Visual Art

The visual arts provide a unique and necessary understanding of human expression, assists in the development of creativity, builds problem-solving skills, and provides an opportunity for verbal and nonverbal communication.   The visual arts offer another form of self-expression to students. In Dysart, our K-12 Visual Art curriculum is designed to build on students' knowledge, aesthetic awareness, art appreciation, and age-appropriate skills. Our programs introduce and reinforce art concepts, skills, techniques, media, technology, and processes.   Students are given a multitude of opportunities for creative expression within a structured framework. 

Visual Arts courses offered in High School

Art 1-8

Offered: 9-12

All High Schools

Students will explore the elements and principles of design while mastering techniques in two-dimensional media. They will engage in basic drawing, painting, and mixed-media practices, focusing on media approaches, color theory, surfaces, and technologies. As they progress, students will develop their technical skills and critical thinking abilities, encouraging personal style and problem-solving within their artwork. Portfolio development will be a continuous process, with opportunities for independent projects that reflect individual artistic interests in drawing, painting, and mixed media. Students will work towards creating a cohesive body of work, which may culminate in an exhibition of their artwork. 

Ceramics 1-8

Offered: 9-12

All High Schools

Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of ceramic arts through hand-building techniques such as pinch, coil, and slab methods. They will explore surface decoration techniques, including glazing and staining, while learning to create both functional and sculptural forms. Basic wheel throwing and mold-making will also be introduced, allowing students to experiment with various clay bodies, glazes, decorative techniques, and firing methods. As they refine their craft, students will work towards creating portfolio pieces, challenging themselves with increasingly complex projects. The course emphasizes the development of technical skills and aesthetic sensibilities, preparing students for self-directed advanced studio work beyond high school, whether in senior projects, personal studio careers, residencies, or continued ceramics studies.

Painting 1-2

Offered: 9-12

All High Schools

Students will examine color theory and painting techniques. In addition, they will explore media approaches,techniques, surfaces and technologies. Students will be able to understand the relationship between art, culture and self. All students will develop a portfolio for presentation. 

AP Studio Art

Offered: 11-12

All High Schools

Students will create a portfolio focusing on a central idea/ sustained investigation that shows experimentation with materials, processes, and ideas while reflecting and revising work. At the end of the course, the AP College Board will do a portfolio review and score the work based on a rubric.

Visual Art Courses Offered in K-8 and Middle School 

Art 

Offered: K-8

All K-4 and K-8 Schools 

Students will explore the artistic processes by creating, presenting, responding, and connecting through visual arts. This will include age-appropriate instruction in painting, drawing, clay, and various media. Students will develop new skills through engaging, hands-on experiences in the arts. Students will have the opportunity to learn about various artists, genres, and mediums. 

MS Art

Offered: 5-6th Grade

Middle Schools Only

Students will explore the artistic processes by creating, presenting, responding, and connecting through visual arts. This will include age-appropriate instruction in painting, drawing, ceramics, and various media. Students will develop new skills through engaging, hands-on experiences in the arts. Students will have the opportunity to learn about various artists, genres, and mediums. 

Intro to Art

Offered: 7-8th Grade

Middle Schools Only

Students will learn the elements and principles of art and how to apply them within their artwork. Students will explore various media and materials. Students will also learn some basic art history directly applicable to projects.  This course will start preparing students for HS Art courses. 

Advanced Art

Offered: 7-8th Grade

Middle Schools Only

Students will build on basic drawing, perspective, and sketching techniques using various media to depict a variety of subjects. This course will survey various painted media on traditional surfaces of canvas and paper. Students will create artwork to demonstrate their understanding of the elements of art and principles of design.  This course will start preparing students for HS Art courses. 

Mixed Media/ 3D Art

Offered: 7-8th Grade

Middle Schools Only

Students will create multi-media compositions with a variety of materials, paint, images, found objects, and ink painting. Techniques will include collage, monotype printing, drawing, painting, mixing, assemblage, cutting, pasting, etc. Students will be challenged to create products that demonstrate their understanding of the elements of art and principles of design.