Visual Arts

Students in this course explore foundations in art and design with the techniques of drawing, ceramics, painting, design, sculpture, printmaking, emerging digital art making practices, as well as 3D modeling and 3D printing on an introductory level. As the course progresses, students are given slightly more advanced projects that deal with conceptual and compositional issues. Based on the foundation in art and design, students develop presentation skills to communicate their art works. This gives them power and ownership over their creations. Students also create and display a collaborative, monumental, sculptural work to serve the school community. In addition to creating art, students analyze art styles and related art history, as well as engage with emerging digital based drafting tools. Students learn how to engage in art criticism and discussion. Students are required to do weekly sketchbook assignments. Some research is required.

This course includes the study of building clay vessels using the three hand-building techniques of pinch, coil, and slab, as well as ‘throwing’ pots on the pottery wheel. Techniques and methods of producing sculpture from clay and other materials are explored. Intro to the chemistry of glazes is included. Some research is required including the history of ceramics and its multicultural impact. A field trip to a local pottery studio is included with the possibility of an additional museum visit.

With the myriad of streaming services, social media, and advertising, content is pushed at us every day. How do we both create and consume this content as Christians? This class teaches professional practices in video shooting, editing, and producing. Students study multiple considerations that go into every shot of a video to create professional-looking films that are entered into local and state-wide film competitions. Students also learn film analysis, media literacy, and advertising persuasive techniques to increase their ability to wisely consume content. Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

Photography is a specialized course that provides interested students with insights and experiences in photographic composition, cameras, creative problem solving skills, and the ability to exercise critical judgments. Students learn elements of design, proper use of technology and equipment, and the creative application of the photographic process. Open to juniors and seniors.

Painting includes an exciting exploration of acrylic, oil, and watercolor. Emerging digital art making practices are introduced as well. Students are allowed to choose their favorite medium and take it to its fullest potential. Realism, abstraction, pop art and many more movements are covered as students study the masters of antiquity as well as contemporary and emerging artists. Projects and critiques are placed within the context of art history. Students are involved in at least one large-scale or collaborative project. When opportunity arises, we are involved in public murals and set design for EC’s theatrical productions. No matter the skill level, growth is assured as all students are welcome in reflecting the creative nature of our Creator.

Drawing encourages creative growth, expression, and observation through an exploration of both traditional and contemporary practices. Students refine skills in drawing from life with realistic portraiture, still life, and anatomy studies, while adding drawings from imagination to their portfolios. Various mediums include pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, pastels, and digital-based drafting tools. Emphasis is placed on shading, composition, highlighting, subtleties of tones, texture, positive-negative space observations, and individual and collaborative projects. No matter the skill level, growth is assured as all students are welcome in reflecting the creative nature of our Creator.

This course studies sculpture-in-the-round and relief sculpture, focusing on mass, weight, and balance. Students explore various styles and projects in three-dimensional art, covering realism, abstraction, and geometric form in both small and large-scale. Media explored are wood, clay, cardboard, paper, paper maché, found objects, as well as 3D modeling and 3D printing, etc. Students engage in art criticism and reflection, connecting projects to art movements. Students make an artistic impact in the school’s community, as the class works on a collaborative project serving the school’s mission.

Handmade, mechanical and digital production have brought images all around us. Printmaking involves creating original works of art that exist as multiples in a set called an edition. Students enrich their understanding of the elements and principles of design through an introduction to various printmaking techniques including woodblock, linoleum, silkscreen, spray paint stenciling and mono-printing methods. We move from single color to multi-color dynamic designs that can be applied to an artistic print series, bookmaking, clothing, textiles, and other exciting functional items such as T-Shirt designs. Some research is required. Basic Photoshop tools and techniques are covered to enhance designs. Students attend a field trip to an established printmaker, artist or gallery.

Using the industry standard tools of Adobe Creative Suite such as Illustrator, Photoshop, and After Effects (as well as online equivalents of those programs), students create dynamic visual materials. Students learn layout skills and acquire the ability to combine visual elements with text information to use creativity not only to design but to also catch the public’s attention (posters, t-shirts, flyers, logos, branding campaigns, photo books). Students explore discernment between what the world values and what we as Christians should value and communicate. The course includes current and professional programs and practices.

AP Studio Design 2D Portfolio is a college-level course officially endorsed by the College Board that provides students the opportunity to further develop their artistic voice through advanced two-dimensional design and composition. This course replaces Advanced Portfolio and is intended for students who are prepared to take their artmaking to a professional and highly focused level. Students create a cohesive body of work that demonstrates investigation, experimentation, and mastery of materials, processes, and ideas within a chosen theme or inquiry. The curriculum follows the College Board’s AP 2D Art and Design Portfolio requirements, emphasizing both Sustained Investigation and Selected Works.