● Arts: Visual

ARTS: VISUAL

Artistic expression can take many forms, and the Visual Arts faculty offer classes in a variety of media, from foundation level to more advanced courses. Students are encouraged to build technical skills and creative awareness, as well as to develop a vocabulary to discuss and critique work. Students engage in coursework that broadens creative thinking while recognizing different learning styles. Process-oriented instruction, evaluation through participation, critique, and exhibition are all part of the learning environment.

Yearlong Course

AP 2D Studio

Fall Semester Courses

Advanced Portfolio Prep Introduction to Drawing/Painting,* Drawing/Painting, Advanced Introduction to Drawing/Printmaking* Drawing/Printmaking, Advanced Introduction to Studio Art* Introduction to B&W Photography/Digital Photo* B & W Photography/Digital Photo Advanced Introduction to Ceramics* Hand Building and Wheel Throwing, II/Advanced Introduction to Textiles and Construction**

Spring Semester Courses

Drawing /Painting* Drawing /Painting, Advanced Intro to B&W Photography/Digital Photo* Introduction to Ceramics* Introduction to Studio Art* Studio Art, Advanced Introduction to Sculpture Studio* Hand Building and Wheel Throwing, II/Advanced| Toolmaking: Invention and Design Introduction to Textiles and Construction** Textiles and Construction, Advanced**

*These courses are taught from beginner level through intermediate and advanced within each semester offering.

** At the time of this publication, the Visual Arts Department is conducting a search for an upper school instructor. Students interested in Textiles and Construction should have a strong second choice in mind.

YEARLONG COURSE (2 credits)

AP 2D STUDIO (open to 11th and 12th grades)

This course follows the AP Studio Art program 2D Design and is for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art. The curriculum, including, but not limited to, photography, painting, drawing and mixed media, follows a traditional foundation program at the college level. Students are encouraged to engage in creative and systematic investigation of formal and conceptual issues, to emphasize art making as an informed and critical decision-making process and to develop technical skills. Prerequisite: Two Moses Brown Visual Art classes with a portfolio review plus instructor and Department Chair approval.

FALL SEMESTER COURSES (1 credit)

ADVANCED PORTFOLIO PREP (12th grade)

This course is designed for the serious senior art student looking to produce a strong body of work. Self-motivation, dedication, and a willingness to challenge existing skills are among the course expectations. Instruction will include organization and assessment of work in order to build and refine a cohesive portfolio. Prerequisite: Senior level, previous visual arts course work, and permission of instructor

INTRODUCTION TO DRAWING / PAINTING (open to all grades)

Using the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design as a foundation, this course explores drawing and painting techniques. Students are also exposed to and encouraged to reflect upon various contemporary and historical styles. Original artwork will be created in a variety of media such as pencil, charcoal, pastels, ink, watercolor, oils, gouache and acrylic paint.

DRAWING / PAINTING II, ADVANCED (open to 10th, 11th, and 12th grades)

Building on skills developed in Drawing and Painting, students work to develop a cohesive body of images that explores a self-selected area of study. Development of thematic ideas, documentary storytelling and research into historical and contemporary artists will be encouraged through weekly critiques. Prerequisite: Drawing/Painting

INTRODUCTION TO DRAWING AND PRINTMAKING* (open to all grades)

In this process-oriented course students develop a personal style as they explore a variety of different printmaking techniques, such as intaglio/drypoint, etching, relief/woodcut, linoleum, polycarbonate plate, monotype, pronto plate and silkscreen. Students are exposed to and encouraged to reflect upon various contemporary and historical styles as they create their designs. Drawing is an integral part of the creation of original artwork.

DRAWING AND PRINTMAKING II/ADVANCED (open to 10th, 11th and 12th grades)

This course builds upon skills and concepts covered in drawing/Printmaking. Students are encouraged to develop an in-depth course of study focusing on particular techniques and concepts. Introduction to fabric silk screen printing, experimentation and inquiry are components of this course. Prerequisite: Drawing and Printmaking

INTRODUCTION TO STUDIO ART (open to all grades)

This course enables students to explore the fundamentals of art and design through both two-dimensional and three-dimensional formats. Students use a broad array of materials such as markers, paint, charcoal, wood, fused glass and wire through different techniques that include drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and design. Contemporary and historical traditions and styles are introduced as students develop and evaluate their own visual ideas.

INTRODUCTION TO B&W PHOTOGRAPHY/ DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY (open to all grades)

This introductory course will help students gain a working knowledge of their film cameras while exploring black and white photographic techniques, including film shooting, developing, printing, and mounting. Composition, the Zone System, and presentation will be stressed through group and individual critiques. During the second half of the semester students will be introduced to digital photography and Photoshop. Correlation between traditional photo techniques and digital will be explored.

B&W PHOTOGRAPHY/DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY II, ADVANCED ((open to 10th, 11th and 12th grades)

Building on skills developed in Introduction to B&W Photography, students work to develop a cohesive body of work that explores a self-selected area of study. Development of thematic ideas, documentary storytelling, and research into past and contemporary photographic artists will be encouraged through individual weekly critiques. Prerequisite: Intro to B&W Photography/Digital Photo.

INTRODUCTION TO CERAMICS (open to all grades)

Students explore the classic hand building methods of pinch, coil, slab, and solid built. They learn specific characteristics and stages of working with the clay unique to the material while also developing an eye for form and design. After creating four projects, if time allows, students will have an opportunity to try their hand on the wheel.

HANDBUILDING AND WHEELTHROWING, II/ADVANCED

This class is for students who would like to continue their work in clay. The four pillars of hand building will be explored along with an introduction to wheel throwing. Students will learn the process of wedging, centering, and raising the walls of a lump of clay. Function and form will be addressed as well as esthetic considerations. What makes a finished piece pleasing to the eye? Prerequisite: Introduction to Ceramics

INTRODUCTION TO TEXTILES AND CONSTRUCTION** (open to all grades)

In this course students will explore how two-dimensional forms can be transformed into three-dimensional structures. Students will learn basic pattern making methods, traditional clothing design and construction techniques and apply them to create garments and sculptural forms. Students will use a variety of materials in constructions, including, but not limited to, fabrics, recycled materials, household products, and natural materials.

TEXTILES AND CONSTRUCTION II, ADVANCED** (open to 10th, 11th, and 12th grades)

This course builds upon skills and concepts covered in Textile Arts and Construction. Students are encouraged to develop an in-depth course of study focusing on particular techniques and concepts. Introduction to more complex construction techniques, experimentation, and inquiry are components of this course. Prerequisite: Textiles and Construction

SPRING SEMESTER COURSES (1 credit)

INTRO TO DRAWING & PAINTING

Same description as the fall semester

DRAWING & PAINTING, II, ADVANCED

Same description as the fall semester

INTRO. TO B&W PHOTOGRAPHY/DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Same descriptions as fall semester

INTRODUCTION TO CERAMICS

Same description as fall semester

INTRODUCTION TO STUDIO ART

Same description as fall semester

STUDIO ART II, ADVANCED (open to 10th, 11th, and 12th grades)

Building on skills developed in Studio Art, students may explore a medium that piques their interest. This may include an in-depth exploration of a specific technique, or continue investigating a broader range of materials. Students begin to develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of Art making and design concepts. Prerequisite: Studio Art

INTRODUCTION TO SCULPTURE STUDIO (open to all grades)

This course introduces students to several different methods of working with 3D forms and space. Utilizing the Principles and Elements of Design as a foundation, students explore additive, subtractive, linear and assemblage techniques. Individual responses and group work is encouraged, as is risk taking, keeping a sketch journal and active classroom participation.

HANDBUILDING AND WHEELTHROWING, ADVANCED

Same description as the fall semester

TOOLMAKING: INVENTION AND DESIGN (open to all grades)

Using the fabrication resources of the Y-Lab, we will dive into the world of toolmaking. Students will be working with a variety of materials, while learning to use many of the machines and tools available in the Y-Lab. Initial projects will be creating working tools of their own designs.

Working in groups for their final project, students will identify a current need or challenge existing within the MB community. They will work through multiple prototype-testing-feedback iterations, with the goal of producing their own working tool (or prototype) as a solution or aid to their identified need. Their solutions may range from a minor improvement to an existing resource, to an entirely new invention.

We will explore a brief history of toolmaking and inventions, patent research, guest speakers, and case studies as appropriate. (Limit 12 students)

INTRODUCTION TO TEXTILES AND CONSTRUCTION**

Same description as the fall semester

TEXTILES AND CONSTRUCTION II, ADVANCED**

*These courses are taught from beginner level through intermediate and advanced within each semester offering.

** At the time of this publication, the Visual Arts Department is conducting a search for an upper school instructor. Students interested in Textiles and Construction should have a strong second choice in mind.