Faculty
Student Art

Course Descriptions
Admission Requirements
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Faculty

Instructor of Two-dimensional Art: Rick Jacobi

Student Art

Arts Academy Students Win Multiple Awards at Scholastic Art Show

The Scholastic show is the big regional art competition and exhibition each year. This is a very competitive show that features the “best of the best” art from schools throughout our region, which includes Macomb, Lapeer, and St. Claire counties. Top award winners go on to compete in the national show.

Ashley Nehls and Becky McMellen both received Gold Key Portfolio Awards. Additionally, the following pieces from the Visual Arts Department were accepted into this year's show:

 

Ashley Nehls, Gold Key Award
Ashley Nehls, Certificate
Ashley Nehls, Certificate
Ashley Nehls, Certificate
Leah Garvin, Certificate
Marcin Ogonek, Certificate

 

Congratulations to all of these outstanding young artists!

Two Dimensional Art Course Descriptions

2D Art I

Prerequisite: None.
Description: Students will develop a range of basic art skills, and be encouraged to find creative solutions for a wide range of different types of projects.
Emphasis will be placed on drawing and painting from observation through figure drawing and still life lessons. Materials will include pencil, pen & ink, colored pencil, oil pastel, watercolor, and tempera paint.
Limited exposure to Art History will also be included.


2D Art II

Prerequisite: Successful completion of 2D Art I (both semesters).
Description: Students will further develop their skills and abilities, and be encouraged to find increasingly creative solutions for a wide range of different types of projects.
Emphasis will continue to be placed on drawing and painting from observation through figure drawing and still life lessons. An extended Printmaking unit will also be introduced. Materials will include pencil, pen & ink, colored pencil, oil pastel, watercolor, tempera and acrylic paint.
Further exploration of Art History will also be included.


2D Art III

Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.
Description: This course is for serious art students only. A limited number of directed assignments will be given, but students will be expected to be responsible for generating a significant amount of work based on their own interests and creative vision. The instructor will aid students in increasing their technical abilities and in learning to look at their art in a more analytical and critical manner.
This class will feature a more in-depth approach to Art History, including student research in this area.


2D Art IV

Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor. This course is for Seniors only.
Description: This course gives students an opportunity to take what they have learned in their previous art courses, and use that knowledge to express their individual creative vision. Skill building continues, but the emphasis here is for students to develop a greater level of maturity and sophistication in their work. Through slide presentations and class discussions, students will be exposed to a wide range of contemporary art and art theory, broadening their understanding and appreciation of the role of art in today’s world.


2D Art Senior Project

Description: All Seniors majoring in 2D Art must take this class to fulfill their Senior Project requirement for graduation. First semester is the actual “project”. Students will assemble a finished portfolio suitable for applying to a college or university art program. Portfolio pieces may include work done from previous years (which can be “fine-tuned” during this class) and work done during first semester of Senior year.
Second semester provides students an opportunity for exploration and experimentation above and beyond what they are doing in their regular 2D Art class.

Admission Requirements

All prospective students

Students are required to submit a portfolio of three pieces of 2 Dimensional Art. This art will be reviewed by Art Department faculty. Please include the following:

1) Self-portrait. Pencil, ink, or charcoal.
2) Still-life drawing. Pencil, colored pencil, ink, charcoal or pastel.
3) One other piece: drawing, painting, ceramics, or sculpture. Your choice of subject matter and materials.

*2 dimensional pieces (drawings, paintings) must be matted with white matte board, 2” border on all sides.
*3 dimensional pieces (ceramics, sculpture) may be brought in “as is”. If the piece is extremely large, a high-quality photograph may be used.

Freshmen

All incoming freshmen will take 2D Art I or 3D Art I.

Sophomores

Incoming sophomores will also take level I art classes, even if they have had art at another school. Our art program is likely to be more rigorous than programs at most other schools. Even if they have had art at another school, they still may not be prepared for the level of work that we do in level II classes at AAW.

Exceptions to this policy may be allowed. If an incoming sophomore thinks that they belong in a level II art class, they must submit a portfolio (8-10 pieces of art) to the Visual Art Department for review prior to admission to level II classes. All 2D work must be matted and in a portfolio. Additionally, 2D portfolios for level II must include at least two paintings. Portfolios for students looking to enter 3D II must include a significant amount of 3D work.

Juniors and Seniors

All incoming juniors and seniors must submit a portfolio (8-10 pieces of art) to the Visual Art Department for review prior to admission to level II, III, or IV classes. This applies to the Senior Project class as well. All 2D work must be matted and in a portfolio. Additionally, 2D portfolios for levels II, III, and IV must include at least two paintings. Portfolios for students looking to enter 3D II, III or IV must include a significant amount of 3D work.

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