Fine Arts - Art
Art I
A beginning level art class, which will introduce students to design, drawing,
painting, printmaking and sculpture techniques, as well as selected period of art history. It is recommended that students take a beginning level art class before branching into crafts, photo, art or graphics.
ESL Art I
A sheltered Art 1 class designed to meet the needs of Level 1 and 2 ESL students. Art is a universal language, and this class will give ESL students the benefits of art while acting as a tool for teaching the English language
A beginning art class for seniors who have not been able to fit art into their schedule, but are put off by the prospect of being grouped with freshmen. This class will be able to investigate concepts in more depth than would be permitted in class where the needs of all ages need to be met.
Art II
Skills and concepts from Art I are further developed and expanded.
Students in Advanced 8 th grade art can apply for placement in this class. At times, exceptionally talented students who move into the James River District are placed in this class at the discretion of the art faculty.
Art III
Students continue skill development and personal style, using a more
advanced
level of materials and concepts. They begin to assemble works that could be used in a college portfolio.
Art III Honors
Students develop independent projects beyond the curriculum for a weighted grade.
Art IV
Students continue to develop technical skill and expand personal expression
using a variety of media. This is an O level class, and has been combined with AP
Studio Art, but could also be combined with Art III.
AP Studio Art
Students develop and submit a portfolio to the AP College Board that
includes 24 works that demonstrates selected requirements. Students can use art work from previous years to submit for the breadth section, but will need to produce a body of work that expresses a theme. Considerable out of class time will be devoted to this class. This is a weighted grade.
AP Art History
Students will study art as it has occurred throughout history, developing an understanding of political and religious context, patronage, gender and stylistic influences. Technical skill in art is not a requirement, but good reading and comprehension are important. This class is a good complement to the international studies curriculum.
Crafts I
Students will explore design issues using 3 dimensional materials. This is a good alternative for students who want to continue work after Art I, but want to express themselves in 3D form instead of drawing and painting. It is also a good complement for other Art classes if a student is considering pursuing art as a career.
Crafts II and III
Students continue to explore art as expressed in traditional crafts media, such as stained glass, weaving and ceramics.
Photo 1
Intro. to Black and White 35mm Photography for students 10th-12th grades. Students will study photograms, pinhole and basic 35mm photographic techniques. Students will develop, print and process 35mm film. Aesthetic and historic awareness of photography will be emphasized.
Photo 2
Intermediate course covering more advance level 35mm and digital format photography. Alternative photographic techniques in addition to the study of contemporary photographers will be emphasized.
Photo 3
Advance level course work based on independent work contracts. This course is for the student who has special interest and aptitude for photography and is considering photography as a possible career choice.
Honors Photo 2 and 3
Same as the above descriptions with the additional requirements of the "Honors" course work. Complete 100 points earned credit through the Chesterfield County guidelines for "Honors" level work. Submit photographic work to be judged at local and regional shows.
AP Photo / 2-D Design
Same as above with the exception of the 100 point requirement for Chesterfield County guidelines is not required of AP level students. Students work to develop a comprehensive Photographic Portfolio to be sent to the AP College Board for evaluation.
Graphics 1
Students will focus on graphic design & advertising. Each will learn to use visual elements to communicate a message to an audience. This is a great class for students who want to develop their creative talents for real world applications, as well as work with Adobe Photoshop, scanners, printers, and digital cameras. This class is open to grades 10 - 12 with Art 1 as a preferred prerequisite.
Graphics 2
Students will continue to build their creative skills in the fields of graphic design & advertising at a more advanced level. In addition to print design, they will use Adobe GoLive to design a website, as well as do artwork combining the computer and traditional materials for 2D and 3D artwork .