Drawing & Painting 1

Drawing and Painting 1 is an introductory class providing instruction in both drawing and painting, focusing on working from still life objects. The drawing curriculum provides experience in basic drawing principles including; line, value, and space using a variety of media and subjects. Students will receive instruction on the importance of perspective, proportion, gesture, line, and depth. The painting curriculum will introduce the painting process, incorporating the importance of value relationships and paint handling. Simple compositions will lead to various painting approaches where multiple brushes, painting mediums and surfaces will be demonstrated. Through this course, students will learn to successfully depict objects and forms.

Painting 2

Painting 2 builds upon instruction from Drawing and Painting 1. Focusing on the study of portraits and still life utilizing both acrylic and oil paints. The curriculum provides opportunities for experimentation with painting on a variety of different textures and provides further knowledge of a variety of tools, including palette knives and specialty brushes. This course is a comprehensive study of the principals of composition, staging, line, pattern, value, tone, and color theories. Emphasis is placed on the creative process from concept to completed work.

Printmaking - "Stamps, Stencils, & Screen Printing"

Printmaking explores artistic modes of creating multiples in the form of carved stamps, handcut stencils, silkscreen printing, and scratched plexiglass. Students will learn key terms in the medium and how to use a printing press. Alongside the medium, the course will touch on technical skills inherent to the medium, such as bold black and white compositions, layered colors, hatching line work, and dither patterns.

Ceramics

Ceramics explores the endless possibilities of clay! In this course students will learn the foundational knowledge of ceramics as well as the skills to work hands on with clay. Throughout the course, we will be exploring the three hand building construction techniques: pinch, slab, and coil. Students will also be challenged to use texture, shape, form, and color while creating their 3-dimentional works of art that can be functional, expressive or both!

Illustration (held in the Fall Semester only)

Intro to Traditional Illustration A picture is worth a thousand words, but how do you create one? In this course introducing the art of illustration, students will learn the history of the art and how to create compelling compositions to carry their message. Through color theory, character design, and symbolism, this class will guide students over the course of ten weeks through crafting several portfolio-ready explorations of storytelling in the medium of their choosing. This class is required before taking Visual Storytelling (which will be held in the spring at this same time and location).

Drawing 2

Drawing 2 builds upon instruction from Drawing and Painting 1. The curriculum provides the opportunity to work with a wide range of different medias, focusing on the use of graphite, charcoal, oil pastels, colored pencils, mixed media and collage. Students will gain a deeper understanding of line, value and space through a variety of media and subjects along with composition, perspective, proportion, focal point, and the use of light and shadow. Processes include study from life, work from imagination, invention and experimentation.

Creating a respectful and focused learning environment is essential to student success. When behavior or attendance becomes a concern, timely and structured intervention is key. The following protocol outlines our approach, which involves the student, their parent(s)/guardian(s), the teacher, and the Education Director (LVA).

Defining Inappropriate Behavior

Behavior concerns may include, but are not limited to:

• Repeated classroom disruptions

• Refusal to follow instructions or classroom expectations

• Disrespectful language or tone toward peers or staff

• Unsafe or aggressive actions (verbal or physical)

• Misuse of materials or school property

• Patterns of absenteeism, tardiness, or early departures that interfere with learning

We recognize that all students are learning how to navigate social, emotional, and academic expectations. Our goal is to guide them in developing self-awareness, responsibility, and mutual respect.

Step 1: Initial Conversation (Chance #1)

• Speak directly and respectfully with the student about the concerning behavior.

• Use the “sandwich technique”:

  • Start with a positive observation.

  • Address the specific behavior clearly and constructively.

  • End with an encouraging or affirming comment.

• Let the student know they have three opportunities to improve their behavior.

• Inform them that continued concerns may lead to dismissal from the class.

• Document the conversation by emailing the Education Director.

Step 2: Parent/Guardian Notification (Chance #2)

• Email the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) to:

  • Clearly explain the behavior concern and what was already discussed with the student.

  • Indicate that this is the second step in the process.

  • Emphasize that continued issues may result in dismissal.

  • Invite them to share strategies that may help support their child’s success.

• Copy the Education Director on this communication.

Step 3: Intervention Meeting (Final Step)

If the behavior persists:

• Arrange a meeting with:

  • The teacher

  • The student’s parent(s)/guardian(s)

  • The Education Director

• During the meeting:

  • Review the behavior concerns and previous interventions.

  • Discuss the best path forward, which may include dismissal from the class.

Attendance Concerns (Absences, Tardiness, Early Departures)

Regular attendance is essential for student learning and classroom cohesion. Please notify the Education Director if a student:

• Is frequently absent

• Arrives late consistently

• Leaves class early on a regular basis

Chronic attendance issues may also lead to dismissal from the class. We value your time as an instructor and the collective learning experience of all students. Re-teaching material and managing repeated disruptions affect the entire classroom