Art & Design

801 - Art Fundamentals (1 credit)
Art Fundamentals is a semester-long foundation course and the prerequisite for all other classes in our program. It marks the start of a student’s artistic development, focusing on building skills that teach them how to observe and build confidence in their abilities. In the first term, students explore a range of strategies centered on observational drawing, honing their skills in seeing and translating what they observe. The second term builds on these foundations by introducing the use of color, culminating in a completed self-portrait painting by semester’s end. Throughout the course, students are required to document their classwork and homework assignments on a weekly basis. Homework assignments are designed to reinforce class concepts and typically require 30-45 minutes to complete. This AP Portfolio track course is recommended for students to take during their freshman year.
 

831 - Ceramics (.5 credit)
In this one-term course, students will work with clay, learning various hand-building techniques such as coil and slab construction. They will explore a range of finishing and surface design methods, including the application of glazes, oxides, and sgraffito. By the end of the semester, students will have gained hands-on experience and developed a foundational understanding of both the sculptural and functional aspects of working with clay. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to experiment with wheel throwing, further expanding their skill set and understanding of pottery as an art form. PREREQUISITE: Sophomore standing. This AP Portfolio track course is recommended for students to take during their sophomore year.

 

811 - Design: Introduction to Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator (.5 credit)
This one term course introduces students to the foundational principles of design and equips them with technical skills in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Through hands-on projects, students will explore digital and print media. Emphasis is placed on developing creative problem-solving, refining artistic ideas, and preparing projects for professional presentation. By the end of the course, students will have a versatile portfolio showcasing their ability to integrate traditional and digital techniques. PREREQUISITE: 801 Art Fundamentals. This class is required for students pursuing AP Art Portfolio. This AP Portfolio track course is recommended for students to take during their second semester freshman year or sophomore year.

821 - Figure Drawing (.5 credit)
The human figure is one of the most dynamic subject matters in the history of art. It is a universal form, which we all use to interact with the world around us. Artists have always used the figure for its expressive nature and its ability to communicate, thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Students are taught step by step the balance of speed and accuracy through careful observation of gesture, structure, and form. Students will explore the figure with a variety of media working directly from one another as a model. This course is a logical step after Art Fundamentals, and is a prerequisite for Painting and Experimental Drawing. PREREQUISITE: 801 Art Fundamentals. This AP Portfolio track course is recommended for students to take during their sophomore year.
 

817- Experimental Drawing (.5 credit)
Drawing is a universal language. Experimentation is a process rooted in play and the exploration of the unknown. In this context, Experimental Drawing is designed to help students become re-acquainted with the joy, excitement and potential of mark making and the image making process as a way to communicate ideas. In this one-term course, students will learn to coordinate their hands and eyes to explore and depict ideas and subjects that they are interested in. Students will develop an individualized repertoire of skills and techniques using both traditional and non-traditional drawing tools and media to create art that is significant on a personal level. PREREQUISITE: 801 Art Fundamentals. This AP Portfolio track course is recommended for students to take during their junior year.

 

819 -Fibers, Fashion Construction and Design (.5 credit)
Fashion often starts out as outrageous and impractical as seen on runways in Milan and Paris. The emphasis of this one term course engages students in constructing wearable art and sculptural fashion pieces using alternative materials and construction methods. The processes may include assemblage of found objects, sewing, paper maché, and hand-built materials. Experimentation and discovery with unusual materials will drive our methods as we work to construct original fashion pieces. Technical and conceptual problem-solving skills will be developed in this class. This course is recommended for students interested in developing or adding to an AP 3D portfolio in fashion or sculpture. PREREQUISITE: 801 Art Fundamentals

This AP Portfolio track course is recommended for students to take during their junior year.

 

841 - Painting I (.5 credit)

In this one-term course, students will learn foundational techniques in various painting mediums, including acrylic and other water-based media while developing an understanding of color theory, composition, and brushwork. The course will cover a variety of styles and genres, from realistic to abstract, allowing students to discover their personal artistic voice. Through guided projects, individual practice, and critiques, students will build technical skills and creativity. Emphasis will also be placed on developing an appreciation for art history and the cultural significance of painting. By the end of the course, students will complete a portfolio showcasing their technical and personal growth. PREREQUISITE: 801 Art Fundamentals. This AP Portfolio track course is recommended for students to take during their second semester freshman year or sophomore year.

 

842 - Advanced Painting Techniques (.5 credit)

In this one-term course, students explore color as a driving force behind the evolution of their intuitive and technical abilities. Expanding upon their understanding of mixing, blending, and application, students will be guided through various painting strategies rooted in both historical art and contemporary practices. Students will work on a variety of sizes and surfaces using acrylic based media and will also develop an altered book/sketchbook. Interplay between realism and abstraction is the primary goal of the course with a particular emphasis on each student developing an individualized body of work that is personally relevant.

PREREQUISITE: 801 Art Fundamentals, subject to Department approval. This AP Portfolio track course is recommended for students to take during their junior year. Additionally, it’s advised that students have previously taken 821 Figure Drawing and 803 Painting I.

 

805 - Photography I (.5 credit)
Photography 1 offers students an immersive experience in both digital and 35mm film photography. This one-term course covers camera functions, photographic composition, and the creative use of light and shadow. Students will learn technical and experimental skills in film development, darkroom techniques, and Adobe Photoshop. By combining traditional and modern approaches, students will create a personal portfolio that reflects their technical skills and artistic vision. PREREQUISITE: 801 Art Fundamentals. This AP Portfolio track course is recommended for students to take during their junior year.

 

806 - 4D Experimental Sounds, Video, and Animation (.5 credit)

This is an advanced course in alternative processes that include experimental sound, video and where applicable animation. This course encourages students to blur the boundaries between analogue and digital photographic methods, integrating emerging trends in contemporary art. The course emphasizes the concepts of time, space, and the relationship between the still and moving image, encouraging students to

explore photography’s role in storytelling, memory, and the construction of meaning. Students will create a cohesive body of work that reflects their unique artistic voice, drawing inspiration from contemporary practices such as installation art, performance documentation, and time-based media. Through guided research and experimentation, students will push both formal and conceptual boundaries while diving deeply into areas of personal interest. Ideal candidates for this course are curious, self-directed and eager to

explore the intersection of photography and new media. Juniors in this class will have the opportunity to prepare an AP Portfolio in photography for college credit (submitted the following year). This class is excellent preparation for students interested in installation, experimental media, and immersive art practices.

PREREQUISITE: 801 Art Fundamentals; 805 Photography or Design. This AP Portfolio track course is recommended for students to take during their junior year. Junior senior standing.

 

832 - 3D Sculptural Forms and Architecture (.5 credit)
Through idea building, experimentation and discovery students in this one term course will build architectural models and sculptural forms. We will build using cut and folding methods and the laser cut materials to create and construct forms. Materials vary with each problem and the student’s vision for a solution. Concepts covered include space, form, light, scale, movement, flow and structural integrity. This class is beneficial to students interested in architecture, set design, package design, environmental design, and sculpture. It is recommended for students interested in developing or adding to an AP 3D portfolio in any of those areas. PREREQUISITE: 801 Art Fundamentals. This AP Portfolio track course is recommended for students to take during their sophomore year.
 

843 - AP Studio Art 11 (1 credit)
This is a portfolio course designed for the highly motivated junior level art student, who is ready to prepare a focused body of work for college admission and Advanced Placement credit. Students will create a 2-D Design AP portfolio as they refine their technical skills and begin to work more conceptually by demonstrating sustained investigation through practice, experimentation and revision. The individualized body of work they create will prepare them to enter national competitions and compete for summer scholarships to prestigious art colleges and universities. Attendance at Art College Presentation Days, and Pius XI Fine Arts Day is mandatory. This course is not required for a student to take AP Art Portfolio Senior year. Students completing AP successfully will receive 3 college credits with a score of 3 or higher.

PREREQUISITE: 801 Art Fundamentals and two of the following courses: Figure Drawing, Design, Painting 1, 3D Sculpture or Architecture. It is recommended that in addition students take two Junior- level courses concurrently with AP Studio 11. The Summer Portfolio Prep class is strongly recommended for students enrolled in AP Studio 11. Forms will be available after registration. In order to have a successful experience in this AP course, students must complete the AP portfolio. If a student does not complete the AP portfolio, they will not receive a weighted grade.

 

845 - AP Art Portfolio Preparation (1 credit)

AP Portfolio is an individualized studio course designed for students to discover their visual voice through the continual refinement of their technical and conceptual skills. The emphasis is on completing a body of work in any medium, e.g. Drawing, Fashion, Architecture, Painting, Animation and Film, Photography, Sculpture, etc. The body of work students build will prepare them to enter national competitions, admission, and scholarships to prestigious art colleges and universities. The Context of Western Culture course is a critical component to success in this class and therefore, concurrent enrollment in AP Portfolio and Context of Western Culture is required. Attendance at MIAD’s Portfolio Day, Art College Portfolio Presentation and

Review Days, and Pius XI Fine Arts Days are mandatory. Students completing AP successfully will receive 3 college credits with a score of 3 or higher. PREREQUISITE: Art Fundamentals, Design course. Prerequisites

also include at least three or more of the following courses: Figure Drawing, Design, Painting 1, Experimental Drawing, Advanced Painting, Photography, 3D Design, Fashion and Fibers, AP Studio 11, or

Consent of instructor. Required: Concurrent enrollment in Context of Western Culture, a Social Science (0.5 credit). It is recommended that students have at least one art class per semester Freshman through Junior year. Summer Portfolio Prep class is strongly recommended for students enrolled in AP Portfolio. Forms will be available after registration. In order to have a successful, complete experience in this AP course, students

must complete the AP portfolio. If a student does not complete the AP portfolio, they will not receive a weighted grade. One-week summer class: June 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6 from 9 am - 4 pm.

 

844 - AP Studio 12 (1 credit)

This course requires concurrent enrollment in AP Portfolio and is designed for the motivated senior who is preparing a focused body of work for college admission and AP credit, with the potential to earn an additional 3 college credits. Students will create an AP portfolio by demonstrating sustained investigation through practice, experimentation and revision. This course is for students who want to complete all 3 AP art exams. Students can enter in any category that they have not previously entered. AP credits can be earned in Drawing and Painting, 2-D Design/ Photography, and/or 3-D Design. However, most students in Studio 12 complete a 3D portfolio through Fashion Design, Architectural Design, Sculpture, Installation- using video, photography or sculpture. The completed work from prior classes lay the groundwork and direction for the AP 3D Portfolio. Attendance at MIAD’S Portfolio Day, College Presentation Days, and Pius XI Fine Arts Day is mandatory. PREREQUISITE: Prerequisites preferred for Studio 12 include Photography, Fashion and Fibers, 3-D Sculpture, and Architectural Design, Ceramics or AP Studio 11. Required concurrent enrollment in AP Art Portfolio and Context of Western Culture. It is recommended that students have at least one art class per semester Freshman through Junior year. Summer Portfolio Prep class is strongly recommended for students enrolled in AP Portfolio. Forms will be available after registration. In order to have a successful, complete experience in this AP course, students must complete the AP portfolio. If a student does not complete the AP portfolio, they will not receive a weighted grade.