Visual Arts
The Art Department at St. Dominic Savio explores both two and three dimensional media as well as photography. The multiple course offerings expose students to art theory, drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, mixed media, photography, photo editing software and art history. In addition, Art for Water allows students to work with elementary students as well as create their own work –all culminating in a show and sale of work to raise money to build water wells in Burundi Africa. Visual Art students participate in multiple national art competitions during the year and student work is displayed in the halls throughout the building. There is an annual Spring Art show to celebrate the accomplishments of all students participating in the visual arts program.
Art
Art I
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to introduce students to a basic artistic vocabulary and define the elements and principles of design. Students work with a variety of two and three-dimensional media (drawing, painting, papier mache, clay) and will acquire basic artistic techniques.
Art II
Prerequisite: Art I
This course is designed to develop a solid artistic vocabulary in both two and three-dimensional media. Students work with a variety of materials (drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, batik, ceramics etc.…) to solve creative problems and create original works of art.
Art III
Prerequisite: Art I and Art II
This course is designed to build on introductory knowledge and allow students to delve deeper into two and three-dimensional media. Students will complete a series of challenging assignments that will lead to stronger visual literacy and artistic skills. During the spring semester, students will choose an area of specialty and will complete a series of self-designed projects.
Art IV
Prerequisite: Art I, Art II, Art III
This course is designed to build on knowledge and allow students to delve deeper into the content and context of their original ideas. With the help of the teacher, students will design a series of challenging assignments that will lead to a solid portfolio of work.
Photography
Photography I
Prerequisite: Art I
The course content will introduce the skills necessary to understand camera basics with a focus on digital photography. Coursework will emphasize composition and lighting as well as explore portraiture, landscape, perspective, point of view and storytelling. Photographic methods (resolution/contrast) are emphasized for photographic prints.
Photography II
Prerequisite: Art I and Photography I
Students will continue to develop photographic skills and techniques and will become more proficient in their understanding of light, composition, and visual storytelling.
Photography III
Prerequisite: Art I, Photography I, Photography II
Students will continue to develop photographic skills and techniques and will focus on visual storytelling. Context and content of photographs will be emphasized, and students will develop a strong portfolio of work.
Photography IV
Prerequisite: Art I, Photography I, Photography II, Photography III
This course is designed to build on knowledge and allow students to delve deeper into the content and context of their original ideas. With the help of the teacher, students will design a series of challenging assignments that will lead to a solid portfolio of work.
Jewelery Making
Jewelery Making
Prerequisite: Art I
This course is designed to teach students about a variety of jewelry making techniques and processes. Students will explore exemplars throughout the history of jewelry making and create their own pieces using, among other things, clay, polymer clay, beads, wire, and some precious metals.
Advanced Placement
Advanced Placement Studio Art
Prerequisite: Art I, Art II, Art III, Art IV or Art I, Photo I, Photo II, Photo III, Photo IV, and Teacher recommendation
The AP Studio Art Program is designed to help students complete the College Board Advanced Placement Studio Art Portfolio. It is a college level course and upon successful completion can earn college credit for this course. The students are required to submit the Breadth, Concentration, and Quality sections of the portfolio. More information on the specifics of the portfolio requirements can be found opn the College Board webpage.
Visual Art Clubs
Art Club
Art club meets weekly to work on collaborative and individual projects. Traditionally Art club has chosen one of the school family saints and has created a portrait of that saint to hang in the school. There are elected officers who help organize activities and students share their interests and expertise to explore new media and techniques.
National Art Honor Society
Students who have taken one full year of art have an opportunity to apply to the National Art Honor Society. This is a national organization that celebrates excellence in the arts. Members meet bi-weekly and participate in field trips as well as multiple arts related service projects.
St. John Paul II Push Pin Project
Over 35,000 push pins were used in this portrayal that hangs in our main entrance hall.