This gallery represents both middle school and high school visual arts classes taught by Ms. Nathans, Mr. Tellie and Ms. Gobin.

In Middle School Art and Design, Ms. Nathans

In Middle School art and Design we engage in meaningful art assignments that give students the creative confidence to express their ideas. We focus on understanding Elements of Art; line, shape, form, light, composition, value and texture and Principles of Design; emphasis, balance, movement, rhythm, pattern and proportion. These are combined with permission and encouragement to be independent in design choices. Students develop tools that are useful in artistic endeavors and across their curriculum for problem solving and presentation of information. Students have different levels of artistic expertise and knowledge, giving us a chance to expand techniques in drawing, painting, computer art and hands on materials use. Assignments are conceptual, autobiographical, typographical and traditional. All lessons are grounded in social and historical context which broadens the value of art from personal expression to community impact. Students are expected to develop their comfort with supplies and learn to push their understanding of art to new heights. The art and design gallery is an exciting selection of unit work that is both reflective and beautiful. We know you will enjoy learning about our students through their amazing art!

Middle School Sculpture, Ms. Nathans

This is a hands on class for students to use a variety of materials to create objects, dwellings, sculptures, animals and other 3-D creations. Each lesson is inspired by an art movement, architectural style or STEM oriented problem. Student sculptures are built from recycled or supplied materials and hand tools. Creative independence is encouraged. Art basics such as balance, symmetry, form and stability become apart of each project. Everyone's art reflects a unique path to construction and discovery as is clear from the remarkable results in our student gallery.

High School Art and design, Mr. Tellie

Throughout the semester, students explore and hone their skills with a variety of two-dimensional media and explore meaningful themes and concepts including autobiography, social justice, difficult histories, social-emotional learning, well-being, identity, and much more. We always connect to how historical and contemporary artists work in relation to the topics we are discussing. Students create many personal artworks that tap into their inner experiences of their world. Principles taught throughout this course will have a direct application to all art media and provide a basis and direction for learning skills in other CESJDS courses. Finally, we always share, analyze, reflect, and discuss our projects with the help of Schoology and new software platforms. Some movements that have inspired the course construction are choice-based learning, project-based learning, studio thinking, emergent curriculum, and scholarly work developed within the curriculum studies field.

High School Graphic Design, Mr. Tellie

Students learn to engage with meaningful, artistic, and creative graphic arts projects by utilizing computer software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. This course expands upon the role graphic design plays in real-world applications and in business. Students examine various ways that contemporary graphic designers use and hone their skills and techniques in regards to their own practice as guest speakers are invited in each semester to speak about their experience and work with students. Throughout the semester, we explore public and personal design communications and strategies with a wide variety of themes that are evolving today: social and racial justice, current events, autobiography, social-emotional, environmental, and more. Some of the major projects that are foundational to the course include book cover design, logo and business card design, how to build a resume and cover letter, poster design, information graphics, and invitational designs.