The visual arts program provides a balanced art curriculum based on the elements and principles of design.  Students are encouraged to observe their world, research, develop original ideas, solve problems, develop interdisciplinary connections, become aware of the arts of different cultures, and create visual statements.  Studio work requires students to make choices, develop an understanding of their work and the works of others, and to use evaluative techniques judiciously.  Following the introductory Art Foundations class, students may elect a combination of term or semester courses emphasizing artistic applications in different areas.
 

• demonstrate knowledge of the media, materials, and techniques unique to the visual arts.

• demonstrate knowledge of the elements and principles of design.

• demonstrate their powers of observation, abstraction, invention, and expression in a variety of media, materials, and techniques.

• demonstrate knowledge of processes of creating and exhibiting artwork: drafts, critique, self-assessment, refinement, exhibition preparation.

• describe and analyze their own work and that of others using appropriate visual arts vocabulary.  When appropriate students will connect their analysis to interpretation and evaluation.

• describe the purposes for which works of visual arts and architecture were and are created, and, when appropriate, interpret their meanings.

• describe the roles of artists, patrons, cultural organizations, and art institutions in societies of the past and present.

• demonstrate their understanding of styles, stylistic influence, and stylistic change by identifying when and where artworks were created, and by analyzing characteristic features of artworks form various historical periods, cultures, and genres.

• describe and analyze how visual artists use and have used materials, inventions, and technologies in their work.

• apply their knowledge of English language arts, world languages, health, history and social sciences, mathematics, and science and technology/engineering to the study of arts.