Arts

• Full-year course
• Instructors: Mr. Waldie, Ms. Ruebenstahl, Ms. Stringer, Ms. Held, Ms. Varricchio
• Prerequisites: None

Course Description: Freshman Art Experience is a foundational, introductory course designed to give 9th graders a dynamic "sampler platter" of visual disciplines, including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, filmmaking, and digital illustration. Operating in a supportive environment with no prior experience required, students will experiment with diverse media, develop vital problem-solving skills, and discover their unique creative voices. By completing this course during their first year, freshmen will fulfill their required graduation art credit early—avoiding future scheduling conflicts—while establishing an essential pathway toward advanced high school art electives.

• ½ year course
• Instructor: Ms. Stringer
• Prerequisites: Grades 10, 11, 12

Course Description: Bring your imagination to life in this hands-on, creativity-packed course. You’ll learn the essentials of drawing while exploring your own artistic voice! Whether you dream of sketching portraits, still life, landscapes or creating wild abstract designs, this class will give you the skills and confidence to create art that feels uniquely yours. We’ll start with the basics of observational drawing, then we’ll dive into. 2-point perspective- to make your drawings look three-dimensional  like they’re jumping off the page! Next, portraiture! Learn the secrets to making an eye look real and finally master how to draw a nose!  You’ll also explore  a range of materials like graphite, charcoal, marker, and paste.  We’ll teach you shading techniques and how to use values (light and dark) to create depth, contrast, and mood in your work. Along the way, we’ll discuss drawing styles, from realistic to abstract, and give you the space to experiment and find the style that feels most authentic to you. And by the end of this course, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to view and create art with a critical, creative eye. Whether you're sketching for fun or thinking about an artistic future, this class will give you the foundation to continue exploring the endless possibilities of drawing. Grab your supplies and let’s start drawing your world—one line at a time!

• ½ year course
• Instructor: Ms. Stringer
• Prerequisites: Grades 10, 11, 12

Course Description: Who doesn’t want to add a little color into their life? In this exciting, hands-on painting course, you’ll dive into the world of vibrant hues and creative expression! You'll get to experiment with a variety of water-based mediums like ink, watercolor, gouache, and acrylic—each with its own unique magic. Whether you're creating soft washes, bold strokes, or dreamy layers of color, you’ll learn the techniques that make each medium come alive on the canvas. You’ll paint from direct observation (like still life or portraits) and also use print references to fuel your creativity. You’ll also work on fun personal projects, including a self-portrait that shows off your creative style, a genre scene to explore different moods and settings, and other experimental pieces that will help you grow as an artist and build a standout portfolio. By the end of the class, you’ll be mixing colors, experimenting with techniques, and creating artworks that express your unique voice. Whether you're painting for fun or planning to develop your skills further, this course is your ticket to an unforgettable journey through the world of painting!
 

• ½ year course
• Instructor: Ms. Stringer
• Prerequisites: Grades 10, 11, 12

Course Description: Welcome to the world of figure drawing! In this beginner-friendly class, you'll learn to capture the beauty and movement of the human form in your own unique style. Through hands-on exercises and supportive guidance, we'll explore basic anatomy, proportions, and expressive line work. You’ll discover different techniques and materials to help bring your drawings to life, while building confidence and creativity along the way. Whether you're brand new to drawing or have some experience, this class is for everyone who wants to explore and enjoy the art of figure drawing in a fun, welcoming environment.
 

• ½ year course
• Instructor: Ms. Stringer
• Prerequisites: Intro to Drawing or Figure Drawing, or Instructor Recommendation

Course Description: Take your drawing skills to the next level in this advanced class designed for students who want to deepen their artistic practice! Here, you'll explore more complex techniques, experiment with a variety of media, and develop your unique style and voice. We'll dive into advanced concepts like perspective, texture, and composition, and tackle exciting projects that challenge your creativity and skill. With a focus on refining your technical abilities and expressing yourself, this class is perfect for anyone ready to push their artistic boundaries!
 

• ½ year course
• Instructor: Ms. Ruebenstahl 
• Prerequisites: Grades 11-12, Teacher Recommendation Required

Course Description: Do you yearn to explore your own creative vision? In Portfolio Development, you’ll have the freedom to design and pursue personal art projects with the guidance of an inspiring instructor. Whether you want to focus on painting, drawing, sculpture, digital art, or something entirely unique, this class is all about supporting your interests and helping you build an impressive portfolio to land your dream college or job. Make your creative dreams a reality in Portfolio Development!
 

• ½ year course
• Instructor: Ms. Ruebenstahl 
• Prerequisites: None

Course Description: Dive into the exciting world of graphic design! Our Intro to Graphic Design course will equip you with the skills and knowledge to create stunning visuals that captivate audiences. No experience needed! You'll learn the fundamentals of design, like  color theory, typography, and layout, while creating eye-catching posters, social media graphics, and more! By the end of the course, you'll have a solid foundation in visual communication and be ready to take on any design challenge. Whether you're dreaming of a career in design or just want to add a creative flair to your projects, this course is your launchpad to a world of endless possibilities!
 

• ½ year course
• Instructor: Ms. Ruebenstahl 
• Prerequisites: Intro to Graphic Design (formerly Intro to Digital Media Arts)

Course Description: Ready to take your graphic design skills to the next level? Our Advanced Graphic Design course is designed to challenge and inspire you to create stunning visuals like the pros! Imagine designing a captivating brand identity for a startup, crafting eye-catching social media campaigns, or creating stunning packaging designs. While mastering advanced techniques in the Adobe Creative Suite, we’ll tackle an array of real-world projects, explore emerging design trends, and learn best practices in the industry to create stunning visuals for print, web, and social media. Whether you're aiming for a career in design or simply want to enhance your creative skills, this course will help you stand out in a visually-driven world. Let's design something extraordinary!
 

• ½ year course
• Instructor: Mr. Waldie
• Prerequisites: Grades 11-12

Course Description: Of course you already know how to take basic photographs, but do they wow people? Take your photos to the next level in Intro to Digital Photography. You’ll not only learn to maximize your phone camera’s potential, you’ll also learn how to shoot with a DSLR and dive into the magic of editing with Photoshop! Learn how to transform everyday moments into stunning shots, retouch portraits to perfection, and even experiment with fun photo manipulation techniques that will have your images turning heads. From lighting and composition to digital wizardry, this hands-on class is perfect for anyone who wants to snap, edit, and create like a pro. Grab your camera, unleash your creativity, and let's start shooting (and editing)!

BONUS: You can opt to get 3 college credits! Intro to Digital Photography is offered in conjunction with Orange Community College (CCHPS - Community College in the High School Program, Art 121), offering high-achieving juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn 3 college credits while attending this class.
 

• ½ year course
• Instructor: Mr. Waldie
• Prerequisites: Grades 11-12, Intro to Digital Photography

Course Description: If you loved Intro to Digital Photography, Advanced Digital Photography is where you'll push your creative boundaries and dive deeper into the art of capturing stunning photographs. This course is packed with pro-level tips and techniques—think advanced studio lighting setups, creative composition strategies, and more complex editing in Photoshop, including in-depth retouching and surreal photo manipulation. You'll explore different photography styles, from dramatic portraits to action-packed shots, and even create your own photo series. If you’re ready to go beyond the basics and make your photos truly pop, this is the course for you!

BONUS: You can opt to get 3 college credits! Advanced Digital Photography is offered in conjunction with Orange Community College (CCHPS - Community College in the High School Program, Art 122), offering high-achieving juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn 3 college credits while attending this class.
 

• ½ year course
• Instructor: Mr. Waldie
• Prerequisites: Grades 10-12, Digital Photography or Intro to Graphic Design suggested but not required

Course Description: You’ve made tons of silly videos of course, but have you ever wondered about making your own truly cinematic movies? In Intro to Filmmaking, you’ll learn how to bring your big ideas to life on screen! This hands-on course covers everything you need to become a filmmaker, from mastering camera techniques to understanding the visual language of film. You'll break down scenes from famous films to discover what makes them unforgettable, then get behind the camera yourself to put those techniques to the test. And, of course, no film is complete without the magic of editing! You'll dive into editing software to cut, color, and add effects to turn your footage into a finished film. Let’s start filming!
 

• ½ year course
• Instructor: Mr. Waldie
• Prerequisites: Grades 10, 11, 12

Course Description: Lights, camera, action! In Intro to Acting, you'll dive into the world of performance and learn what it takes to bring characters to life. This course is packed with fun, hands-on activities, from improv games to monologue work, scene studies and  on-camera work where you’ll practice acting for film!  What makes a character unforgettable? We'll break down scenes from classic films and discover how the pros do it. Then, you’ll get your turn in the spotlight with acting exercises that help you tap into emotions, improve your voice, and build confidence on stage and screen. So, if you're ready to get dramatic, grab a script and let’s get started—Hollywood is waiting!

• ½ year course
• Instructor: Ms. Ruebenstahl 
• Prerequisites: Grades 10, 11, 12

Course Description: Ignite your imagination and discover the world of digital illustration! Our Digital Illustration course will teach you how to create stunning digital artwork using Adobe Illustrator and Procreate. You'll learn essential drawing techniques, color theory, and composition as you master the art of vector graphics and digital painting. Whether you're sketching a character, designing a t-shirt, or illustrating a storybook, this course will help you develop your unique style and build a strong foundation in digital illustration. Whether you're a budding artist or a seasoned creator, this course will help you hone your skills and express your unique style. Let's dive into the exciting world of digital illustration together!
 

• ½ year course
• Instructor: Ms. Ruebenstahl 
• Prerequisites: Grades 10, 11, 12

Course Description: Get ready to bring your stories to life! In our Intro to Animation class you will learn the art of storytelling through 2D animation! No prior experience is necessary. We'll start with basic drawing and storytelling techniques, then dive into the digital world of animation. While using industry-standard software, such as Adobe Animate, you'll learn the fundamental principles of animation, character design, timing, and storytelling to bring your characters to life, frame by frame. Whether you're aspiring to work in the animation industry or simply want to add a dynamic element to your creative projects, this course will ignite your imagination.
 

• ½ year course
• Instructor: Ms. Ruebenstahl 
• Prerequisites: Grades 10, 11, 12

Course Description: Ready to step into the future of design? Our 3D Design & Production course is your passport to the exciting world of 3D digital art. Using powerful software like Blender, you'll learn techniques in modeling, sculpting, texturing, and animating to create one of a kind 3D forms. From designing 3D characters, to modeling unique architectural environments, you'll be exposed to the full spectrum of 3D design. Plus, through 3D printing, you'll have the opportunity to transform your digital creations into tangible objects. Whether you're dreaming of creating video game characters, architectural designs, futuristic props, or simply want to challenge your creativity, this course will prepare you for the future of 3D technology.
 

• Full year course
• Instructors: Mr. Waldie & Mrs. Connolly
• Prerequisites: Grade 12, Must be enrolled in the art credit and the english credit

Course Description: Welcome to Media Journalism! This course is your gateway into the world of modern journalism, where creativity meets critical thinking and storytelling shapes the world around us. In this class, you'll explore the art of reporting, writing, and producing content for a variety of media platforms, including digital news, blogs, podcasts, and video.
Through hands-on projects, you'll learn to research, write, and edit stories that matter, practicing skills like interviewing, fact-checking, and using multimedia tools to bring stories to life. Whether you're interested in pursuing a career in journalism or just want to strengthen your communication skills, this course will give you a voice and the tools to use it. No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to dive in and share the stories that inspire you.
 

• ½ year course
• Instructor: Ms. Varricchio
• Prerequisites: None

Course Description: This half-year sculpture course provides students with an introduction to a variety of three-dimensional art-making techniques, materials, and concepts. Students will explore sculptural processes, including additive, subtractive, and assemblage techniques, using materials such as clay, metal, wire, plaster, wood, and found objects. Through hands-on projects, and materials exploration, students will develop their skills in modeling, carving, casting, and constructing, while also gaining a deeper understanding of form, space, texture, and structure.
 

• Full year course
• Instructors: Ms. Held & Ms. Varricchio
• Prerequisites: Grades 10, 11, 12

Course Description: This course will introduce students to tools, techniques, and concepts that will inspire functional and sculptural works of art made from clay. Students will be taught the fundamental principles of three-dimensional design, clay hand-building techniques, ‘throwing’ on the pottery wheel, as well as how to paint, stain and glaze their projects. Students will learn to analyze and discuss a variety of ceramic and other three-dimensional works of art from different cultures and time periods.
 

• Full year course
• Instructors: Ms. Held or Ms. Varricchio
• Prerequisites: 1 Clay course and Instructor Recommendation

Course Description: This is an advanced level course for students who have taken the introductory Clay course. This class is designed to allow advanced ceramic students to work on developing a personal expression in clay through advanced hand-building, wheel throwing, and surface techniques. Students will be introduced to a series of contemporary ceramic artists & potters, which will serve as inspiration for students to design and direct their own projects with guidance from the instructor. Each student will be expected to maintain a journal/sketchbook in which they plan, organize and reflect upon their work. Students will also be expected to develop a complete portfolio of ceramic work by the year’s end and to digitize this portfolio for presentation to the class and critique.