Visual and Performing Arts

Visual Arts is designed to provide a rigorous and  enjoyable foundational arts experience. It is set up to introduce students to several techniques while exploring a variety of concepts. We work with a range of media to create sculpture and two-dimensional works of art.  The course is split into two units: ‘Self’ and ‘Society’.  ‘Self’ explores making art based on personal themes.  ‘Society’ focuses on culture and history in creative ways.. Students do not have to possess natural talent to do well in Visual Arts. All students have equal opportunity to succeed provided they try hard and show interest. No prior experience or skills required.

Visual Arts 2 is designed to provide further opportunities for students who have a keen interest in Visual Arts to explore more sophisticated concepts and techniques. It consists of two units: ‘Mash-Up’ and ‘Highbrow vs. Lowbrow’. In the ‘Mash-Up’ unit, students explore the idea of synthesis and metamorphosis to make unusual works of art. During the ‘Highbrow vs. Lowbrow’ unit, students make art that blurs the line between popular culture and works of art that are considered more traditional. Students taking this course need to be  self-directed and willing to push their creativity to new levels. There will be opportunities to initiate your own ideas.

Theater Arts is designed to provide a rigorous and enjoyable foundational drama experience. It is set up to introduce students to several theater techniques while exploring a variety of theater styles and some theater history. Students often find this class really helps overcome fear of public speaking. Students will work in pairs or groups to create performances. For example, students will learn about and record an Old Time Radio play, such as Popeye, and create one act plays based on short stories. Also, students will create some solo performances such as monologues to be performed for the class. No prior experience or skills required. 

Sculpture is an introductory course to 3D visual arts that is more varied than ceramic clay alone. Students learn how to conceptualize the 3D space to create artworks. This is a hands-on class that requires students to be prepared for a diverse range of materials and the dedication to try manipulating these in a variety of ways. Additionally, students are introduced to a variety of methods of creating functional and decorative clay objects. Students will focus on the study of glazing, decorative methods, design and hand-building techniques such as coiling, pinching, sculpting and building with slabs are covered in a variety of hands-on projects. Students are introduced to a variety of methods of creating functional and decorative clay objects.

Band will be a yearlong course that teaches artistic collaboration within the context of a rock band. Students with no musical experience are encouraged to sign up along with experienced musicians as the multi-levels of musicianship make for a good band. This is one of the many reasons bands have trouble coming up with groundbreaking material in the later years of their career--because everyone in the band are now “proficient” musicians. We will focus on five different instrument categories:

1. Vocals
2. Guitar
3. Bass
4. Keyboards
5. Drums