Visual Arts
General Course Description
The Visual Arts program is open to students in grades 6 through 12. Students enrolled in the middle school morning classes will study both two and three-dimensional art under the guidance of both instructors. Students in the high school afternoon classes will elect to be enrolled in either the 2-D or 3-D visual arts class.
Afternoon students choosing Visual Arts 2-D will experience drawing, painting, various fiber arts, and printmaking. Visual Arts 3-D students develop skills in the media of drawing, sculpture, ceramics and metals. Students in both disciplines will be exposed to the basic concepts of spatial organization. All students will be taught and will apply the Elements of Art, the Principles of Organization and basic aesthetic concepts to their work. This is necessary to produce more knowledgeable consumers of the arts as well as to provide a strong background for students anticipating a career in art or an art related field.
Both Visual Arts programs will establish within each student the highest degree of artistic achievement possible. Emphasis will be placed on individuality, correlation between disciplines, and a sense of history and culture. Specific areas of study are repeated in order to develop a greater mastery, and a personal style.
Candidates applying for the visual arts program must complete all entrance requirements for SASA as well as submit a portfolio containing at least five original pieces representative of their finest artwork. Artwork produced from observation of real objects (such as still-life drawing) is most valuable in the acceptance process. Applicants will also be required to produce a drawing on-site, with performance monitored and evaluated by the SASA instructors.
Program Goals
• The student will be able to recognize and successfully demonstrate the basic techniques of all available media which will lead eventually to advanced media experience.
• The student will be able to demonstrate understanding of art vocabulary through verbal and written assignments as well as through art production.
• The student will have prolonged contact with instructors who will monitor his/her progress.
• The student will be able to systematically develop ideas from research to be applied to varied media.
• The student will demonstrate the ordered sequence of development in 2-D and 3-D projects.
• The student will study the history of art through lecture, reading, writing and oral presentation involving research techniques and technology.
• All students will maintain a portfolio of their best artwork.
• All students will meet or exceed the career pathway requirements established by the Saginaw Public Schools.
• Afternoon students will meet with representatives of art and design schools who will provide current college and art career information as well as review portfolios.
• The student will investigate career choices related to the visual arts.
• The student will be given opportunities to visit museums, both locally and within the state.
