This rigorous course provides an intense, and individualized studio experience for the serious visual art student who demonstrates exemplary technical skills, the capacity to manage time on task and the ability to create intentional artwork
at a college level. The goal of the course is to assist students in preparing a portfolio consisting of inquiry-based, excellent and unique artwork for submission to the College Board, as well as to increase their ability to augment their intellectual
and verbal skills related to art, and to discover how to express their individual creativity in new and more challenging ways. All students who enroll in this course will be expected to submit a completed portfolio for the AP Art and Design
exam in early May.

Portfolio Options:

• Drawing Portfolio — consisting of a minimum of 15 artworks, including some process pieces, executed in traditional
media (painting, drawing, etc.)

• 2D Design Portfolio — consisting of a minimum of 15 artworks, including some process pieces, executed in the
students’ choice of traditional media, and/or “new” media, including digital and photography.

Prerequisite: Department approval based on prior MHS coursework and/or approved portfolio.

Note: Open only to qualified juniors and seniors. Students may take AP Art and Design twice to complete both portfolios offered.

This introductory college course explores the nature of art, art making, and responses to art. By investigating specific course content of 250 works of art characterized by diverse artistic traditions from prehistory to the present, the course
fosters perspective. Students become active participants in the global art world, engaging with its forms and content.

They experience, research, discuss, read, and write about art, artists, art making, responses to art, and interpretations of art.

Prerequisite: AP World History or Modern World History with a grade of B or higher. One year of a visual arts elective is recommended but not required

In this intermediate-level course, students build upon the foundational knowledge and skills acquired in Ceramics 1. This course deepens students’ technical proficiency in ceramics and includes advanced hand-building and sculptural ceramics. As in other art courses, studio work will develop and reinforce students’ comprehension of the elements and principles of art. This course will encourage students to develop creative thinking and personal expression in their ceramic work.

Prerequisite: Ceramics 1 or portfolio review and department approval. 

In this advanced-level course, students expand their ceramic practice through sophisticated design challenges and self-directed projects. Building on the skills and knowledge from Ceramics 1 and 2, students explore complex hand-building
and wheel-throwing techniques, including advanced forms, intricate surface treatments, and glaze chemistry. Emphasis is placed on individual artistic vision, portfolio development, and the conceptual aspects of ceramic art.

Students are encouraged to develop unique bodies of work, experimenting with scale, function, and mixed media approaches that reflect personal themes and expression. This course also includes critical discussions, peer critiques, and reflections to
support a deeper understanding of ceramics in both contemporary and historical contexts.

Prerequisite: Ceramics 2 with a grade of B- or better, or instructor approval. 

This course involves instruction and experience in the use of the digital cameras, compositional shooting techniques,
and introduction to SLR digital photography and imaging. More advanced techniques in lighting and creative techniques using digital tools. Emphasis will be placed on experiencing a range of techniques and shooting perspectives, from photo journalism to conceptual photography.

Prerequisite: Intro to Graphic Design and Digital Photography. Department approval.

This digital course is a one-year introductory course providing instruction and experience in digital film and video production. The basic principles of filmmaking will be covered during the first semester, including exposure to the equipment, techniques, technology and theory as it pertains to visual language as a tool for communication, education, entertainment, and civic engagement. Also covered will be exposure to the theory and practice of Narrative, Documentary, and Autobiographical Film-making. In addition to creating their own films, the course also includes studying and analyzing elements of films, how they relate to culture and the world, and the processes behind their creation. There will also be an emphasis on understanding plot and how it relates to the concept of storytelling, while also learning about genre, period, style, mood, and pacing. During the second semester, students will produce an original film that they direct and produce. Students will learn how to use state of the art, industry standard equipment to create and edit their live projects.

This introductory class provides students with hands-on experience in graphic design. This course covers the principles and elements of visual design, including layout, color theory, typography, and image manipulation. Through engaging projects, students will develop proficiency in industry-standard software while discovering their own styles and voice as a designer.

Building on the foundational skills acquired in Graphic Design 1, Graphic Design 2 is an intermediate-level course designed to deepen students’ understanding of graphic design principles and foster creative proficiency. This course extends beyond the basics, challenging students to explore more complex design concepts, refine their technical skills, and apply their knowledge to real-world design challenges.

Prerequisite: Graphic Design 1 or portfolio review and department approval.

This third year course in Graphic Design is intended to expand on the thought processes and skills learned in Graphic Design 1 and 2. Emphasis will be on longer-term development of branding or marketing materials for a “client,”and exploring the power of visuals in communicating within our society. Students are given a number of “real-life” design opportunities, creating logos and business materials, posters, sweatshirt designs, and in designing the school’s theatrical production advertising.

Prerequisite: Graphic Design 2 and department approval.

This digital course involves instruction and experience in the use of the DSLR camera, compositional shooting techniques, digital exposure and development, natural and studio lighting techniques, studio and candid portraits, still life compositions, and printing/mounting/presentation techniques. Digital work involves introduction to Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop and their tools. The Graphic Design portion of this course emphasizes the integration of the elements and principles of design, and develops skills to proceed through the design process, balancing personal expression and sytle with the need to solve a problem and communicate to the viewer. Students learn to prepare original art combining some or all of the following for any given assignment: line and shape, typography, graphic illustration, and photography. Instruction is given in taking an idea from rough sketch form to tightly rendered, finished work, most of which is ultimately executed digitally with the Adobe Creative Suite software programs.

Prerequisite: Art Introdiction or Painting and Drawing and department approval

This course is designed to heighten painting and drawing skills, to foster a greater appreciation of art and its history and to enhance God-given creativity. Along with sharpening abilities and techniques previously learned, acrylic and oil painting will be introduced, as well as portrait drawing and a variety of new drawing media and techniques. Emphasis will be on greater individualized instruction and development of personal style and interests. Along with a variety of in-course assignments, students will write two art history reports and complete two drawing homework assignments per year.

Prerequisite: Painting and Drawing 1 or portfolio review and Dept. approval

This course builds on the artistic skills learned in prior courses, which allows for the further expression of individual creativity. Greater emphasis will be given to modern art movements and trends, and traditional skills and techniques will be refined to a higher level of performance. This course requires more independent, creative problem solving than its prerequisites, and students are expected to develop stronger personal, distinctive artistic style while refining skills. Projects encompass topics including: Expressionism, Surrealism, Pop-Art, collage, linoleum block print, and extended art history projects.

Prerequisite: Painting and Drawing 2 with a grade of B- or better, or instructor approval.

This introductory course equips students with the technical skills and terminology to use both film and digital cameras. Emphasizing the principles of composition, students will learn to craft visually compelling images. This course covers full manual operation of the camera, proper exposure, lighting techniques, basic photo editing, portraiture, the history of photography, and various photographic genres. By the end of the course, students will possess a solid technical foundation in photography and a creative eye for storytelling through images.

Photography 2 is an intermediate-level course that builds on the foundational skills acquired in Photography 1. In this course, students will deepen their understanding of both film and digital photography and explore more advanced compositional strategies. This course covers advanced topics such as complex lighting scenarios, digital darkroom techniques, and the exploration of various photographic genres. Through hands-on projects and critiques, students will emerge with enhanced technical proficiency, a developed artistic vision, and the ability to critically analyze and discuss photographs.

Prerequisite: Photography 1 or portfolio review and department approval.

Photography 3 is an advanced course designed for students who wish to refine their technical skills further and explore photography as an expressive art form. This course delves into advanced photography techniques and conceptual
work. Students will experiment with traditional and non-traditional processes (such as alternative film developing, creative digital manipulations, and mixed media approaches), pushing boundaries to create unique visual narratives.Through in-depth critiques, portfolio reviews, and thematic projects, students will cultivate a distinctive style and voice in their work.

Prerequisite: Photography 2 with a grade of B- or better, or instructor approval.