Arts
Students at Valley Christian have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of visual arts electives. From beginning to advanced visual art classes, students will be challenged to develop their skills and express creativity. Our Art Lab features large student work areas for projects and even includes a kiln for ceramics. Student work is featured throughout the year in the hallways at Valley and at various art shows at school and in the community.
Art 1 (5th Grade)
This is an introductory course for 5th Grade students. It will begin building the foundations of art principles in illustration, 2D and 3D art, and painting.
Art 2 (6th Grade)
This course will continue fundamental work that began in Art 1, and is designed for 6th Grade students. Students will develop and learn advanced art principles in illustration, 2D and 3D art, and painting.
Visual Arts
Visual Arts 1 (7-8)
Students learn the principles of illustration. They express themselves creatively while learning how to use the tools of illustration, pencil, French Curve, Triangles, T-Square, rulers, pen and ink. This is done though drawing exercises, drawing, and graphics. Students will learn about the processes of creating art for pleasure and profit. Composition, technique, the elements and principles of design, and attention-to-craftsmanship are explored.Students are required to participate in the following performances: Celebration of Christmas, Odyssey of Excellence, and Spring Spectacular.
Visual Arts 2 (8th Grade)
*Prerequisite Visual Arts 1 or instructor recommendation.
Students will use their knowledge and skill acquired in Visual Art 1 to create artwork which includes the use of color. Students will use watercolor and acrylics to create their work with an understanding of color harmony, value, hue, tone, and mood. Students will reflect on the styles and techniques of artist thought history to incorporate those techniques into their work. Composition, technique, the elements and principles of design, and attention-to-craftsmanship are explored in different genres.
Studio Art (9-12)
Studio Art 2D (9-12)
In this semester course, students will learn the fundamental elements of design in 2-D art through projects that involve the practices of drawing, painting, and printmaking. Students will apply themes regarding contemporary art practices and learn of influences from art history when making connections to their artwork. Grading will be based on best practices of Studio Habits of Mind so that artistic dispositions may be established. Self-reflection essays will assess students’ learning and encourage critical thinking in reflection. Weekly sketchbook homework will be given to help students practice compositional and conceptual techniques. Each student will have work exhibited in two exhibitions throughout the year. This course is a pre-requisite for all other visual art courses.
One Semester — .5 credit
Studio Art 3D (9-12)
In this semester course, students will learn the fundamental elements of design in 3-D art through projects that involve the practices of sculpture and ceramics. Students will learn of techniques using metal, wire, wood, basketry, and hand-building clay. Students will apply themes and techniques regarding various contemporary and ancient cultures. Grading will be based on best practices of Studio Habits of Mind so that artistic dispositions may be established. Self-reflection essays will assess students’ learning and encourage critical thinking in reflection. Weekly sketchbook homework will be given to help students practice compositional and conceptual techniques. Each student will have work exhibited in one exhibition during the semester. Studio Art 2-D is a pre-requisite for this course.
One Semester — .5 credit
Advanced Painting (9-12)
Course Description:
In this semester course, students will learn advanced techniques of painting in a student-centered environment. Students will apply the theme of sense to explore further concept questions throughout the semester to various painting projects. Contemporary painting practices and influences from art history will allow for students to make connections for inspiration and understanding.
Grading will be based on best practices of Studio Habits of Mind so that artistic dispositions may be established. Self-reflection essays will assess students’ learning and encourage critical thinking in reflection. Weekly sketchbook homework will be given to help students practice compositional and conceptual techniques. Each student will have work exhibited in one exhibition throughout the year. Studio Art 2-D is a pre-requisite for this course.
One Semester — .5 credit
Apparel Design (9-12)
Course Description:
This course introduces students to the history of fashion trends, principles of design, construction of garments and accessories, and the business of merchandising products. It is conducted by the use of lectures, discussions, cooperative learning, inquiry-based learning, sewing machine work, and oral presentations. Students are automatically a part of the FIDM Fashion Club and will participate in the Fashion Debut in California, and the Art Exhibit at Valley Christian High School in the Spring. Fundraisers and FIDM scholarships will help defray the cost of travel to the Debut. The total estimated cost for the course is $125 per student.
One semester — .5 credit
Art Independent Study (12th Grade)
Course Description:
Students are able to create an independent study to focus on a particular topic, motivated by personal interest. The Independent Studies are designed to be an in-depth artistic exploration with the goal of producing a portfolio of work during the course of the semester, which demonstrates growth in the students’ understanding of the theoretical and technical possibilities possible within their chosen medium or subject matter. Students in independent studies are challenged to explore not only a particular subject, but also to explore why that subject is of interest to them, and what they wish to communicate about that subject. Students are also challenged to consider the impact their art has on their viewers, and how their art can effectively communicate their ideas.
During their artistic explorations, students are expected to expand upon both their technical ability as well as their theoretical understanding of themes relating to their chosen subject.
One Semester — .5 credit