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.
Work spaces are open during evenings and on the weekends, so students are free to work on projects as their schedules (and inspirations) allow.
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.
2022-2023 VISUAL ARTS COURSE OFFERINGS
Art: In this introductory course, students will practice and develop drawing skills, learn color theory, and experiment with a range of both wet and dry media. Students will keep a sketchbook, participate in critique, and build a portfolio website, and exhibit some of their work in the Moos Gallery. 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, 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.
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: Students will work with the fundamental techniques used to create pieces out of clay including hand-building, wheel throwing, carving, and wedging. They will also experiment with different surface treatments to acquire the desired look including glaze testing, and firing. Students will also talk about the pieces made in a critique setting as a class, this way students learn how to talk about their artwork and explain their ideas. This class is for students who want to explore the medium and what they can do using clay. Advanced Ceramics (.5 Credit): This is an advanced ceramics course for those who wish to increase their skills set using clay. Students will attempt more difficult forms, techniques, higher levels of craftsmanship, and conceptual ideas. Prerequisites include one Ceramics class and permission of the instructor.
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.
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 and Art II or departmental permission.
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 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.
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.
Costume Design: Students will learn the elements of costuming including organization, design, and construction. Focus is on preparing for theatrical productions, including script analysis and historical research. Students will learn how to cut and alter a pattern, operate a sewing machine, and adjust existing garments. Students will also assist in getting costumes ready for theater and dance performances. More advanced students may be involved in the design and construction of costumes for the stage. This course may be repeated for credit.
Book Arts and Printmaking: With the written word so available and easy to spread via the internet, artists have co-opted the now obsolete tools of the craftsperson to create artist books and book- like structures. Students in this class will not only employ traditional tools to make prints, they will also learn adhesive and non-adhesive bindings, as well as create original book structures, tapping into their own personal ideas. This class is great for those who want to add to their art skills, but also for those who are interested in creative writing, sequential imagery, lettering, graphic arts, or journaling. This course may be repeated for credit.