Freshman studies cover world history and the art and culture that shaped that history. The art a culture creates becomes the physical record of a civilization. It mirrors the culture and frames the history. The culture a civilization creates is, in turn, the catalyst for the civilization’s achievements which is then reflected in the art work. The study of the art a civilization creates and the history of that civilization are so intertwined, that studying them both gives the student the fullest scope and deepest understanding of any historical era. Freshmen study how human cultures grow using common themes, rather than how individual cultures grow in semi-isolation. These studies are designed to teach world history and art starting with early paleolithic cultures through to the beginnings of the modern world and the 20th century. The course looks at history not through strict chronological study, but through thematic study (adaptation, conflict, self-identification, defining the physical world). Art not only reflects these themes, but pushes culture forward toward new definitions of the themes.

There is a writing and research component in both aspects of the course that includes analyzing historical eras and the art and architecture connections to the cultures. There is also a hands-on component that will involve creating art work based on historical models, exploring the techniques, and adding personal expression to truly understand the motivations of the cultures involved.

In this course students build on their previous experience to complete a series of projects responding to complex design challenges. Using Adobe Creative Suite software, students compose projects and poignant imagery, combine words and pictures to communicate ideas and solve design problems. Emphasis is also placed on writing about projects as a way to organize and explain the creative process, as well as to give constructive feedback to peers and to respond to the work of professional artists and designers. On occasion, we will take lessons off campus to explore signage and typography, as well as museum and cultural experiences.

(Students required to have taken Art 1, Digital Design, or equivalent)

In this course we will explore digital photography in relation to fine art. Students will be introduced to the world of photography through digital cameras and Adobe Photoshop. Students will be asked to produce artwork and participate in class discussion to better understand the physical, conceptual and theoretical characteristics of the electronic media as it pertains to art and art making. Emphasis will be placed on the students’ development of understanding of the evolution of art, photography and electronic imaging as well as art history.  This knowledge will help them to produce expressive and thoughtful works of art.

In this hands-on, non-credit course students learn and execute live web video broadcasting of the school’s significant athletic, academic and extracurricular activities. Students work on broadcasts as videographers, score operators, commentators, and producers.

This is a course that focuses on observational drawing and painting. It is a classical course in the traditional sense. The students will learn how to paint using watercolors, and acrylics. They will focus on realism working from the environment, still life, the landscape, and human portraits. Students will also learn 3-D techniques creating sculptures and ceramics. All of the techniques are built on the basics learned in Art 1.

The course is designed to prepare students for the New York State AP Art History exam, and will include practice exams and lessons in test taking strategies. A survey course of Art History from ancient civilizations to the modern era. The course covers Western and non-Western art with an emphasis on the cultural forces that influenced the art. There is a writing and research component that includes critiquing specific art works, and analyzing historical eras in art.

Fashion design is part of our interdisciplinary and individualized approach to education. Students in this class will learn the technical skills of sewing, pattern making, and the creative skills of drawing designs and fabric arts (including printmaking on fabrics, and 3-D design). The course will also feature a history of design with a special look at where the industry is headed (sustainable fabrics and industrial processes). Finally, the course will explore the fashion industry with a look at marketing and manufacturing. There will also be opportunities for year-long cornerstone projects created by the students that investigate various aspects of the fashion industry. This may include working with local designers on marketing or sourcing issues, or any topic that addresses a local need. Within the course, there is a series of workshops run by industry professionals on entrepreneurship, branding, sewing, etc. As in all or our classes, there are trips into New York City and environs to look at museum collections and talk to professionals in the fashion world. These classes, experiential trips, and individual projects will give the students a well-rounded background in this exciting and multifaceted industry, and an insight into the next educational step they would need for their careers.

A fully hands-on course that focuses on all aspects of creating fictional and documentary filmmaking. Throughout the course, every student performs at least one key pre-production /production and/or post-production task- writing, directing, acting, producing, cinematography, or editing.