Open Studies Course Registration

Grades K-2: In this course, students will explore the world of geometric and organic shapes, learning how to use them to create dynamic patterns. They’ll experiment with repetition, symmetry, and asymmetry to design balanced and visually engaging compositions. Through cutting, tracing, and arranging shapes, students will strengthen their fine motor skills while developing an understanding of pattern and design.

Grades 3-5: For the student who loves being outdoors and exploring the world around them, this course will encourage students to take on the role of explorers and artists! Students will experiment with paint, modeling clay, and mixed media, responding to the many aspects of environment. Activities include nature-inspired art projects, creating animal sculptures from clay, making leaf prints, and painting landscapes. Students will also engage in sensory exploration, using materials like sand, water, and natural textures to inspire their creativity and connect with the outdoors.

Grades K-2: In this hands-on clay class, young artists will explore the exciting world of sculpting, molding, and shaping clay! Students will learn basic clay techniques, such as rolling, pinching, and coiling, as they discover how to turn simple shapes into imaginative creations. Each session introduces a fun new project, encouraging creativity, fine motor skills, and sensory exploration. Through pinch pots, miniature clay gardens students will enjoy the freedom to create!

Grades 3-5: Welcome to where creativity has no rules and your imagination takes center stage! In this course, students will explore how to mix materials like paint, clay, fabric, and various art tools to create exciting and colorful works of art. Students will experiment with layering textures, combining unexpected materials, and try out new techniques. From vibrant collages and textured paintings to 3D sculptures each project will let young artists express their unique artistic style in fun and unexpected ways. Get ready to experiment, create, and discover the endless possibilities of mixed media!

Grades 6-8: Take your drawing skills to the next level in this engaging course designed for young artists ready to refine their techniques. Students will explore shading, perspective, composition, and more while working with various materials to create dynamic, expressive artwork. Perfect for those with some prior experience, or a strong interest in drawing, this class will help budding artists build confidence and develop their unique style!

Grade 6-8: In this course, students will explore how light interacts with objects to create shadows and highlights, adding depth and realism to their artwork. They’ll experiment with shading techniques, learn to manipulate value, and practice one-point perspective to create dynamic, three-dimensional drawings. By honing their observation and technical drawing skills, students will develop a stronger understanding of light, form, and space in their art.

Grades 6-8: Using a variety of paint media such as inks, watercolor, tempera paint, and acrylic paint, students in this course explore a variety of paint materials, brushes, and techniques, both traditional and non-traditional, to create a body of work that spans realism to expressive abstraction. Emphasis is on breaking "out of the box" in expressive use of color media, with a variety of prompts guiding students to make meaning and incorporate narratives into their work. This is a fast-paced class, with students generating a large body of studies and exercises as they build a strong foundation and comfort with each color medium. The confident painter will then be asked to synthesize this knowledge to create larger, cohesive paintings based on a selected theme.

Grades 9-12: Artists and Designers have designated spaces to create and maintain an effective workplace. This course will cover everything from quality materials to good lighting, sketchbooks, work surfaces for 2D work and ways to stay organized. Students will not only learn how to start their studio but also dig into how to find inspiration to create, explore themes in their artwork and work on pieces that grow their portfolio and efficient ways to use technology in the studio.

Grades 9-12: 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.