Visual Arts
Faculty
| Gillian Bailey | 594-2659 | gbailey@piedmont.k12.ca.us website |
| Susan Simonds | *594-2626 x#555 (VM) | SSimonds@piedmont.k12.ca.us |
| Department Office Phone | 594-2643 |
(VM) = Voice Mail only
* Numbers with asterisks cannot be dialed directly. Dial 594-2626, and at the prompt press the pound sign (#) and the extension number without further waiting.
Course Descriptions
Art I
5221
(Year) (9,10,11,12)
Prerequisite: None
A year course designed to instruct beginning art students in drawing, painting, and printmaking. Students will become familiar with the elements of art and principles of design while completing a variety of assigned projects and experimenting with different media and processes. In addition to art production, students will be introduced to art history, art criticism and aesthetics. A voluntary materials donation is requested at walk through registration.
Art II
5222
(Year) (10, 11, 12)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art I with grade of C or higher
Through assigned as well as self-directed projects, students will continue to explore a variety of media and subject matter intended to further develop their individual skills and creativity. Students will have more sophisticated experiences in art production, art criticism and aesthetics. A voluntary materials donation is requested at walk through registration.
Art III
5223
(Year) (11,12)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art II with grade C or higher
Through more individualized instruction, greater independence, and an increased knowledge of media and techniques, students will continue to develop artwork that reflects a personal style and interpretation and build a portfolio. Further study of art criticism and aesthetics will continue to be part of the curriculum. A voluntary materials donation of $45 per year is suggested.
Art IV
5226
(Year) (12)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art III with grade C or higher
At this level, students will be expected to develop a portfolio of work that exhibits an understanding of visual relationships, aesthetics, and a variety of media. Students design their own projects with the approval and direction of the instructor culminating in a body of work that reflects personal style and interpretation. A voluntary materials donation is requested at walk through registration.
AP Art 2-D Portfolio
5227 (Advanced Placement)
(Year) (12)
Prerequisite: Completion of Art I, II, III with an A average and/or instructor’s approval/recommendation
The Advanced Placement Studio Art program is intended for highly motivated students committed to the serious study of art. In this course, the student will produce and submit to the College Board a portfolio of artwork as required by the Advanced Placement Development Committee in Studio Art. This portfolio will consist of 24 pieces of artwork, which demonstrate the student's ability to deal with the fundamental concerns of the visual arts so that he/she may be given credit, advanced placement, or both, at the college level. A voluntary materials donation is requested at walk through registration.
AP Art 3-D Portfolio
5230 (Advanced Placement)
(Year) (12)
Prerequisite: Completion of 3 years of Studio Art or Design in Visual Art combination with A or higher, and the instructor’s approval/recommendation
The AP Studio Art 3-D Design course is an intensive art course for the motivated art student. A major requirement is the production of a portfolio of artwork under the Advanced Placement guidelines, consisting of 15-20 pieces of work that demonstrate the student's ability to interpret sculptural issues in depth and space. Students will articulate the elements or concepts of mass, volume, form, plane, light and texture through additive, subtractive or fabrication processes. Art pieces may include traditional sculpture, architectural models, apparel, ceramics, three-dimensional fiber arts or metal work. A voluntary materials donation of $50 per year is suggested to cover the cost of special supplies.
Studio Art / Ceramics 1-2
5211
(Year) (9, 10, 11, 12)
Through the creation of vessels and sculpture, students will learn the pinch, coil, and slab methods for hand constructions. They will also be introduced to wheel throwing. They will learn various means of surface decoration, such as burnishing, carving. sgraffito, underglazing and overglazing with lusters. Assigned projects will expose students to multicultural aspects of ceramics. Throughout the year students will refine their skills to create both functional and sculptural works of art. Students are required to attend museums or galleries to critique and write about a variety of 3-d works of art. A voluntary materials donation of $45 per year is suggested.
Studio Art / Ceramics 3-4
5212
(Year) (10,11,12)
Prerequisite: Completion of Studio Art/Ceramics 1-2 with grade C or higher
Through specific projects, students will continue to develop skills in ceramics using the slab, coil and pinch techniques of hand building. Continued work on the potter's wheel and use of studio equipment like slab roller and extruders. Students will explore a variety of surface treatments, experimenting with both textures and glazing. Glazing techniques will include using the spray booth. All students are required to attend museums or galleries to critique and write about a variety of 3-d works of art. A voluntary materials donation of $45 per year is suggested.
Studio Art / Ceramics 5-6
5213
(Year) (11,12)
Prerequisite: Completion of Studio Art/Ceramics 3-4 with grade C or higher.
Students will continue to refine their skills in both hand building and wheel throwing. More complex assignments and individualized instruction will allow students to explore advanced ideas and techniques in clay. Students will be encouraged to explore their own areas of special interest through a body of work. Students will be required show their work in a final exhibit. All students are required to attend museums or galleries to critique and write about a variety of 3-d works of art. A voluntary materials donation of $45 per year is suggested.
Studio Art / Ceramics 7-8
5214
(Year) (12)
Prerequisite: Completion of Studio Art/Ceramics 5-6 with a grade of C or higher
Students will continue to refine their skills in various areas of ceramic construction and glazing techniques while developing his/her own style. A body of work defining critical thinking and problem solving will be produced. This will be documented with a written statement and a photographed portfolio. A final written self evaluation and exhibit will be presented at the conclusion of the year. All students are required to attend museums or galleries to critique and write about a variety of 3-d works of art. A voluntary materials donation of $45 per year is suggested.
