In The Art Studio…

Course Overview

Eighth grade art classes are offered as an elective. This course is designed for students having high interests and focus in the visual arts. The course provides more in depth experiences with artistic processes, creative thinking and aesthetic awareness. Assignments correlate with art movements, artists, cultures, and stress personal expression. Students will explore connections between the elements of art and the principles of design, images, techniques and meaning conveyed in the work of art. They will reflect on and analyze the intentions, development and interpretations of their own and their peer’s art works in relation to their lives, society and culture. Students will begin to appreciate the importance of non-verbal communication.

In this year course, students will be introduced to the properties of ceramic clay. The emphasis in this course is on hand-building, (pinch, coil, slab) and an introduction to wheel work. Students will learn about the general history, vocabulary and technical aspects of ceramics, and will participate in all stages of producing finished ceramic projects. Student studies will include some 2-Dimensional work and Hawaiian Arts. Students will create functional and non-functional projects and learn to finish them in a variety of ways.

Essential Learning Objectives

• Students will identify and discuss how and why visual images, themes and ideas communicate.
• Students will describe and discuss characteristics of elements of art, principles of design and styles of art.
• Students will use art materials and tools in a safe and responsible manner.
• Students will identify and compare the characteristics of works of art from various cultures, times and places.
• Students will recognize that art impacts the world and the world impacts art.
• Students will learn a basic understanding of ceramic materials and equipment through the use of historic processes and firing techniques, slide and video lectures and demonstrations.

Course work will be made up of studio work, textbook and art history studies, tests and quizzes, oral and written critiques, and sketchbook journals.