Art (3-D)

Prerequisite: None.

Ceramics and Pottery 1-2 is an introductory course designed for students interested in the fundamental techniques and creative processes of working with clay. Students will explore hand-building methods such as pinch, coil, and slab construction. The course emphasizes craftsmanship, the creative process, and the artistic expression of ideas by creating functional and sculptural ceramic forms. Students will also learn about glazing, surface decoration, and firing processes while studying historical and contemporary ceramic artists for inspiration. By the end of the course, students will have developed technical skills and an understanding of ceramics as an art form.

Prerequisite: Beginner Ceramics required.

Ceramics and Pottery 3-4 is a full-year intermediate course designed to build upon the basic concepts learned in Ceramics and Pottery 1-2. Students will refine their hand-building skills, learn foundational steps for using the Potter’s Wheel, and explore various types of surface decoration. This course includes more complex functional and sculptural projects. Students will also make connections to contemporary and historical ceramic art as they develop their own portfolio of work.

Prerequisite: Intermediate Ceramics required.

Ceramics and Pottery 5-6 is designed for students who have completed beginning ceramics and wish to deepen their skills and creative exploration in clay. This course offers advanced hand-building techniques, refined wheel-throwing skills, and innovative surface decoration methods. Students will experiment with complex forms and functional and sculptural projects while developing a personal artistic voice. The course encourages students to study diverse ceramic traditions and contemporary practices. The course culminates in a digital work portfolio reflecting student growth and creativity.

Prerequisite: Advanced Ceramics and portfolio review required.

Students must be able to work independently, have in-depth knowledge of various media as well as Art and Design principles. Students must take Advanced Ceramics unless they are given an approval to skip letter from the art teachers. There is not a test for this course; instead students create 15 independent artworks based on a theme to create a portfolio to send to the AP Board in May for evaluation.

All students enrolled in AP courses are encouraged to take the exam; however, students are responsible for exam fees. College credit is based on AP Examination score and individual university criteria.