2025-26 Course Descriptions - Catalog - Page 49
DRAWING AND PAINTING
How does art describe the human experience?
Drawing and Painting students explore a variety of
art media and processes in this foundational course.
Through the practice of traditional subjects, such
as the still-life, human 昀椀gure, portrait, and depiction
of landscape and the natural world, students learn
to work responsibly in a studio environment while
handling various tools and materials. Projects
draw on previous artistic experiences and personal
strengths, meeting students where they are and
helping them to take ownership of their learning.
With regular drawing practice at the center of the
curriculum, Drawing and Painting instills creativity
as a natural activity for humans. Drawing from
observation, imagination, and inspiration from other
artists, students learn how to visually represent their
ideas, identities, and the world around them. Over
the year, students create works of art in graphite,
watercolor, acrylic paint, collage, mixed media, block
printing, and colored pencils. Upon completion of the
course, students have the experience to con昀椀dently
create independent work by selecting content and
media from an informed perspective.
Note: Students may take this course once in either
7th or 8th grade.
CERAMICS
How can we turn our imagination into tangible,
three-dimensional art? How can we cultivate a
collaborative studio environment? Students learn
fundamental ceramic techniques and navigate
the iterative creative process in this course. Each
project provides an opportunity to explore design
and personal aesthetics while emphasizing visual
elements such as form, positive and negative
space, and surface decoration. Students learn pinch
and coil methods, slab building, throwing on the
potter’s wheel, and glazing and 昀椀nishing processes.
By fostering collaboration and responsibility in
the studio, along with thoughtful project design,
students take ownership of their learning. Drawing
on both personal strengths and self expression,
each student showcases representative pieces of
their work throughout the year, celebrating their
imaginative journey and personal growth in the 3D
Art studio.
Note: Students may take this course once in either
7th or 8th grade.
Curriculum Guide | 49
