Saturday Morning Art ClassesCurriculumSaturday Morning Art Classes are structured with sequential lessons that are age appropriate. Classes are kept small with an instructor and an assistant to ensure one-on-one instruction time for each student. Instructors are chosen for their dedication to education in the visual arts and their own particular strengths as artists. All grades are skills-based, designed to impart the greatest amount of technical training and exploration of materials suitable for the grade level. We challenge students to be creative while giving them the tools necessary to realize their visions. Click here for a downloadable, printable registration form (use this registration form for all classes and workshops unless otherwise noted). Saturday afternoon workshopsThe Saturday Morning Art Classes program has been extended to include afternoon workshops for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. All workshops meet from 12:15–3:15 pm. Click here for more. Overview of the curriculum by grade levelFirst-grade art students are exposed to many different materials and techniques. The child is encouraged to explore and experiment with pencils, crayons, pens, paint, clay, and assemblages using a variety of materials. Students learn to use materials in new and unusual ways, manage and care for their supplies, and express themselves in creative ways. Second-grade students experiment with materials and techniques in a variety of ways. Painting, drawing, and sculpture are all explored using pencils, inks, pastels, tempera, novelty papers, clay, and found materials. Creativity, exploration, and experimentation are all fostered through a variety of guided projects. Third-grade art students learn new techniques with familiar materials and experiment with new media including printmaking, assemblage, and acrylic paint. Learning to observe and discuss artwork and developing an art vocabulary is included in the third grade classes. Fourth-grade students are introduced to new materials (charcoal, watercolors, oil pastels, and fibers) and techniques that encourage creativity and an ongoing exploration of what materials will do. Students begin to learn how to increase the naturalism in their work through shading, proportions, and observation. Fifth-grade students take classes in 2D design and drawing. Students learn the fundamentals of 2D Design while concentrating on the elements of art used by both fine and graphic artists. Drawing encourages students to develop observational skills while using line, shading, and proportions. Sixth- through tenth-grade students will rotate classes every five weeks. Please note that a student must attend both semesters in order to complete the full rotation of four five-week classes. Each semester consists of one drawing class and either painting or an age appropriate specialty class. Sixth-grade students rotate between drawing, digital painting, and 3D illustration. Drawing introduces formal lessons in perspective, measured drawing, and portraits. Students are introduced to the computer as a tool for painting and illustration. In 3D illustration, students are introduced to the principles of narrative art in three dimensions. Seventh-grade students take classes in art & technology, painting, and drawing with lessons in perspective, proportions of the human figure, relationships between objects, and measured drawing. Digital photography, with basic photoshop principles, is introduced in the Art & Technology rotation. Eighth-grade students rotate between drawing, painting, and traditional animation. Classes continue to build on the elements of design and composition, realistic representation of the subject, creativity, and the process involved in the creation of a work of art. Ninth-grade students are challenged to increase technical skills as well as observational abilities with art projects and assignments. Students rotate between drawing, painting, illustration, and ceramics. Drawing focuses on techniques for realistic representation, use of color, and good composition. Students are introduced to ceramics and basic skills of throwing, building, and glazing. Tenth-grade students develop drawing and painting skills through the practice of perspective, proportions, shading, measured drawing, color theory, and paint handling in both acrylics and oils. During fall semester basic techniques of silkscreen printing are introduced. Sophomore students may participate in the rotation courses or choose to enroll in Web design (see course description) or foundations of drawing for the full semester. Skills practiced in foundations of drawing include correct proportion and value studies using a variety of media; this course is repeatable and offered only to tenth-grade students. Eleventh- and twelfth-grade students are advised to enroll in a portfolio class, which addresses the needs of both the potential college art student and those students pursuing art for their own interest. As an alternative to the portfolio course, eleventh- and twelfth-grade students may select from high school drawing, oil painting, intaglio, or Web design.
New course for tenth-, eleventh-, and twelfth-grade students
Eleventh- and twelfth-grade students cannot be registered unless a specialization is chosen. These are general guidelines for each grade level and are subject to change.
Afternoon workshops for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniorsAll workshops meet from 12:15–3:15 pm. Figure Drawing
Introduction to Fashion Design
Anatomy of a Portfolio Spring semester only: (2 weeks) Saturday & Sunday January 28 & 29 and February 4 & 5, fee $50 For more information please contact the Continuing Education Office at 614.222.3248 or by e-mail. |
