Visual Arts
Find your creative path
Exploring the possibilities of material and technique, WRA's visual artists solve problems dealing with line, form, color and space. In our well-appointed studios, they develop their creative aptitude and sensitivity to the visual world.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Two- and three-dimensional studios with work stations
- Spacious, well-ventilated sculpture and ceramic kiln rooms
- Production area for digital design
- A fully equipped digital media lab
- The Moos Gallery, a year-round showcase for both student and professional artists.
2023-2024 VISUAL ARTS COURSE OFFERINGS
Art 1: In this introductory course, students will practice and develop drawing skills,and experiment with a range of both wet and dry media. Students will keep a sketchbook, participate in critique, build a portfolio website, and exhibit work in the Moos Gallery at the end of the semester. Focus is on idea development, skill building, and learning good studio habits in order to improve one’s abilities, no matter a student’s level of experience. This course is required for all other 2-D art classes.
Art 2: Students will build upon the foundation they have gained in Art I, and utilize this knowledge base to further develop their skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, and/or collage. This class will emphasize the importance of the implementation of the art proposal. Students will embark on a personalized journey focusing on areas in which they are most passionate. Sketchbook required. Prerequisite: Art I and/or departmental permission.
Advanced Art/Portfolio: This course requires substantial commitment and a willingness to explore new ideas and the ability to express personal artistic vision. Students enrolled in this class are seeking opportunities to further their art education after WRA at the collegiate level or are deemed appropriate by instructors and have shown considerable growth, drive, and commitment in the art studio previously. Sketchbook required. Prerequisite: Art 1 and Art 2 or departmental permission.
3D Art: The 3D Art student will be introduced to the following materials, but not limited to: wire, a variety of woods (balsa wood and toothpicks), papers, cardboard, found objects, and recycled materials to name a few. Students will learn from direct observation and use these materials to show their understanding of the Principles of Design: Pattern, Contrast, Emphasis, Balance, Proportion, Harmony (unity) and Rhythm and Movement.
Ceramics 1: Students in Ceramics I will learn the fundamentals of clay as well as how to ideate, create, finish, and reflect on their process. Techniques will include hand-building, carving, using additive and subtractive processes, as well as exploring texture, shape, and form. Students will learn trimming, glazing, and finishing techniques, and throwing on the wheel will be introduced. Process journals will be used to plan, document, and reflect on their projects, and peer and self-evaluations will allow students to improve their craft. Prerequisite: Art I or 3D Art or departmental permission.
Ceramics 2: Ceramics 2 continues the exploration of expression using clay. Students will hone their craft and learn new techniques including wheel-work and using molds to create their pieces. The course will continue to help students advance their comfort using clay, and will encourage more exploration into experimentation with shape, form, and finish. Students are expected to document their process, use test tiles to determine glaze processes, and research different artists in order to perfect a chosen technique for their final project(s). Students must have taken. Ceramics I as a prerequisite.
Advanced Ceramics: Advanced Ceramics is for students who have completed both Ceramics 1, Ceramics 2, and have been approved by the instructor to continue on in Ceramics for a more independent exploration of the medium. Projects include explorations of new techniques and processes, research and deep-dives into artists’ works for inspiration and understanding, mixed media using clay as the base, then adding additional materials and processes to create unique and thoughtful works. This class is very self-driven, with the majority of projects/units devised by the students themselves, with support and guidance provided by the instructor. Students will be encouraged to enter their work into relevant competitions and scholarship consideration. This class may be repeated for credit.
Environmental Art: Students will use the outdoors as their canvas. Using different natural materials, students will create installations indoors and outdoors. The elements and passage of time will change and affect these art forms. Students must be prepared to work outside in the elements. Rain boots, rain/warm coats, and gloves are all required. Sketchbook required. 3D Art, Junior or Senior status, and/or approval of instructor
Photography: Students will learn the basics of capturing images using DSLR cameras to control focus, shutter speed, and composition. Post-processing, and photo manipulation will take place in Adobe Lightroom Classic and Photoshop to create both realistic and artistic effects. Students will delve into idea development, design implementation, technical skills, creative risk-taking, and personal expression. Students will also participate in hanging photographs in the hallways, and in the Moos Gallery. Prerequisite Art I, Junior or Senior status and/or approval of instructor
Advanced Photography: Advanced Photography is for a student who wants to strengthen basic skills learned in Photography, and explore more in-depth shooting, editing, idea development, and the history of photography. Guided by prompts and choice boards, students will investigate subjects, styles, themes and concepts based on personal interest, and continue to hone both the technical and artistic aspects of making images. Prerequisites include one Photography class and permission of the instructor. Prerequisite: Photography and/or permission of instructor
Advanced Photography Teaching Practicum: Students in Advanced Photo Teaching Practicum will assist other students, complete studio maintenance tasks, teach a lesson, and gain other practical skills in running the Digital Media Lab. In addition, students will continue to build their photography portfolio based upon personal interests, and guided by sustained investigation. The course will culminate in a personal exhibition, presentation or installation.Prerequisite: Advanced Photography and permission of instructor