Open Studies Course Registration

Grades 3-5: One of the most exciting ways of making art is working with sculptural media to create three-dimensional art forms. In this course, students use sculptural media including wire, plaster, wood, clays and other natural materials to create sculptures, assemblages and installations. In the process, students gain experience with many sculptural forms and media, discover a variety of artists and heighten spatial and kinesthetic awareness. Using sketches and working from observation, memory and imagination, students make personally meaningful work that is inspired by their interests and objects of our everyday world.

Grades K-2: In this creative course, students will explore the four elements—Earth, Water, Fire, and Air—through art, using materials that represent each element. They’ll experiment with watercolor for water, clay for earth, and bold colors to evoke fire and air. Projects include creating a “Water and Waves” painting using watercolor and salt, and sculpting a “Clay Landscape” to represent earth's textures. Students will develop skills in symbolism, texture, and abstract expression while discovering how to bring the natural world to life through art.

Grade 3-5: This course offers students the opportunity to be both creator and performer! Students will explore a variety of 2-D and 3-D processes as they create books, objects, puppets and masks that can be incorporated into an original narrative. In addition to generating ideas and creating characters, students learn how images and props can be used to tell a story. Emphasis is on creating a unique and expressive language of object, gesture, and story, with equal attention given to the artistic/visual qualities of the art objects themselves and the purposeful use of these objects in student-designed performances.

Grades K-2: In this course, students will discover how to see the world in a fresh, new way! Different drawing techniques will be explored, using a diverse range of media and tools. From pen and pencil to pastel and paint, this course will teach students how to use line, shape, and form to draw realistically.

Grades 6-8: In this introductory painting course, students will transition from drawing to painting, exploring the basics of acrylic or watercolor techniques. They will learn essential skills such as proper brush handling, blending colors smoothly, and layering paint to create depth and texture. Students will also discover how to use light and dark values to add dimension to their paintings, while experimenting with different approaches to color mixing. Through fun and guided projects, students will gain confidence in using paint as a medium for creative expression and begin to develop their own unique artistic style.

Grades 6-8: This class is designed for the student who loves graphic novels and comics! In this course, students will delve into the fascinating world of character design, exploring not only the physical aspects but also delving into the rich realm of personalities, facial expressions, and living environments. Focused on figure drawing, individuality, and personality traits, students will develop the skills needed to accurately portray their characters' unique qualities. Students will learn to craft a visual narrative and how to design compelling characters that extend beyond the physical appearance.

Grades 9-12: In this course, students will analyze their favorite comic strips and graphic novels, drawing inspiration from a variety of sequential artists who work with different materials. Starting with the development of compelling storylines, students will then create unique characters and hone their skills in engaging readers through sequential illustrations, storytelling, and imagery. Throughout the course, they will enhance their abilities in both observational drawing and imaginative character and story creation, fostering creativity and self-expression.

Grades 9-12: In this all-encompassing course, students will delve into the world of Portfolio Development, Critique Skills, and Photo Documentation. Aspiring artists will learn to compile and critically analyze their work, honing their ability to convey cohesive messages. With a focus on constructive criticism, students will grasp the art of giving and receiving valuable feedback. Additionally, students will gain hands-on experience in taking professional photos of their artwork. This course is your key to refining your artistic abilities and showcasing your creations with confidence.