Summer Studios Electives
Monday/Thursday electives
Architectural Design
This course is structured to provide an introduction to the design process as it applies to architecture and the creation of place. Spatial concepts are explored through observation, research, drawing and model making. The final project incorporates free-hand drawings, measured drawings, and a scale model.
Ceramics
In this course, students develop their technical and conceptual understanding of clay, learning about formal properties of clay and how to work with the material at different stages. Students work both on the wheel and with hand building techniques. Students work to create sculptural forms, paying attention to form and surface. The focus of this class is to expand each student's studio work. Students will also look at historical pieces for inspiration.
Drawing from Observation
In this course, students develop fundamental drawing skills. Students work from the live model as well as observed environment exploring technical elements of drawing: composition, line, and tone. Students will develop a critical sense looking to the masters and contemporary artists.
Graphic Design
Designers are creative problem solvers. They must possess a thorough understanding of the principles of visual vocabulary and learn to be comfortable expressing their ideas visually. This course introduces basic skills and concepts fundamental to graphic designers, including process, conceptual thinking, making and production. This course is not computer based.
Painting from Observation
This course is an introduction to painting from observation. Students work from the live model as well as the observed environment, building their painting and observational skills through a variety of exercises, ranging from quick gestural studies to longer studies. Some class time is spent looking at old masters as well as contemporary artists for examples and inspiration.
Photography
This course focuses on developing skills in fine art photography, working in black and white with traditional 35mm film cameras. Students become familiar with dark room processes and materials and learn the basics of exposure, film speed, aperture, shutter speed and depth of field. Composition and perspective will be a focus of this class as students consider the formal elements of their work and what that communicates to the viewer.
Tuesday/Friday electives
Mixed Media
This studio introduces students to the process of effectively combining a variety of different media in primarily two dimensional and low relief three dimensional works. The class focuses on design, composition, ingenuity and the ability to think creatively. Students will work with non-traditional materials, such as found objects, and consider how the use of different materials in art work can transform meaning. Some class time is spent looking at the work of contemporary artists working in a range of mixed media.
Experimental Animation
This studio introduces the basic principles of computer animation. Students create story lines which they render in different forms of animation. From hand made flip books to stop motion, Flash and Claymation, students explore various techniques for creating animated narratives. Students view contemporary pieces to put ones own ideas and work in the context of the greater art world.
Fashion Design
This class focuses on fashion illustration with a concentration in garment construction. Students learn the importance of basic fashion illustration in the industry. Learning to think with a pencil will become a habit of mind for students attending this studio. Students develop skills in pattern making, fabric selection, draping and garment construction. The final project is the creation of a piece to be exhibited at the conclusion of the program.
Illustration
This course stresses basic drawing techniques using dry media: graphite, colored pencil, scratch board. Emphasis is on creating a narrative and developing skills to interpret the narrative. Students study and research the history of illustration to contextualize their own pursuits.
Jewelry and Metalsmithing
This class introduces basic techniques of jewelry making. Students learn to draw to scale, create die, anneal and form metal.
Students explore surface design through roller printing and etching. Tab construction and hinges are be introduced as a way to enclose forms. Students look to historical artifacts and contemporary metalsmithing for inspiration.
Screen Printing
This studio introduces various methods of screen printing. Students gain skills in additive printing and photo process printing. The history of screen printing is incorporated in to this studio as is contemporary applications of this process.
