Open Studies Course Registration

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 continuation course, students will deepen their drawing skills by strengthening their ability to observe, analyze, and translate what they see onto paper. Building on foundational techniques from Learning How to Draw, students will focus on proportion, perspective, texture, and value to create more detailed and expressive drawings. Students will practice layering, shading, and refining their work through guided exercises and longer projects. Emphasis will be placed on drawing from real objects, images, and environments, encouraging students to slow down, look closely, and develop confidence in their artistic decision-making.

Grades K-2: This course is perfect for young artists who love to use their imagination! It invites students to bring their imaginations to life through artmaking. Students will create characters, settings, and props inspired by favorite stories and original ideas. Using drawing, painting, collage, and simple sculptural materials, students will design story scenes, build characters, and explore how art can tell a story. Activities may include making puppets, illustrating a short story, and designing a magical setting. Through guided projects and creative play, students will develop visual storytelling skills while building confidence in their artistic expression.

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 6-8: In this course, students will explore the art of color blending and value to create depth and dimension in their artwork. They’ll learn to use warm and cool colors to influence mood and contrast, and experiment with different color schemes to bring their ideas to life. Assignments include creating a “Color Mood Board” where students develop palettes that reflect different emotions, painting a “Cool vs. Warm” landscape to compare temperature effects, and designing a “Gradient Portrait” that uses color blending techniques to highlight shading and light. Through these activities, students will gain a deeper understanding of color theory and its expressive power.

Grades 3-5: Students will unlock their imaginations through clay, drawing, painting, and papier mâché as they explore visual expression and material exploration while telling magical stories. They will design papier mâché dragon eggs that hatch delightful surprises, craft ancient treasure maps to learn the foundations of cartography, create illustrated field journals to document discoveries, and sculpt and glaze clay ‘magic lamps.’

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 course, students will learn the fundamentals of designing characters specifically for animation. Through guided exercises, they will develop original characters by exploring personality, proportion, expression, and silhouette. Students will create model sheets that include front, side, and back views, building the foundation for consistency in animation. The course culminates in bringing their character to life through short animated movements, allowing students to explore how design choices influence motion and storytelling.

Grades 9-12: This course is designed to help students refine their skills in observational drawing and painting, while making purposeful choices about lines, form, and color. Students will experiment with materials as they learn to make decisive lines and cohesive color palettes and apply both realistic and expressive colors to their pieces. Art exemplars will be used to emphasize the incredible diversity of styles and expressiveness that can be achieved with color, line, and texture.