Arts

Functional Pottery students learn the basic techniques of working with clay both on and off the wheel. Students explore the properties of clay – its possibilities, potential, and limitations – working with different forms and decorations to produce pieces, which can be used. As students develop stronger skills, more complex and multifaceted forms are explored. Work is fired in both reduction and soda-salt kilns. Assigned projects are changed regularly to reflect increasing skills. This course may be taken repeatedly for credit.

This course introduces students to the real-world skills and tools needed for radio broadcast production. Students will learn and apply the basics of broadcasting: broadcasting news writing and reading copy, commercial broadcasting of advertisements, interviewing skills of announcers, making interesting and engaging podcasts, creating music segments. and sports broadcasting. Equipment instruction includes operating radio equipment, mixers and boards, microphones, music CDs, Vinyl, and MP3s. Students will become familiar with radio techniques and operations used in the industry, and specifically with our radio station WMTN, 103.1, “The Mountain.” 

Sculpture students explore elements and principles of 3-D design to create expressive sculptural work. The sculptural processes of assemblage, reduction carving, and modeling are used to create artwork based on a theme or concept. The ability to generate original solutions to design problems requires basic drawing skills, creative thinking, and artistic exploration of possible approaches. Weekly sketchbook assignments that require drawing, reflection, and research are part of the curriculum. Various artists, styles, and genres throughout history are explored. Assignments become increasingly student-generated as the semester progresses and students pursue personal and independent themes. The semester evaluation is based on a final critique and presentation.

Filmmaking covers both the physical and artistic elements of filmmaking, while giving students hands-on practice in both filming and editing their work. Topics covered include the mechanics of filming, elements of cinematography and film design, and video editing using Adobe Premiere Pro. Analysis of film is integrated so that students see how the mechanical elements of film are handled by professional filmmakers and directors. This course may be taken repeatedly for credit.

Printmaking introduces students to various traditional printmaking processes such as relief printing and screen printing. Through these techniques, students will develop their technical and thematic abilities and sensibilities, printing editions of images and working in series. Students will gain technical proficiency as well as learn about the history of printmaking and the contemporary issues connected to the medium. Drawing will make up a significant part of the class as these skills are essential in developing ideas. Student-driven final projects will be evaluated by critique and presentation. Potential texts: Modern Printmaking: A Guide to Traditional and Digital Techniques by Sylvie Covey;  Printmaking: A Complete Guide to Materials and Process by  Bill Fick and Beth Grabowski.