The arts are the cornerstone of humanity and, as such, they celebrate the uniqueness of each individual student as well as create a bond for civilization as a whole.  The goal of the Bishop Kelly High School Art Department is to provide opportunities for students to reach their fullest potential mentally, emotionally, creatively, aesthetically, socially, psychically and spiritually.  It is the belief of the department that the process of creating and understanding works of art is critical to the development of all people.  Art is a basic component of a quality education and is fundamental for the full development of an individual who would regard himself/herself “educated.”

ART 1 -One Semester Semester

Grade Levels:  9, 10, 11, 12

This introduction art course will provide students with an overview of basic art concepts: line, color, shape, form, and texture.  Students will explore these concepts through different media and techniques such as drawing, painting, design, lettering, and sculpture.

ART 2 -One

Grade Levels:  9, 10, 11, 12

Development of personal subject matter with advanced composition techniques will be emphasized in this extension of Art 1.  The students will be exposed to a variety of media including felt pen illustration, pastels, and computer graphics programs.

DRAWING -One Semester

Grade Levels:  9, 10, 11, 12

In this course the student will explore the basic components used to create works of art: line, shape, form, value, texture, space, and color.  Through the use of these elements of art the student will learn to draw.  The purpose of this course is to enhance the creativity and artistic confidence of the student.

ADVANCED DRAWING  -One Semester

Grade Level:  10, 11, 12

 In this course the student will expand on the basic elements of art that are taught in Drawing.  The student will be assigned a series of projects/assignments designed to enhance the ability, creativity, and confidence established in Drawing.

PAINTING -One Semester

Grade Levels:  9, 10, 11, 12

The elements and principles of art will be applied to works created in paint.  Instruction will include assignments dealing with shape, value, color theory, and methods of paint application.  Assignments will explore influences of both art history and creative expression.  Lessons will deal with techniques in both opaque and watercolor media.

ADVANCED PAINTING -One Semester

Grade Levels:  9, 10, 11, 12

Students will use acquired painting skills to produce works reflecting personal expression.  Works will also reflect experiences with historical styles such as impressionism, surrealism and abstraction.  The course may be repeated for credit.

AP ART -Two Semesters

Grade Levels:  11, 12

Prerequisite:  At least two of the courses listed above, or Instructor Approval

AP Art will enable students to work and learn according to the guidelines of the Advanced Placement Program.  Portfolios will be created and -with student and parent approval- may be submitted to be judged by the College Board with possible credit awarded by colleges from throughout the nation.  An area of concentration will be chosen by students in which they will explore one medium or idea in depth.  In addition, sections dealing with drawing, color/design, and sculpture will be required.  Work can be photographed and slides forwarded to the College Board for evaluation.

POTTERY 1 -One Semester

Grade Levels:  9, 10, 11, 12

Pottery 1 is an introductory course in which students will learn to work in clay as a three-dimensional art form.  Basic hand construction, methods of pinching, coiling and slab will be taught and utilized.  Students will construct tiles, Native American Indian pots, animal sculptures, a mold project, a work inspired from research in a book or ceramic magazines, a teapot, and a raku tea bowl.  The potter’s wheel will be used and basic glazing techniques introduced.

POTTERY 2 -One Semester

Grade Levels:  9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite:  Pottery 1 or Instructor Approval

Pottery 2 is an extension of the introductory pottery course with emphasis placed on individual interpretations and creative outcomes drawn from an assignment list.  Projects, which may be thrown on the potter’s wheel or hand constructed, will include sculpture as well as a variety of traditional shapes and functional forms traditional to clay.

POTTERY 3 & 4 -One Semester

Grade Levels:  10, 11, 12

Prerequisites:  Pottery 2 or Instructor Approval

These advanced pottery sections are independent study programs in which students create and complete their assignment syllabuses subject to instructor approval.  Experimentation will be encouraged, as will works of depth and complexity.  Students may explore an area of concentration or attempt a variety of self-generated projects.

ART AND MUSIC APPRECIATION -One or Two Semesters

Grade Levels:  10, 11, 12

This course will provide students with opportunities to gain an appreciation for a variety of music and art forms.  Through the study of art and music historical time periods and movements students will be led to an understanding of how arts are reflective of thought, beliefs, and events of the time.  Students will learn the vocabulary involved in analyzing art and practice analysis throughout the course.  Students will listen to and learn about famous composers and other music genres.  Students will complete several hands-on art projects, as well as research and presentation projects.