Weaver Academy Visual Art


The Arts Academy is a full-time high school option for grades 9-12. Students may apply to their area of interest by completing the application process and audition requirements. Visual Art Instructors
			Jeffrey Hughes hughesj3@gcsnc.com	Lisa Woods woodsl@gcsnc.com
Visual Art Curriculum
		The Visual Arts Department at Weaver is dedicated to providing an advanced technical and creative visual arts education to motivated high school students from Guilford County by providing a more comprehensive program in both the Fine Arts and Design. Students will work extensively with various media, exploring both traditional and non-traditional uses and examine advanced design problems with an emphasis on the development of their visual voice. Our goal for students is a mastery of technical skills that allows students to expand on their individual strengths and develop their visual language for more sophisticated forms of visual expression. Students will have the opportunity to take more specific courses than are offered at other high schools such as Drawing, Painting, Two and Three Dimensional Design, Digital Media and Figure Drawing. We work closely with area arts organizations and offer real world experiences that will provide insight into being a professional artist and working for a specific audience. In addition, the department offers students several exhibition opportunities throughout the year, at both our school and professional galleries Principle Area Courses and Projects Visual Art Principles will successfully complete the following courses with an unweighted “B” as a final semester grade or higher. Freshmen year -- Art I (2 semesters) • One semester the focus will be on Drawing Fundamentals/Media – perspective, line (contour, gesture, texture), value, illusion of space/depth, scale, subject matter, drawing from observation, composition, exploration of drawing media and techniques, exploration of artists using the media, with emphasis on contemporary. • In the other semester the focus will be on Principles of design, drafting for the designer, use of adhesives, paper construction, space design and presentation techniques. Sophomore year -- Art II (2 semesters) • One semester the focus will be on Painting/Color Theory – Extensive exploration of color/color theory, psychology and symbolism. Watercolor, acrylic, pastel and mixed medias plus different grounds for painting. Abstraction/non-objective painting plus other art historical styles are explored with emphasis on contemporary painting and techniques. • In the other semester the focus will be on 3D design using a variety of materials. Junior year – Honors Art III and Art III (1 semester each) • One semester the focus will be on figure drawing – intense study of anatomy and the figure, the use of the figure in contemporary art and application of prior media/techniques. • The other semester the focus will be on the study of typography or the use of the letter form in art. Senior year – Select one of the following: •AP Studio Art (Drawing) and lab (1 semester each) •AP 2-D Design and lab (1 semester each) •AP 3-D Design and lab (1 semester each) • AP Studio Art is an intensive, college-level course, based on the standards of excellence required by the College Board and the admissions standards of top visual arts programs. Work will demonstrate students’ mastery of technical skills and media, as well as development of a series of pieces related both visually and conceptually. Students will produce a portfolio of their best work to be submitted to the College Board, and used for Admissions to arts programs around the country. Exhibitions Each year students are expected to participate in Students Select (our annual juried student exhibition), PTA Reflections and Scholastic Art Awards. In addition, students are expected to participate in other exhibition opportunities as they arise. Senior Exhibition (Capstone Art Project) Seniors will organize, curate and mount an exhibition of their work at an off-campus location. (Note: This is in addition and not related to Senior English class “Graduation Project”) Portfolio Students will begin the process of collecting materials for a portfolio the first semester of their freshmen year. They will add to and refine the contents of the portfolio each semester through graduation. Students will compile a record of their art and design skills that could later be used for application to college or professional work. The portfolio may include examples of the following: use of color, use of value, use of line, drawing from observation, use of linear perspective or complex use of space, portraiture, drawing from the figure, digital photography, graphic design, typographic design and 3D design. Assessments Student’s artistic work will be assessed by faculty at the end of each semester. This is viewed as “real world” experience in the form of a professional interview or audition. Supporting Courses Visual Arts Principles are expected to successfully complete the following courses with an unweighted “C” as a final semester grade or higher. Computer Graphics I (1 semester) (Freshmen year) • Introduction to computer graphics, visual communication and publication design. Computer Graphics II (1 semester) (Sophomore year) •Advanced computer graphics, web design and flash animation Art History (1 semester) (Sophomore year) • The study of historical and contemporary trends in both Western and Non-western visual art, with an emphasis on creation and context. Students are to complete two of the following: • Honors Art IV (one semester) (Senior year) - Advanced graphic design projects, design internship or portfolio development. • Photographic Design - Photographic theory and the use of the digital camera. • Construction Technology I • Intro to Recording • Technical Theatre • Drafting I • Honors Human Anatomy & Physiology (prerequisite: Honors Chemistry) *Click here for complete PVA Curriculum and CAMY Award requirements*
	Application Process Application must be hand-written by the student. Parent/Guardian signature is required on the last page. Rising 9th graders should include a copy of their most recent 8th grade report card and documentation of computer competency tests that have been taken. Rising 10th graders should include a transcript along with proof that all 8th grade end-of-grade and computer competency skills have been passed. A copy of your child’s immunization records is required. Two letters of recommendation must be included in the packet: one from your school administrator, counselor, or a teacher and one from an instructor in your specialized area who can address your talents, abilities, and potential. Applicants with an IEP must have parent/guardian secure a copy of the IEP and include it in the packet. Only completed application packets will be reviewed by the Weaver Academy Admissions Committee. Only candidates with complete application packets will be contacted to schedule an audition and personal interview. Weaver Academy only offers an honors curriculum, therefore, students will be selected who exhibit characteristics necessary for success. Following the interview, students will be notified of their acceptance/non-acceptance into the program. All acceptances are contingent on applicant providing proof that all EOGs and Algebra I End-of-Course test have been passed.
	Portfolio Review Visual Art students should: Bring a portfolio of 8-10 pieces. You may include drawing, painting, 3D or other media. Do NOT include cartoons, copied work or animae. Your portfolio should include examples of the following: use of color, use of value, drawing from observation, use of linear perspective or complex use of space. Be prepared to draw a still life. Paper and pencils will be available in the art room. A personal interview will be conducted at the time of the portfolio review.