Academics at Saint Mary High School

Art Department

Faculty:

Mrs. Ellen Farley, chair
efarley@stmaryhs.com

The art program at Saint Mary High School is designed to offer comprehensive instruction in the visual arts to the students. Instruction includes development of competency in 2- and 3-dimensional media, introduction to major accomplishments and insights in the history of art, and awareness of the principles and elements of design on which the visual arts are based. Depending on student needs and goals, the art program strives to provide sufficient instruction for the casual artist as well as in-depth experience for the artistically orientated.

The Art Department is involved in the development of the total student, with a competitive program for the students looking toward college/university art acceptances; as well as a complete course of study for students who elect art as enrichment. Art builds awareness, fosters ways of seeing and perceiving, and hopefully develops insight. Jackson Pollack said that “art is coming face to face with yourself.”

Art classes by nature rely on creative approaches and encourage students to extend their ability to closely look at, think about, and react visually to a series of criteria. Looking at art produced in other cultures and time periods should enlarge the students’ art perception, as should focusing attention on different mindsets that have shaped art produced over the ages.

624 – Art I
Art I introduces students to the elements of design, on which the visual arts are based. It also introduces them various 2 and 3 dimensional art materials, emphasizing proper usage and techniques for each. Drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking and pottery are sued to illustrate design principles, foster art appreciation, and develop perception and style.

625 – Art II
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art I
Art II provides opportunities to explore materials and techniques beyond the introductory level of Art I. Emphasis is placed on development of technique and personal style through experimentation and exposure to many types and approaches to art.

626 – Art III
This elective was created to allow advanced students the opportunity to select areas of art and explore them more deeply; selection options suited to their interests and needs. These project options can enhance proficiency, provide time for experimentation, and/or build a portfolio. Motivation and self-direction are essential.

616 – Painting
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art I.
This course is a survey of painting media, with a focus on the techniques appropriate to each. Painting students gain experience investigating the unique properties of each medium while experimenting with their expressive potential. Emphasis is placed on design, composition, and analysis of the works of successful painters throughout the ages, use of color, and the development of each student’s individual style.

650 – Clay Forms
Prerequisite: successful completion of Art I
This course will go above and beyond what the student learned in the clay portion of Art I. Projects will be of a higher quality level of technical skill and invention. The methods of clay building for ceramic sculpture, understanding of the kiln, use of different clay bodies and glazes to achieve certain results will be taught. Sketchbook assignments require students to design their projects before creation of the art object begins. This is the course for the artist who likes challenges.

670 – Music Theory and Appreciation
This course begins with a treatment of general music theory from note reading to ear training of the fundamentals of harmony and counterpoint. Students will study each of the major eras of the history of Western music from the Renaissance to the modern Period as to foster an understanding of its structure and development. Included will be specific units on musical theater and jazz. This course is for both beginners and for student instrumentalists looking for a broader perspective of musical education.