Grades 9-12.  No prerequisite. Project fee: $20

This semester course will give the artist an opportunity to use a variety of sculpture tools, materials, and processes.  They will learn and apply the language of design and channel personal ideas and feelings into the construction of 3-dimensional works of art.  Emphasis will be placed on how the artist develops and communicates original ideas that visually express a successful integration of different materials.

Grade 9-12. No prerequisite. Project fee $20

This semester course introduces the beginning drawing student to classical training in traditional and contemporary art media.  The beginning drawing student will enjoy personalized instructional approaches in a supportive studio environment of discovery.  Studies may include observational drawing, figure drawing, perspective, rendering, composition, and creative problem-solving.  Emphasis will be placed on technique and opportunities for personal expression.

Grade 9-12. No prerequisite. Project Fee $20

This semester course is designed to familiarize the student with hand-building techniques and explore the artistic possibilities of clay as a medium.  Students will be introduced to techniques including: slab, coil, subtractive and additive methods.  finishing processes such as glaze, underglaze, and staining will be explored.

Grade 9-12 No prerequisite.  Project fee $20

This semester course will explore a variety of tools, techniques, and media which provide students with the foundation necessary to expand into more specialized areas.  Students will create two-dimensional and three-dimensional works of art.

Grades 9-12. No prerequisite.  Project fee: $20

This semester course will explore 3D printing and digital modeling of characters, jewelry, product design, architecture, vehicle concepts, and sculptural objects.  Students will experience the art and design process by generating original designs, modeling the designs in 3D software, and printing them with state of the art 3D printers.

Grades 9-12. No prerequisite. Project fee $20

This semester course will develop skills in design, composition, analysis and interpretation for purpose of communication, illustration, aesthetic creation, and animation.  Photo editing, montage, and collage techniques will be developed using Adobe Photoshop.  Typography, logo and pattern design techniques will be developed using Adobe Illustrator.  Drawing and painting techniques will be developed using the brush tools in Photoshop and Corel Painter.  2D animation skills will be introduced using Adobe Flash.

Grades 10-12. Prerequisite is Drawing 1. Project fee $20.

This semester course provides the student with exposure to different media while continuing technical skill development, perception, skills, and creative problem solving. A project fee will be charged.

Grades 10-12. Prerequisite is Drawing 1. Project fee $20.

This semester course provides the student with introductory painting experiences using professional grade paint media and associated tools and surfaces.  Students will experience classical training with contemporary approaches in acrylic and water color.  Emphasis will be placed on personal discovery and expression.

Grades 10-12. Prerequisite is Painting 1. Project fee $20.

This semester course provides the continuing student with an increased level of independent discovery and production in a variety of paint media, including the study of oils.  Emphasis is placed on relevant and authentic personal expression through the investigation of themes, concepts, and contemporary approaches.

Grade 10-12. Prerequisite is Ceramics 1. Project fee $20.

This semester course will focus on wheel-thrown forms and finishing techniques.  Students will work with a variety of forms including: bowls, plates, cups, and vases.  it is designed for students to develop their artistic expression and expand their skills in ceramics.

Grades 9-12.  Prerequisite: A minimum of 2 courses in the 3D strand. Project fee: $20

This semester course is designed for individual discovery, and will help students establish ideas and themes.  Students will continue to develop techniques in their educational strand of sculpture, ceramics/or mixed media, while working on a portfolio that will showcase their vision and expression.

Grades 9-12. Prerequisite is Computer Graphics 1. Project fee $20.

This semester course includes advanced techniques in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop that will give students advanced concepts in image editing, vector graphics, digital painting, 3D graphics, and animation.  Emphasis is placed on the combination of high level technical skills with original, creative ideas and solutions.

Grades 9-12. Prerequisite: Computer Graphics 1. Project fee $20.

This semester course explores the world of animation including 2D and 3D animation, Claymation, stop motion, traditional hand drawn, flash, and experimental animation.  Students will learn the history of animation, a variety of foundational techniques, and current software applications.

Grades 9-12. Prerequisite Drawing 1. Project fee: $20

This semester course offers the guided discovery of contemporary drawing media and approaches.  Students will continue to learn and utilize critical analysis of artwork.  Emphasis will be placed on technique, in-depth studies, and personal expressive choices.

Grades 11-12.  Prerequisite: 3 semesters of art and portfolio.  Review by staff.  Project fee: $20

This semester course is designed to meet the continuing artistic need of the advanced art student.  It is an individually-directed study in a particular area of art agreed upon by both the student and instructor.  This course requires a high degree of motivation and self-discipline and is to be offered only to student who qualify.  Students may repeat this course for multiple semesters their junior and senior year.

Grades 12. Year-long. Weighted grade. Teacher recommendation. Project fee $50.

This year-long course is designed to create a quality portfolio for College AP Board or scholarship submission.  The course is organized as an intensive class requiring commitment in quality and quantity of work from the art student.  AP Studio Art is not based on a written examination; instead, students focus on portfolio development, breadth of work, and thematic concentration for evaluation at the end of the school year.  Students will be expected to work outside of the classroom in order to compile 24 pieces.  Students will work independently in their area of concentration.  Two dimensional and three-dimensional art portfolios are accepted.

Grade 9-12. Year-long. Weighted grade. No prerequisite.

This year-long weighted course focuses on developing an understanding of the cultural, political, and artistic intent inherent in the visual arts throughout history.  Students will learn to “de-code” works of art according to their context and content.  multi-cultural studies will examine the why and how of art creation.  Students will be involved in directed looking, reading, writing, projects, and hands-on experiences.  Students will be prepared to take the AP Art History College Board Exam at the conclusion of the course.

Grades 9-12. No prerequisite. Project fee $20.

This semester course is an exploration of the fundamental principles and techniques of digital photography.  Students are highly recommended but not required to have access to their own camera.  Cameras will be available for checkout according to the instructor’s defined parameters.  Students enrolled in this course may apply to earn dual credit with COD.

Grades 9-12. Prerequisite: Digital Photography. Project fee: $20.

This semester course explores advanced techniques of capturing, editing, and printing digital photos using Adobe Photoshop.  Exploration of visual culture, creativity, and portfolio development are emphasized.  Students are highly recommended, but not required to have access to their own camera.  Cameras will be available for checkout according to the instructor’s defined parameters.  Students enrolled in this course may apply to earn dual credit with the College of DuPage.