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Essex High School
2 Educational Dr. Essex Jct., VT 05452 | (802) 879-7121

Fine Arts Pages

Visual Arts Pages

Staff and Contact Info

Welcome to the Fine Arts Department

Visual Arts

“Pyramids, cathedrals, and rockets exist not because of geometry, theories of structures, or thermodynamics, but because they were first a picture--literally a vision--in the minds of those who built them."

 (Eugene Ferguson)

 

Purpose Statement 

As Chittenden Central Supervisory Union Art Educators, we take a holistic approach towards learning, including the student, their community, and the world at large.  A complete art education program focuses on nurturing the whole child.  Our program promotes self esteem and well-being through encouraging students to express themselves.  It fosters higher order thinking skills through creative problem solving and reflection.  Our program also gives purpose and meaning to learning through creative cultural connections, linking to other subject matter, and exhibitions within the community. We encourage life long learners through building meaningful relationships, differentiated instruction, and guided exploration.  


Our students will not all be professional artists.  However, they will be citizens of a world which will reward them for their creativity.

 

Visual Art Courses that are offered

Sequence 1

ART 1 F058
In this one semester foundational course, students will explore and experiment with several different artistic media and
techniques. Imagination and a sense of adventure are needed as elements of design and composition are studied through drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and other media. This course is required for those students desiring to pursue any of theadvanced courses offered in the fine arts including Computer Animation I and II, Digital Art, Drawing and Painting, Sculpture,Art II, Art III, AP Art.                                                                                 

Grades 9-12. ½ Credit [FA]

CLAY 1 F040
In this one semester course, the student will express him/herself in clay to make both functional pottery and sculptures.
Students will explore line, shape, form, color, texture, and pattern as tools of expression and use basic building techniques
including pinch, coil, slab, sculpting, and wheel.                                                              

Grades 9-12 ½ Credit [FA]

PHOTOGRAPHY 1 F350
In this class, students will create expressive and artistically composed photographs. Students will learn how to use both
digital and film cameras, process 35mm film, edit on the computer, and scan in negatives. For final prints, students will have
a choice whether or not to use the darkroom or the computers to print them digitally. There will be a materials fee for this
course (can be waived for economic hardship).    

Grades 10-12 ½ Credit [FA]

CULTURAL EXPLORATION: MODERN GLOBAL HISTORY THROUGH THE ARTS F066
This course is designed for all abilities, integrating world history and fine arts into an interdisciplinary program that teaches
history through the lens of art. Using a thematic approach, students will creatively explore issues of conflict and resolution
throughout global history, as well as increase their understanding and awareness of how social, political, economic, and cultural
trends shape society. Using various artistic media, students will creatively communicate perspectives on global themes.
Grade 9 (Can count as Art I credit) 2 Credits [1 FA and 1 WS]

Sequence 2


STUDIO ART 2 F026
This full year course is specifically designed to begin a student's portfolio for college admission. Students will concentrate
on advance techniques and design problems in the following areas: drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture. The
course will focus on developing observational skills while fostering creative imagination. Students will examine the styles of
both historical and contemporary American Artists while developing their own personal style of expression. Students who are
planning to take Art 3 and Advanced Placement in Art should take this prerequisite course during their Grade 10 year.
Prerequisite: Art 1                                                                                                          

Grades 10-12 1 Credit [FA]


DRAWING AND PAINTING F049
This semester course is offered for students who cannot take a full year of Studio Art 2. The course will focus on the same
advanced techniques and design problems using a wide range of media including pencil, charcoal, pastel, pen and ink, watercolor and acrylics. The course combines observational drawing with the use of the imagination as a means of transforming
visual ideas onto a two-dimensional surface. Students may combine this course with any specialty course (clay, photography,
and sculpture) to meet the prerequisites for Studio Art 3.

Prerequisite: Art 1                                                                                                            

Grades 9-12 ½ Credit [FA]

SCULPTURE F048
This course investigates the definition of sculpture, its origin in history, and its evolution over time in the art world. In
sculpture class, students will create real forms in space while exploring the elements and principles of design. Students will
gain an understanding of how to utilize various methods (modeling, carving, assemblage, etc.) and materials (stone, clay, wax,
etc.) to communicate their artistic intent, critically assess their work, and critically assess the work of others.
Prerequisite: Art 1 or Clay 1                                                                                            

Grades 9-12 ½ Credit [FA]

CLAY 2 F041
In this one semester course, the student will expand his/her basic knowledge of clay construction, allowing more selfexpression.
The student will make more advanced projects via handbuilding or the pottery wheel. New techniques in building
and glaze decorating will be explored. Students will design their required projects in areas of interest and continue to develop
a personal style.
Prerequisite: Clay 1                                                                                                           

Grades 9-12 ½ Credit [FA]

PHOTOGRAPHY 2 F351
Students will learn advanced digital and film camera techniques, downloading digital images, scanning negatives, and
editing using Adobe Photoshop. The art of contemporary and historic photographers will be highlighted. Students will begin
to develop a personal style and critiquing skills. This course may be taken more than once for additional credit.
Prerequisite: Photography 1                                                                                             

Grades 10-12 ½ Credit [FA]

DIGITAL ARTS AND GRAPHIC DESIGN F090
Using the computer as a medium, students will explore the creative process, making digital artworks. Students will be
introduced to current computer programs, Photoshop, Illustrator and In-Design. They will explore and combine computerbased
techniques with traditional studio art techniques. There will be a materials fee for this course (can be waived for economic
hardship).
Prerequisite: Art 1                                                                                                     

Grades 9-12 ½ Credit [PA or FA]

COMPUTER ANIMATION 1 I106
Do you want to bring your animation to life? If you possess a bit of computer savvy and have a passion for animation,
this course is for you. Students will learn to use animation software to model and animate with artistic prowess in a creative
and fun class. You will experience new technology and start a portfolio for your future. To develop your artistic vision and
creative mind, check out this course!
Prerequisite: Art 1 or Media Communications                                                            

Grades 9-12 ½ Credit [PA or FA]

Sequence 3


STUDIO ART 3 F093
Art 3 is intended for highly motivated students who wish to take AP Art and/or pursue art in college. This course will
focus on developing the "breadth" portion of your AP or college portfolio with a variety of visual media and subject matter.
Observational drawing will be stressed as students continue to develop personal visual imagery through intensive work in
drawing, painting, mixed media, printmaking and sculpture. This course will focus on introducing students to the historical
and contemporary art of Europe, Asia, and other cultures. Towards the end of the course, students will select a particular visual
topic based on an individual interest and begin a concentration of a related body of work that focuses on a process of investigation,growth, and discovery.
Prerequisite: Art 2 or a combination of Drawing/ Painting and 1 other ½ credit art course (Digital Art and Graphic Design,
Sculpture, Clay, Photography)
Grades 11-12 1 Credit [FA]

CLAY 3 F094
In the first quarter, Clay 3 students will refine already established hand-building, wheel throwing, and glazing skills while
creating far more challenging projects (i.e. sets, teapots, lidded containers, altered wheel forms, etc.) In the second quarter,
students choose an area of personal concentration and expression, creating a cohesive body of clay work. An awareness and
understanding of historical ceramic influences is essential.
Prerequisite: Clay 2
Grades 10-12 ½ Credit [FA]

COMPUTER ANIMATION 2 I112
See your hard work come alive! Employ the basic techniques learned in Animation 1 to develop your own stories. You
will finely tune modeling and animation skills while creating character animations. This is a great course to round out your
animation portfolio. Offered every other year: 2008-09, 2010-11
Prerequisite: Animation 1
Grades 10-12 ½ Credit [PA or FA]

COMMUNITY INTERNSHIPS FOR STUDENTS I115
Essex High School students who are interested in mentored internships for elective credits may apply for this opportunity.
Interns will be placed with local organizations and businesses in such fields as video production, music, graphic design,
small business operations and technical mathematics, science and engineering. This is a wonderful opportunity for the student
who has demonstrated a strong interest/talent in one of the areas above and seeks to expand his/her knowledge in "real life"
applications.
Prerequisite: Application, teacher recommendation, interview for placement

Sequence 4


ADVANCED PLACEMENT IN ART (APART) F028
This course is designed for students who wish to take the AP Art exam and/or pursue art in college as a career. This very
intensive course is structured to prepare students to submit a comprehensive portfolio for the Advanced Placement
Examination in May or for college admission. The first semester of the course focuses on the "breadth" portion of the portfolio
where students continue to work in a variety of media including drawing, painting, mixed media, sculpture and printmaking.
The second "concentration" portion of the semester is spent focusing on a specific area of interest and developing a personal
style of expression.
Prerequisite: Studio Art 3 or permission of the teacher.
Grade 12 1 Credit [FA]

Fine Arts Equivalencies
Design and Illustration I and II (BTC) 1 Credit
Computer Animation 1 and 2 ½ Credit
Graphic Design and Digital Publishing (CTE) ½ Credit
Engineering/Architectural Design (CTE) 1 Credit
Computer Animation and Web Design (CTE) 1 Credit
Pretechnical Program (CTE) ½ Credit
Introduction to Cosmetology ½ Credit
Introduction to Engineering ½ Credit
Introduction to Arts, AV Tech & Communications ½ Credit