Faculty

Mrs. Nan Forrer
Mrs. Kachina Martin

Courses

The art curriculum offers a variety of activities through its various courses. Course work is designed to meet the individual interests, talents, and abilities of students. Whether the student is a craftsman, fine artist, or a person who simply enjoys art, there is a program of study to meet his/her interest. Students are encouraged to develop according to their talents and abilities.

ART MAJOR I

This course is designed as a foundations course for the potentially serious art student planning to continue in the Art Major series. Students will explore the Elements of Design through a variety of media, creating both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional works. An introduction to artists, art history and art careers will be included. Students can expect sketchbook assignments and written work in support of the curriculum. A three-ring binder and participation in the annual art exhibit are required.

ART MAJOR II

This course builds upon the foundation of Art I, focusing on the Principles of Design and utilizing a wide variety of media to create both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional works. Historically, students will focus on the art of the late Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque as a basis for many projects. Students can expect sketchbook assignments and written work in support of the curriculum. A three-ring binder and participation in the annual art exhibit are required.

ART MAJOR III

The focus of this course is geared towards the development of a quality studio portfolio. To that end students will be thoroughly examining the genres of still life, portrait/figure, landscape and graphic arts while using a wide variety of art media and techniques and an advanced use of the elements and principles of design. Each category will also be examined historically from the Baroque to the Contemporary periods of art history. Personal sketchbook work and written assignments can be expected. Attendance on field trips and participation in the annual art exhibit are required.

ART MAJOR IV

The focus of this course is the completion of the studio portfolio with the advanced art student developing a personal concentration, or theme, which will result in the production of 12 individual works of art. The work from Art Majors I, II, and III, plus this group of concentration pieces becomes the student's AP Studio Portfolio exam. Outside assignments, written work, attendance on field trips and participation in the annual art exhibit are required.

ART ELECTIVE C: GRAPHIC ARTS & COMMUNICATION DESIGN

Look around you! The graphic artist is everywhere! The cover of your CD, the design on your tee shirt, the package for your morning cereal and the billboard you pass on the way home are all designed by artists. Through both traditional media and new technology we will explore the world of the communication design artist. Students can expect sketchbook assignments and written work in support of the curriculum. Participation in the annual art exhibit is required.

AP ART HISTORY

This course mirrors the goals and objectives set forth for AP Art History by the College Board. It is especially designed for those students deeply interested in the field of art, history, or the humanities. An integral part of the course is our study of the collections at the Reading Public Museum. Students will be required to take the AP exam.

MULTICULTURAL ARTS

This course will "visit" several different cultures and examine the arts and crafts native to those areas. Projects will be based on the art forms, materials and techniques from the various cultures. A variety of media will be used and projects will be both 2- and 3-dimensional for this one semester "trip around the world."

VISUAL ART & THEATRE

This one semester course explores theater and the use of the visual arts as a support to stage work. Students participate in theater/acting exercises, improvisational work and play/movie analysis. After writing an original story line with one scripted scene, students become the directors, actors, set designers and costume creators for their theatrical productions.