This course will provide an environment to continue any of the introductory level art classes and can also be taken as preparation for the Honors Seminar Studio Art class. The Portfolio Seminar will allow in-depth investigation of ideas and build on the craftsmanship begun during an introductory level class. Assignments to further develop technical skills in a variety of media will be interspersed with independent projects. Students will play a role in developing the direction of the course and in writing their own assessment criteria.
Through discussions, research, and critiques, each member of the group will cultivate an artistic vocabulary and critiquing skills and be exposed to a variety of research and methods for conceptual development. Students will maintain a sketchbook as their primary organizational tool for visual evolution. Topics will range from community-based and collaborative work to historical, cultural, and contemporary art. The course will conclude with a significant independent topic chosen by each student, such as a global art investigation, art used as activism, a personal narrative in art, documentary photography, bookbinding, portrait painting, or a video short. Students will conclude the class with a portfolio of work and an artist’s statement. This is a full year or fall or spring semester course. Two semesters of this course may be taken in different years in Upper School.
Prerequisite: This course is open to tenth, eleventh, and twelfth graders with one year of Upper School Visual Art and the ability to work independently.
