Open Studies Course Registration

Grades 3-5: In this course students will dive into the exciting world of creating unique board games and card games while sharpening their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills! Students will explore a variety of activities that challenge their mind, encourage teamwork, and build valuable life skills. Through focused collaboration and creative strategies, students will learn to think ahead, adapt to challenges, and work together to achieve goals.

Grades K-2: 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!

Grade K-2: From pop-up books to puppets, art can be inspired by laughter, joy and spontaneity. In this course students will use mixed media to explore techniques such as bookmaking, soft sculpture, and resist painting.

Grades 3-5: In this fun and creative class, students will learn how to draw people by focusing on simple shapes, basic proportions, and easy-to-follow techniques. Using step-by-step instructions, we’ll explore how to sketch the human body in action, show emotions through poses, and add details like clothes and expressions. Through fun exercises and practice, students will build confidence in their drawing skills while learning to create lifelike and imaginative figures. Perfect for young artists of all skill levels who love to draw and want to bring their characters to life!

Grades 6-8: In this class students will explore how form, texture, and design can express personal and cultural themes while experimenting with surface treatments like carving, stamping, and glazing. Assignments will include creating functional pieces such as mugs or bowls, as well as sculptural projects like abstract forms or narrative reliefs that tell a story.

Grades 6-8: This intense studio class begins with a review of students’ current art portfolios, with discussion about what a well-rounded high school portfolio might look like. Students keep a reflective journal and sketchbook as they identify areas to strengthen in their artwork. Working independently with the instructor, students then develop a plan for tailored art problems intended to highlight skills and flesh out their portfolios for presentation. This course is especially designed for students who need a portfolio for entrance into high school but is also open to those who wish to employ a more independent course of study.

Grades 9-12: Using a variety of created and found images, students in this course will learn how to make complex compositional and design decisions digitally through the use of filters, color effects, and artful use of text. Students will experiment with typography, logo design, branding, and other elements of designing for print and publication. The class will work with the Adobe Creative Suite and develop design strategies to communicate clearly through design and digital imagery. Access to the Adobe Creative Suite is included for the duration of this course.

Grades 9-12 This intense studio class begins with a review of students’ current art portfolios, with discussion about what a college ready portfolio might look like. Students keep a reflective journal and sketchbook as they identify areas to strengthen in their artwork. Working independently with the instructor, students then develop a plan for tailored art problems intended to highlight skills and flesh out their portfolios for presentation. This course is especially designed for students who are looking to ease their transition into art school.

Grades 9-12: In this course students will explore essential skills in digital drawing using software like Procreate, and Adobe Fresco. They’ll learn to navigate the interface, use basic brush tools, work with layers, and explore color palettes. Through fun, hands-on projects—like creating layered landscapes, digital self-portraits, and original cartoon characters—students will gain confidence in using digital tools to express their creativity. This foundational course sets up students with the basics they’ll need to advance in digital art.