This semester-long course emphasizes the development of functional and sculptural objects in clay through hand-building and wheel-thrown techniques and processes. Students will explore both additive and reductive techniques as well as a variety of surface designs, form alterations, and glazing techniques. Ceramics II builds upon the skills learned in Ceramics I and further develops skills through a variety of processes and techniques.
Available Levels: I and II
OFFERED: Semester 1, Semester II
Prerequisite for those entering the Upper School in 2025 and beyond: 3D Studio
Foundations

In this semester course, students will learn the basics of soldering, forming, and cold connections using nickel, copper, brass, and sterling. Students will design functional objects/ jewelry in metal and learn how to cut, shape, texture, and finish their work. Emphasis will be placed on creative design, problem-solving, and developing skills working in the media. Metals II and III students will further develop technical skills and master more complicated techniques.

Available Levels: I, II, and III
OFFERED: Semester 1, Semester 2

Prerequisite for those entering the Upper School in 2025 and beyond: 3D Studio Foundations

Painting is designed to introduce painting techniques using oil paint, acrylic, and watercolor. Students will work from direct observation of still life and nature, as well as their imagination. Students in Painting II will build on the techniques in watercolor and oil with new projects, further developing their style through the study of student’s choice of historic or contemporary painters.
Available Levels: I and II 
OFFERED: Semester 2
Prerequisite: 2D Studio Foundations (or Art of Seeing or Drawing I recommended for students who entered the Upper School before 2025)

In this introductory course to photography, students will explore the art of photography through film mechanics, digital practices, and alternate processes. The emphasis in the first half of the class will be placed on light, metering, and camera mechanics. The second half of the class will focus on editing photographs digitally, composition, aesthetics, and imagery. Students can access 35 mm SLR and DSLR cameras, Adobe software, and a wide-format printer.
Available Levels: I and II.
OFFERED: Semester 2 
Prerequisite 2D Foundations, Art of Seeing or Design

This year-long course will build upon the knowledge and skills gained in Ceramics I. Students will continue developing wheel throwing, trimming, finishing, and glazing skills. Class exercises and projects demand that students explore solutions to more complicated and challenging visual problems. Students demonstrate different glazing techniques to achieve the desired appearance and aesthetics to express their creativity. Students are encouraged to develop creative thinking, personal expression, and skills to create quality work.
Prerequisite: Ceramics I
Note: Course cannot be retaken

This class is geared toward students who wish to take their art-making to the next level by refining their technical skills and developing their expressive artistic voices as artists. In Honors Portfolio students will learn and apply the real-world skills needed to develop a cohesive body of work and its presentation in the form of a portfolio. This class is intended for eleventh graders who can utilize their portfolios in the college application process and would provide a strong base for the twelfth-grade Pinnacle* art class, Senior Studio Art*.
OFFERED: Semester 2
Prerequisite: Advanced study in art electives beyond 2D Studio Foundations class
Requires Department Chair Approval

In this Pinnacle* class, students learn to work independently and collaboratively as serious artists. Through concept or material-specific assignments, students increase the depth of investigation and develop essential skills of personal expression and technique. Students first focus on building a cohesive body of work, and curating their artwork into a portfolio which may be used in the college process. In the second term, students address essential questions about the artist’s impact as they authentically engage in the community and collaborate in this class. Outcomes include the ability to discuss and defend choices as a practicing artist and a body of work which can be presented in a portfolio or exhibition.
Prerequisite: Advanced study in art electives beyond 2D or 3D Studio Foundations classes

Requires Department Chair Approval