Visual Arts

Students have the opportunity to take a variety of classes and join after school clubs that enhance their ideation process and bring their creative ideas to life. Whether it be pen and paper, paint brush and canvas or mouse and keyboard, IHS provides the tools for students to develop skills through a multitude of mediums.

Something For Everyone

We believe every student has a creative talent within themselves and it is our privilege to help students discover that talent. Whether one is exploring an interest in the arts or looking to pursue a lifelong career, this program has something for everyone and we encourage all to join.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

While art classes typically take place indoors, teachers often take advantage of our beautiful campus and Tarrywile Park by bringing their classes outside to work on projects. A change of scenery can not only be very inspiring for student artists but also a great way for them to have fun and relax. Art classes also go on field trips to places like the Museum of Modern Art to further educate and inspire students.

Constructive Criticism

At the end of each project, students participate in a constructive critique with their peers. This is an opportunity for students to provide feedback to their classmates and ask for feedback about their own artwork. Critiques are a fun way for everyone to show off their creativity and talent while also discovering ways to improve as an artist.

Understanding the Creative Process

Learning new creative skills is important and serves as the foundation for any great artist, but another important component is understanding the creative process. Students are taught how to conceptualize, problem solve and work through their designs in a way that will prepare them for college and for those looking to pursue careers in the visual arts.

Differentiated Learning Environment

We recognize that each student works towards achieving unique personal goals. As a way to support students and ensure their goals are met, classes are tailored to each individual's needs. Our small class sizes allow teachers to be flexible and provide individualized instruction and guidance to everyone.

Arts in the Park

Arts in the Park is an end-of-the-year Fine Arts event that gives students the opportunity to showcase their artwork. In the past, students have chosen to display their digital artwork, paintings, drawings, 3D prints, sculptures and even a student-made mini golf course!

Available Courses

0750 Introduction To Art CP

1 Credit

This course will concentrate on the basics of drawing, painting, and sculpture. Introduction to Art is a foundational-level class focusing on the process of creating artwork in a variety of media such as pencil, paint, polymer clay, wire, and more. Concepts such as composition and perspective, as well as the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design will be addressed. Students will be required to think about their own creative process, and utilize critical thinking skills in order to improve their artwork. They will be introduced to the vocabulary of art, and will be asked to use such vocabulary in class critiques.

0752 3-D Sculpture and Design CP (Offered in Even Years)

1 Credit

Prerequisite: Introduction to Art

Offered in even years

Students will focus on creating artwork that goes into the three-dimensional plane (3-D). This course will expand on the sculpture techniques learned in the Introduction to Art course. The class will also gain an understanding of how the 2-D concepts and techniques learned in Introduction to Art can help bolster their three-dimensional work. The importance of working from good references (both picture and life) will be stressed as a means to build up the student’s visual library. Such a library will enhance their skill at interpreting their ideas in 3-D space. Students will work in both additive and subtractive sculpture methods, and work in a variety of materials such as polymer clay, oil-based clay, wood, paper, and metal.

0751 Drawing and Painting CP (Offered in Odd Years)

1 Credit

Offered in odd years

Students will focus on creating artwork on the two-dimensional (2-D) plane. The course will reinforce and go beyond the concepts that were covered in Introduction to Art. The importance of working from good references (both picture and life) will be stressed as a means to build up the student’s visual library. Such a library will enhance their skill at representing the three- dimensional world on a 2-D space. The course will delve deeply into the issues of value, color, and composition. Students will create many types of pieces, including landscapes, portraits, still life and abstract works of art.

0780 Portfolio Development/Individual Study H

1 Credit

Prerequisite: Drawing & Painting, 3-D Sculpture, or Graphic Design and approval of Instructor

This course is designed for students who want to continue their art education. The student will create a variety of highly refined artwork for their college application portfolio. Students in this course will have many options when it comes to creating their artwork in terms of subject matter and media. The importance of the artistic process and problem solving will be the focus of this course. Becoming self-sufficient in the area of critique will help students identify and fix their artwork’s deficiencies. Learning how to work through mistakes and utilize critical thinking to solve such events will help the student evolve as an artist.

0783 AP STUDIO 2D ART & DESIGN

1 Credit

Prerequisite: Drawing & Painting, 3-D Sculpture, or Graphic Design and approval of instructor

This is an intensive course that is designed for students serious about continuing their art education through college. The student will create a minimum of 24 highly refined works of art for their AP Portfolio. Students in this course will focus on three areas to fill out their portfolio: quality, a concentration and breadth. Students will be expected to pursue mastery in concept, composition and execution of drawing. The importance of the artistic process, creative integrity, and problem solving will be a focus of this course.

0621 PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING H

1 Credit

Prerequisite: 85 in Introduction to Engineering Design H

This two-semester Project Lead the Way course introduces engineering concepts, methodologies, and the application of engineering principles. Students explore multiple engineering fields gaining a better understanding of each. The course provides students the opportunity to apply an engineering design process and develop their analytical and problem-solving skills. Using activities, projects and problems, students learn first-hand how engineers use math, science and technology in an engineering problem solving process.

0612 Graphic Design I

1 Credit

This course will introduce students to the broad field of graphic arts. Through hands-on projects, students will learn about design fundamentals, color theory, typography, and the design process. Students will be introduced to a wide variety of technical concepts and detail related to graphic design, computer applications, digital and traditional photography, and career opportunities. Students will learn the basics of the Adobe Creative Suite to design and produce a variety of printed products and display graphics. This course also meets the Fine Arts requirement for graduation.

0613 Graphic Design II H

1 Credit

Prerequisite: 90 Graphic Design I or Department Chair Endorsement

Graphic Design II is an extension of Graphic Design I. The students will be involved with advanced techniques in photo manipulation, page and package design, and digital printing. Students will gain significant knowledge of the different programs in the Adobe Creative Suite. This course will significantly increase understanding of design thinking and problem solving as well as visual literacy.

0624 VISUAL DESIGN ECP (Graphics Design III)

1 Credit

Prerequisite: 85 in Graphic Design II H or Department Chair Endorsement

This course introduces students to the design process using professional-level software for digital image creation and editing, typesetting and typography, page layout and design in preparation for advanced coursework. Students produce course projects that demonstrate creativity, design concepts, critical thinking, aesthetic principles, and basic technical competence. ECP credit from Quinnipiac University.

0615 DIGITAL GRAPHICS DESIGN IV H

1 Credit

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Graphics III/College course or Department Chairperson

This is an independent study course for Advanced Graphics course for students who intend to pursue a career in design or related business/arts field. Students will receive certification in several Adobe suite programs including PS, Id and Ai. Students will identify an area for improvement and work to obtain an increase implementation of their knowledge as well as working with clients to create marketing materials including but not limited to fliers, outdoor advertising, promotional items such a t-shirt, buttons, stickers and more.