The art program offers numerous discipline-based courses aimed at expanding students’ skill development and conceptual understanding in art production, aesthetic judgment, art criticism and art history. The purpose of this program of study is to enrich students’ lives through their engagement in the many functions and forms of authentic arts-based learning.
Graduation Requirements
The art program offers numerous discipline-based courses aimed at expanding students’ skill development and conceptual understanding in art production, aesthetic judgment, art criticism and art history. The purpose of this program of study is to enrich students’ lives through their engagement in the many functions and forms of authentic arts-based learning.
Recommendations for Art Majors
Students planning to major in Art should have at least four or more Art credits. The sequence begins in the 9th grade with Foundations in Art. A progression to Portfolio Development 2 and/or AP Studio Art courses are recommended for a student to prepare a portfolio of artwork needed for college or Art school admissions.
Fine Art as a Sequence of Study
Students may pursue a five-unit sequence for a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation by taking a combination of Art, Music, Technology, and Family and Consumer Science courses in lieu of a three-unit sequence in World Language.
Art Progressions
(These progressions are sample progressions)
GRADE 9: Foundations in Art
GRADE 10: Creative Design, Portfolio Dev 1, Computer Graphics 1, Digital Video, Mixed Media 1 & 2, or Ceramics 1 & 2
GRADE 11: Drawing 1, Advanced Painting, Portfolio Dev. 2, Comp. Graphics 2, or Digital Photography
GRADE 12: Portfolio Dev. 2, AP Studio Art, or Arts or Media Arts Capstone providing the prerequisite is met
FOUNDATIONS IN ART
0430 Full Year 1 credit Grades 9-12
This course is the comprehensive “foundation” for all secondary school art. Foundations in Art is a prerequisite to most high school art courses. In this course, students will have a brief exposure to two- and three-dimensional art, with a variety of artists, techniques, and media. Exposure to these areas in the excitement of a studio atmosphere will encourage the development of concepts and skills in the visual arts. Participation in class critiques is expected.
Meets Fine Arts Requirement for graduation. Prerequisite for other Art electives.
CREATIVE DESIGN
0433 Full Year 1 credit Grades 9-12
Do you enjoy making various kinds of Art? In this class, students learn the basic elements and principles of design using line, color, value, shape, form, and texture to create both two-dimensional and three-dimensional Art. Students will develop creativity, problem-solving, and technical skills by exploring a variety of tools and materials (including but not limited to painting, collage, and sculpture). Participation in class critiques are expected.
Prerequisite: Foundations in Art
PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT 1
0427 Full Year 1 credit Grades 9-12
This course is designed for students whose primary interest in Art lies in two-dimensional expression and/or students who wish to attend a college that requires a portfolio showing observational drawing skills. Areas of study that may require such a portfolio include fine arts, architecture, interior design, fashion, photography and more. Students will understand portfolio presentation choices based on their specific area of study. Along with observational drawing, this class will also include studying light/shade, line, texture, and other various combinations. The course emphasizes the use of color and color theory in several media, including acrylic paint, watercolor, charcoal, pastel and conte. Students will be expected to have an 11 x 14-inch sketchbook and complete assignments outside of class. Participation in class critiques are expected.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Foundations in Art. Teacher recommendation required for 9th grade students.
DRAWING 1 CHS
0409 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 11-12
An introductory level studio course covering the practice, history, and theory of drawing. Students will use various media and techniques to study subjects that may include still-life, landscape, and human form. Students will inquire into the purpose of drawing and analyze the historical and contemporary uses of media. Emphasis will be placed on the creative application of the media. Participation in class critiques is required.
College Credits through SUNY Adirondack may be received upon completion of this course for a fee.
Projected to be offered in 2025 – 2026.
Prerequisite: Portfolio Development 1
ADVANCED PAINTING
0415 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 10-12
Advanced Painting will introduce students to classical painting techniques and concepts. Students will paint in acrylic, tempera, and watercolor media. Students will be introduced to the work of master painters, advanced techniques, and the history of painting. Participation in class critiques are expected.
Projected to be offered in 2026 – 2027.
Prerequisite: Portfolio Development 1
PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT 2
0428 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 10-12
This course is for students who are considering an Art major in college. All design, architecture, graphic art and drawing or painting majors need a college entrance portfolio. Students will continue to understand portfolio presentation choices based on their specific study area. Participation in class critiques are expected.
Prerequisite: Portfolio Development 1
AP STUDIO ART
0400 Full Year 1 Credit Grade 12
This AP course is designed for the Art student who can make a serious commitment to personal expression through the visual arts in terms of both time and effort. AP credit is not granted based upon a written exam, but rather as the result of an evaluation of an extensive portfolio submitted by the student. The sophisticated application of artistic knowledge and skills will be represented in the portfolio with works of art and written statements for each. It is recommended that students take the AP Studio Art examination.
Prerequisite: A sequence of three Art courses (and/or department permission) is required. Courses in the sequence must include Foundations of Art, Portfolio Development 1, Drawing 1, Advanced Painting, or Portfolio Development 2.
DARKROOM PHOTOGRAPHY
0406 1 Semester .5 Credit Grades 11-12
This course is an introduction to 35mm black and white photography and the use of photographic materials and processes as an art medium. The content covered includes 35mm camera operation, film and print processing, traditional darkroom techniques, and other specialized techniques. Emphasis will be placed on seeing with imagination and creativity and organizing what is seen into a well-designed photograph.
Prerequisite: 35mm camera required
ARTS CAPSTONE
0422c Full Year 1 Credit Grades 11-12
Do you want to continue your interest in Art? (Anime, Character Design, Fashion, Costume Design, Set Design and more!) Are you a strong independent worker? If so, this class is for you!
Arts Capstone provides students with an opportunity to exercise skills developed in all Visual Art classes, other high school classes, and/or personal experiences, to pursue a specific area of interest.
The instructor and student will work together to develop a curriculum that is appropriate for this choice. Additionally, job opportunity discussions and portfolio building will help students prepare for a career.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Fine Arts Credit AND 2 credits in Arts (Mixed Media, Creative Design, Port I, Port II, Drawing I, or Advanced Painting) or permission from Dept. Head.
Electronic/Digital Media Art Courses
COMPUTER GRAPHICS 1
0417 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 9-12
Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of graphic design through the creative process of combining art and technology to communicate ideas. It is for students interested in learning about visual communication through typography, product design, cartooning, advertising, and logo design. Students will learn to create on the computer using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Participation in class critiques is expected.
Prerequisite: Foundations in Art or Introduction to Engineering, Or Design and Drawing for Production and a four gigabyte (minimum) flash drive
COMPUTER GRAPHICS 2
0419 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 10-12
Just cannot get enough computer graphics? Interested in learning about advertising and the visual elements behind creating a successful ad campaign? Want to design your own advertisements and explore exciting innovative programs like Corel Painter & InDesign? Learn advanced Photoshop and Illustrator techniques used by professional artists and designers across the globe. Participation in class critiques is expected.
Prerequisite: Computer Graphics I and a four gigabyte (minimum) flash drive
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
0418 1 Semester .5 Credit Grades 10-12
Do you enjoy taking pictures? If so, this is the class for you! Through a combination of lectures, demonstrations, assignments and critiques, students will learn to visually communicate with a digital camera. You will explore basic tools, techniques, and aesthetics of digital photography. There will be an emphasis on the creative use of camera controls, exposure, digital imaging software (Adobe Photoshop), and an awareness of the impact digital photography has on our contemporary society. Participation in class critiques are expected.
Prerequisite: Digital camera or cellphone is required.
DIGITAL VIDEO
0403 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 9-12
This media art course introduces basic film and video techniques. In this course you will learn the basics of the digital video camera, its use and operation. Come explore film history as well as the fundamentals of storytelling and visual communication. Each student will also use video and sound editing software packages, Final Cut Pro and Garage band, to create their own videos. Participation in class critiques is expected.
Prerequisite: Camera with video capability required.
3-D Art Courses
CERAMICS 1
0425 1 Semester .5 Credit Grades 10-12
Students will be immersed in hands-on exploration of the many processes and techniques of working with clay through exploring ceramic art, artists, and cultures throughout history. Hand building skills, the use of the potter’s wheel, and glazing and firing techniques will be taught. Several pieces will be created, both functional and non-functional. Participation in class critiques is expected.
CERAMICS 2
0426 1 Semester .5 Credit Grades 10-12
Students will continue their hands-on journey, as they build upon their existing skills in clay pottery and ceramic sculpture through the exploration of ceramic art, artists, and cultures throughout history to the present day. The ceramic art of combining both hand built and thrown pieces will be taught along with ceramic sculpture. New possibilities with glazes and firing techniques will continue to be explored. Several pieces will be created, both functional and sculptural. Participation in class critiques is expected.
Prerequisite: Ceramics 1
MIXED MEDIA 1
0420 1 Semester .5 Credit Grades 9-12
Mixed Media is the use of more than one medium in an individual piece of art. Students will explore the creative process of making both two-dimensional and three-dimensional art. Assignments encourage independent thinking in an art studio atmosphere. Students will create several unique pieces of art using assemblage, collage, drawing, painting, and/or sculpture. Traditional and non-traditional materials will be used. Mixed media techniques will be taught. In addition to class projects, students will be responsible for two visual journal assignments each month. Participation in class critiques is expected.
Prerequisite: Foundations in Art
MIXED MEDIA 2
0421 1 Semester .5 Credit Grades 9-12
Students interested in continuing their creative journey from Mixed Media I should sign up for Mixed Media II. Students will expand on the process and techniques of making both two-dimensional and three-dimensional art. Several unique pieces of art will be created with a variety of materials. Students will have more independence and will continue to work in assemblage, collage, drawing, painting, and/or sculpture throughout the semester. In addition to class projects, students will also be responsible for a visual journal assignment each month. Participation in class critiques is expected.
Prerequisite: Mixed Media I or teacher approval
MEDIA ARTS CAPSTONE
0422c Full Year 1 Credit Grades 11-12
Do you want to continue your interest in Computer Art? (Graphics, Film, Animation, Character Design, and more!) Are you a strong independent worker? If so, this class is for you!
Media Arts Capstone provides students with an opportunity to exercise skills developed in Media Art classes, other high school classes, and/or personal experiences, to pursue a specific area of interest within digital arts.
The instructor and student will work together to develop a curriculum that is appropriate for this choice. Additionally, job opportunity discussions and portfolio building will help students prepare for a career.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Fine Arts Credit AND 2 credits in Media Arts (Graphics I, Graphics II, Photography or Film) or permission from Dept. Head.