Visual Arts

Art Experience is an exploration of the creative process through art. This course is for students of all ability levels, who are interested in a variety of art experiences and media. Course content may include: elements and principles of art, 2D and 3D design, print-making, sculpture, painting, jewelry making, etc.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 9-12
• Prerequisite: None
• Fees: $40

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

This course studies the history of art from prehistoric times through the Renaissance. This course is designed for students to learn how to view and analyze art from a historical and cultural context. Students will complete personal projects through the outlets of artmaking, writing, presentations, and more.  

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 9-12
• Prerequisite: None
• Fees: $20

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

This course studies the history of art from Baroque through the 21st century. Students will study art, architecture, culture, people, and time periods with cultural and historical connections. Students will complete personal projects through the outlets of artmaking, writing, presentations, and more. Art History I is NOT required to take Art History II.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 9-12
• Prerequisite: None
• Fees: $20

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

An introduction to ceramics techniques, students will learn the basics of pottery techniques such as wheel throwing, coil, slab and pinch. Students will also learn the basics of glazing.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 9-12
• Prerequisite: None
• Fees: $40

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

Further developing their ceramic artist's skills, students will have the ability to spend more time on the wheel and push their design abilities, expand on knowledge of surface treatments and visual communication through this medium.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 9-12
• Prerequisite: Ceramics I
• Fees: $40

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

The Ceramics III student will develop their skills as a ceramics artist, have the ability to expand upon knowledge of surface techniques, glazes, mason stains, etc. They will also be able to submit project proposals for individualized work within ceramic passion areas.. The course will focus on portfolio development, and will encourage individual expression and artistic awareness. It is focused on portfolio development.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 10-12
• Prerequisite: Ceramics II
• Fees: $40

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

Students will create their own project list, depending on their personal educational and artistic goals. The course focuses on further portfolio development.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 10-12
• Prerequisite: Ceramics III
• Fees: $40

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

This course is designed to develop introductory skills in visual expression, visual awareness, creativity, and divergent thinking.
Students will be introduced to a variety of drawing and painting media, color theory, perspective, and composition. This course will give students the skills necessary for continued studies in Drawing and Painting.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 9-12
• Prerequisite: None
• Fees: $40

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

This course will dive deeper into advanced drawing and painting skills, visual expression and awareness, divergent thinking skills, and creativity.
Drawing and Painting 2 places an emphasis on examining visual arts and how it applies to history, culture, and art industries.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 9-12
• Prerequisite: Drawing & Painting I
• Fees: $40

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

This course is designed to expand upon the skills of the previous levels, examining visual expression, divergent thinking, and creativity. Artists start to develop an understanding of personal style and begin a portfolio while investigating individual goals.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 10-12
• Prerequisite: Drawing & Painting II
• Fees: $40

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

This course focuses on intense involvement in drawing, printmaking, and painting techniques. Students will be encouraged toward more individual expression and artistic awareness. Students will further develop their portfolio and artists' statement. They will begin to develop platforms to broadcast and monetize their skill set.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 10-12
• Prerequisite: Drawing & Painting III
• Fees: $40

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

Graphic Design will introduce students to the elements and principles of design in order to learn how to communicate a visual concept to a designated audience. Through the use of Adobe creative software students will work with professional tools to create powerful digital art with intent and purpose. Students will develop a strong understanding of how professionals work through the design cycle to create visual concepts that are both engaging and informative.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 9-12
• Prerequisite: None
• Fees: $40

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

This course continues the creative and technical experiences introduced in Graphic Design I. Students will focus on production, aesthetics, and communication in the realm of digital art using the Adobe Suite. Designers expand their design possibilities through the study of contemporary artists.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 9-12
• Prerequisite: Graphic Design I
• Fees: $40

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

This course is designed for the serious art student possibly considering art as a career. Designers will continue to explore the endless possibilities of computer art using the Adobe Suite. Students will develop and design professional graphic art projects while further developing computer competence and personal design aesthetic. 

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 10-12
• Prerequisite: Graphic Design II
• Fees: $40

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

Students will work on individual advanced projects with an emphasis on portfolio development.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 10-12
• Prerequisite: Graphic Design III
• Fees: $40

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

This class is an introduction to silversmithing techniques such as fabricating with sheet metal. Students will create 4-5 projects that connect their personal style with historical references.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 9-12
• Prerequisite: None
• Fees: $40

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

Further developing the Jewelry Artist's skills, this Jewelry II student will learn forging techniques, casting rings and stone setting.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 9-12
• Prerequisite: Jewelry I
• Fees: $40

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

The Jewelry III student will develop their skills as a silversmith creating a box with a hinged lid, learning the basics of enamels as well as alternative Jewelry materials.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 10-12
• Prerequisite: Jewelry II
• Fees: $40

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

Students will create their own, 4-5 item project list depending on their own personal educational goals.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 10-12
• Prerequisite: Jewelry III
• Fees: $40

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

In Digital Media, students will analyze and assess current and emerging technologies, while designing and creating multimedia projects that address customer needs and resolve a problem. Students will implement personal and interpersonal skills to prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace environment. The knowledge and skills acquired and practiced will enable students to successfully perform and interact in a technology-driven society. Students will enhance reading, writing, computing, communication, and critical thinking and apply them to the IT environment.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 9-12
• Prerequisite: None
• Fees: $35

Meets Requirements in PRACTICAL ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

This photography course focuses on studio-based photography. Students will learn basic DSLR camera operations, framing and the art of styling and lighting for professional photo shoots. Projects will include various print advertisements and studio work. Students will learn about careers in related to commercial photography and the postsecondary programs and requirements within Colorado. Some examples of jobs in this area are photographer, graphic designer and stylist. Students will complete a number of projects and design pieces to be added to personal portfolios.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 10-12
• Prerequisite: CTE Digital Media A
• Fees: $40

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

Course emphasizes the needs of commercial photographers with regard to technical expertise, creativity, and professional equipment. Technical aspects include film to digital transfer, lighting, digital image manipulation, alternative processes, large format camera work and stock photography. Creative exploration of subject matter, lighting, color theory and other psychological characteristics in the development of images are studied. A variety of photographic equipment is utilized for the studio and on location. Students are expected to create a portfolio of work for both print and electronic formats.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 10-12
• Prerequisite: CTE Commercial Photo I
• Fees: $40

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

Students build on prior knowledge and skills in the program of study to further develop and apply employability and technical skills that prepare them for success in future career and postsecondary education, as deemed developmentally appropriate.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 10-12
• Prerequisite: CTE Commercial Photo II
• Fees: None

Meets Requirements in PRACTICAL ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

Students will learn a variety of 3 dimensional expressive techniques. Projects may include, altered book making, plaster carving, foam, wire and clay. A focus on interesting design and personal connection.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 9-12
• Prerequisite: None
• Fees: $40

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

Further developing their skills as a sculptor, students may experiment with stone, wood, mobiles and casting.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 9-12
• Prerequisite: Sculpture I
• Fees: $40

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

An emphasis on public art, students will collaborate to create sculptural installations in the school or the community.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 10-12
• Prerequisite: Sculpture II
• Fees: $40

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

Students will create their own, 4-5 item project list depending on their own personal educational goals.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 10-12
• Prerequisite: Sculpture III
• Fees: $40

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

Advanced Placement Art offers the highly motivated student an opportunity to receive college credit, as well as produce a portfolio of high-quality artwork. AP Art is offered in three areas: Drawing & Painting, 2D Design (photography and computer art), and 3D art (sculpture, ceramics, jewelry). Students interested in any of these areas should sign up for AP Art and will then work with the instructor who is most qualified in their specialty to create a portfolio in one of those areas.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Teacher Approval
• Fees: $40, $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

Advanced Placement Art offers the highly motivated student an opportunity to receive college credit, as well as produce a portfolio of high-quality artwork. AP Art is offered in three areas: Drawing & Painting, 2D Design (photography and computer art), and 3D art (sculpture, ceramics, jewelry). Students interested in any of these areas should sign up for AP Art and will then work with the instructor who is most qualified in their specialty to create a portfolio in one of those areas.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Teacher Approval
• Fees: $40, $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.