and techniques and continue to participate in a studio atmosphere that enables creative thinking, class discussions and global citizenship.
Course Title: Adaptive Art
Course Number: 1911
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 2 Fine Arts credits
Open to: All grades per IEP
Description: Adaptive Art is an introductory art course for students in special education. Students will learn how to create and critique art through the application of the elements and principles of design. We will complete projects in drawing, painting, colored pencil, pastel, scratchboard, printmaking and sculpture. Subjects will include design, architecture, portraits, still life, and more. There will be a big focus on media exploration and expressing and communicating through art. Students will learn how the arts can be a means of renewal and recreation and a way to express ideas and learn from others.
Course Title: Drawing & Painting FA
Course Number: 1916
Prerequisites: Art 1 Foundations
Credit: 2 Fine Arts credits
Open to: Grades 10, 11, 12
Description: In this course, students will be introduced to a variety of drawing and painting materials including, but not limited to: charcoal, graphite, conte, pastel, oil pastels, colored pencils, acrylic, gouache, and watercolor. Students will work with a range of subject matter such as portraits, landscape, still life, design, and more. Students will work from observation as well as imagination, incorporating styles and techniques to create meaningful, beautiful artwork.
Course Title: Sculpture/3D Design FA
Course Number: 1917
Prerequisites: Art 1 Foundations
Credit: 2 Fine Arts credits
Open to: Grades 10, 11, 12
Description: In this course, students will be introduced to a variety of three-dimensional design concepts and materials. In addition to applying elements and principles of design concepts to 3D forms, students will develop understanding of principles specific to sculpture such as space, light, sound, kinetics, and movement. Students will work in materials including, but not limited to: plaster, wood, wire, metal, fiber, clay, and paper to create such objects as jewelry, masks, figures, assemblages, puppets, as well as functional and decorative objects. Students will gain understanding in concepts of subtractive, additive, and modeled sculpture. There will be an emphasis on developing skills as a versatile thinker, an effective communicator, and a global citizen.