CERAMICS
The Ceramics course offers an in-depth exploration of basic ceramic techniques and three-dimensional design. Students first learn how to prepare clay for use; then they are guided through a series of exercises to discover what clay can and cannot do. At this stage, the physical process is emphasized more than the final results. Students explore various hand-building techniques such as coiling, pinching, and slab construction. Later in the course, they embark on more ambitious and more inventive projects, which may be representational or abstract, functional or nonfunctional. In addition to reflecting on their own work, students are exposed to the works of other sculptors and ceramic artists from various cultures and time periods. Although most of the projects involve hand-building techniques, students are also introduced to the throwing wheel and have the opportunity to practice basic throwing techniques.
2D & 3D ART ELECTIVE
2D & 3D Art combines the “7th and 8th Drawing and Painting” and “7th and 8th Studio Art” courses, which addresses redundancy between these electives. The 2D & 3D Art elective will explore two-dimensional and three-dimensional art forms through various mediums, including drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, printmaking, papier-mâché, and ceramics. The course will introduce techniques in each medium, with difficulty levels ranging from introductory to advanced, depending on individual skill levels and competencies. Participants will be encouraged to explore and experiment with different artistic approaches while developing problem-solving skills and reflecting on their creative process. 2D & 3D Art will also emphasize collaboration through group critiques, where learners will provide and receive feedback to help refine their work. This course encourages creativity, experimentation, and skill-building across 2D and 3D forms, helping participants bring their ideas to life and develop their unique artistic voices.
DESIGNOLOGY
We live in a visual culture, one in which ideas and information are communicated through increasingly sophisticated visual media. Have you ever driven by a billboard or seen an advertisement and said to yourself: "Wow, that's really cool!" Do you want to understand what makes these – and other – images so visually compelling? Well, here's your chance! In this course, you will develop an understanding of basic design elements and the way designers use these elements to create images that are engaging, compelling, and stay in your memory. Through a variety of assignments, you will experiment with typography, composition, form, and texture to explore how designers actually design. We will use Adobe software and other equipment to create our work.
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
In recent years, digital photography has become ubiquitous and an easily accessible medium for the creation of artistic imagery. Most of us are carrying a digital camera around in our pockets and are rarely without the ability to take a picture. However, what distinguishes artistic photographs from snapshots or selfies? What is the history of photography and image-making that has brought us to this point? What does it mean to “take” or “shoot” a picture? Students in this course will learn the fundamentals of digital photography, with an emphasis on composition, creating engaging and dynamic images, and using software to enhance the pictures. The broad goal is for students to become comfortable using digital cameras (both DSLR and smart-phone cameras) and art-making technologies to give visual form to their ideas. This is a one-trimester course, offered in fall, winter, and spring.
GOOD MORNING RCDS PRODUCTION
In the Good Morning RCDS Production Class, students will become the core team behind the production of the RCDS Middle School’s smash hit morning show. This team will learn on-camera journalism techniques necessary to anchor and to create weekly segments. Students will work on voice projection, eye contact, comedic timing, as well as annunciation. Along with developing on-camera skills, this class will have the responsibility of being the creative force behind the pre- and post-production of each weekly morning broadcast. Students will generate ideas for episodes, write scripts, arrange and light sets, film episodes, and learn the ins and outs of the video editing program Final Cut Pro. Whether you are interested in being on camera or behind the scenes, you will acquire the skills necessary to make Good Morning RCDS happen.
