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Visual Arts

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The Clovis High visual Art programs offer comprehensive courses to engage students at all levels, teaching the complexities of the creative process. All class offerings are two semesters. Completed courses with a C or better fulfill needed prerequisites to apply for CSU or UC admission. Visual Art classes at Clovis High consist of three pathways for student exploration. Art I, II and III, Photo I and II, and Ceramics I and II are offered. After completing the beginning courses, with a B or better, students may consider the advanced courses in these disciplines. The goal of the CHS Visual Arts Department is to provide a quality education in the studio arts. Students will explore the creative process, historical and cultural awareness, aesthetic value, analyzing and critiquing their work as well as the work of others. Our vision is that students will create art that they would be proud to show in any public venue.

Ceramics at CHS is a year-long, comprehensive course allowing students to experience the tactile qualities of clay. Students are taught hand building skills such as pinch, coil, slab and wheel throwing. All techniques are covered by the instructor. Assignments are given to students as problems to solve with criteria to fulfill. This allows for creativity, exploration, and cognitive reasoning skills, helping to strengthen young minds through the process. The advanced class offers much of the same, but allows the student to concentrate on skill sets and mastery of the art of sculpture or pottery. Click here to view the CHS Ceramics website.

Art I is a beginning high school art class. The curriculum is designed for students to explore art concepts, develop techniques, and grow an appreciation for the art field. Whether the student is a novice or has prior experience, the class will enhance skills and develop the art concepts universally. The Art Elements and Principles of Design are at the core of the curriculum, as well as exploring modern and historical artists and their works. Students will learn basic techniques used in pencil, water color, color pencil, and other media in art while developing skills in proportions, perspective, and more. Art II students will build on Art I and will further their understanding of the Elements and Principles and the techniques used to incorporate them into their projects. They will continue to develop their personal style and character in their personal projects. The media used will be determined by the various assignments. Art III students will build on Art I and Art II and will concentrate on their personal creativity as well as developing an historical aspect of art. They will also have greater input on their projects and media.

The Photography I course is designed with the beginning to novice photographers in mind. Students will be exposed to the fundamentals of silver-based and digital photography, emphasizing the use those tools to build a foundation for artistic achievements. Additionally, students will learn the basics of darkroom printing in conjunction with the preparation of digitally acquired images for digital manipulation and production. Finally, students will round out their first year experience with an emphasis in the History of Photography, using this knowledge to further inform and develop their artistic capabilities. Our Photography II course is designed for students interested in a more personalized approach to photography as a fine art form. Students who desire to further explore photography as a fine art and build upon their artistic strengths must complete our Photography I course (or an equivalent course) and must possess a drive to work independently. In this course, students will explore the technical and more advance artistic elements of silver-based and digital photography. Students will be encouraged to produce a personal photographic portfolio where the given assignments encourage and develop a more effective means to communicate rational (intellectual thought) and emotional (personal feeling and belief) reactions to the world around them.