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.

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.

Studio Art: Mixed Media students explore the unity of form through line, shape, color, texture, and tonal value using a wide variety of media. Emphasis in this class on experimentation and juxtaposition of disparate materials. Each term, different techniques and materials are introduced and appropriate artists and movements in art history are examined. 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. This class may be taken repeatedly for credit.

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.

Theatre Design & Tech introduces students to the artistic side of technical theatre, and gives them the experience of hands-on work in each area of design. The focus is on designing for the theatre and includes such topics as script analysis, scenic design, costume design, and lighting design. Each area of design is explored with related skills such as drawing, model construction, and compiling research. Students must offer 12 hours (in 4 hour increments) to the construction, installation, and strike of the realized designs for the spring play. These hours will be completed in the evening or on a weekend, as dictated by the needs of the play. This course may be taken repeatedly for credit.

Landscape Painting focuses on sketching and painting on site to learn basic landscape painting skills. Process will emphasize preparatory pencil sketching and using paint to build a gradual understanding of the interaction of color and light within the landscape. Work will be shared with the entire class on occasion, and we will discuss our experiences, struggles, and progress. A good balance of bravery and artistic curiosity is needed. Students need to be dressed to be out of doors every class meeting.