The Photography 1A class provides a comprehensive study of photography as an art form.   The course will expose the student to fundamental issues unique to the medium through the study of the history of photography.  The students will experience a variety of approaches to the medium of black and white photography beginning with photograms and also including pinhole photography and 35mm cameras.  Students will create their own photograms, use pinhole cameras to get negatives and make positive images, learn how to process black and white film and enlarge.  Portrait photography is a major aspect of the Photography 1A program and the work of portrait photographers such as Arnold Newman, Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, Annie Leibovitz, Yousuf Karsh will be presented in class.  At the end of the semester, students will work on a final project on a portrait or self-portrait.

The Photography 1B class will build on skills learned in Photography 1A.  In addition, students will learn basic studio lighting and more advanced darkroom techniques to obtain better results when printing in black and white.  Still life is a major aspect of the program and images from the following artists will be presented: Edward Weston, Renger-Patzsch, Minor White and Aaron Siskind.  At the end the semester, students will do research on the biography and style of a photographer who has made important aesthetic advances in history.  The final project will consist of creating still life images with thematic unity.

A studio-based problem-solving course that uses a variety of materials: paper, wood, plaster, found objects, and wire to explore the design process in 3 dimensions. Study of historical examples of sculpture will serve as a “spring board” for inspiration directed toward solutions to design projects. The work of 20^th century sculptors such as Alexander Calder, Louise Nevelson and Henry Moore  will challenge the student to understand their own creativity.  Field trips to local museums and some written work will complement the original work created by the student in the studio and at home.

*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment.

3D Studies/Mixed Media Sculpture B continues the exploration of the visual world; its relationships of form and space — in the context of historical examples, environmental/cultural impact, creative self-expression and collaborative pieces.  Field trips to local museums and sculpture collections and some written work will complement the original work created by the student in the studio and at home.

*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment.

This course is a “hands-on” class designed to develop skills in design and composition, a variety of drawing styles, and acrylic painting.  Students will receive instruction in a variety of media and will be required to use each of them in the creation of original work.  The study of historical examples will be a springboard for the student’s creative expression.  No previous drawing skills are required to take this class; just come with an open mind!

As a follow-up course to Studio Art A, the Studio Art B class will place emphasis on the concept of connection and progression in developing and expanding a visual image.  A more refined sense of visual decision-making and creative initiative will be stressed and expected of the mature visual arts student.  Students will use a variety of materials, techniques, and styles to explore themselves in relationship to their personal history, community, and their God.  We will work in acrylic paint, water color paint, pencil, oil pastel, colored pencil, linoleum block prints, and a variety of mixed media materials.  A special project involving an in depth self-study through visual images will urge the student to see her/himself in various aspects; with a connection to a specific community, a realistic self-portrait and a non-objective symbol that strikes a familiar resounding chord.