Visual and Performing Arts

Fine Arts

In this class students will get a general view of the art world as a whole by studying two-dimensional art, three-dimensional art, photography, digital art, art history, and art criticism.  Students in this course should be ready to explore the many aspects of fine art with an open mind and be ready to explore their own artistic vision in many ways.  Group critiques and written reflections will play important roles in developing the students’ artistic awareness.

Drawing and Painting

This class will offer students the opportunity to explore the potential of the two-dimensional art world by providing a strong foundation of basic skills, allowing them to explore their individual artistic vision.  A variety of mediums such as pencil, pen and ink, chalk pastel, charcoal, oil paint, and watercolor will be explored.  Students will also be challenged to investigate a variety of subjects in order to expand their own interests in art.  Group critiques and written reflections will play important roles in developing the students’ artistic awareness.

Ceramics and Sculpture

This class will offer students the opportunity to explore the potential of the three-dimensional art world.  Classes will focus on an understanding of the properties of clay, using clay tools, glazing and firing.  Some of the skills developed in this class will include the mastery of the potter’s wheel, hand build pots and other vessels, sculptural ceramics, mold making, and other essential sculpting techniques.  Group critiques and written reflections will play important roles in developing the students’ artistic awareness

Advanced Art

This course is for the student who has had previous artistic experience and desires to build upon that foundation.  Classes will allow the student to focus her energy in one realm, thus increasing technical skill in her chosen media.  Additionally, she will explore the theoretical aspects of her art.  Students will be encouraged to look deeply and critically at their own work, and through the study of art history, the work of others.  Although there will be significant contact with the instructor, self-motivated students will excel in this class.  Students will participate in one-on-one critiques with the instructor and compose written reflections.  Completed projects will be the basis of an artistic portfolio.

Enrichment Art Offerings: These classes are considered optional and incur a special fee

Photography

Focused on the artistic principles of composition, value, focus and subjective as well as objective consideration, students will explore the world of black and white photography.  Students will learn to use both film and digital cameras. They then process and print their own photographs.  Students will learn how to use and maintain darkroom equipment and chemicals. 

 
Documentary Film Making

Working with a professional film maker, students learn techniques of identifying a topic, researching material, taping interviews, writing scripts and editing.  Students make a short documentary film that is presented for the school at the end of each class.

Guitar

Serving beginning to advanced levels, students learn the basics of reading and writing music, guitar fingering techniques and singing.  Students are encouraged to write and perform their music in the Auldern community and at graduations.

 Choir

The instructor works with girls’ voices to enhance the quality and improved projection.  They learn techniques to harmonize and mix with other voices.  The students regularly perform both at the school and in public.