In this course, students will learn how to create 3D models and animate them. They will complete three projects: creating a 3D model based on a 2D image; designing an original 3D character; and integrating a 3D animation into live-action footage.

In this course students will learn basic computer aided design (CAD) software, explore the possibilities of 3D printing, and solve various challenges by designing solutions to those challenges. Challenges might relate to architecture, product design, wearable objects for the body, art objects, toys, and more. Fundamentals of design theory, and how design fits into our world will be included.

In this course, students are invited to develop empathy through art, exploring the transformative ability of the creative process to build more compassionate and interconnected communities. Through a variety of projects, they will explore how empathy shapes our perceptions and actions, and how an empathetic and curious approach to art can foster deeper connections between people and create meaningful change in the world.

In this course, students will explore a range of animation techniques across both analog and digital platforms, including long-exposure photography, digital scanning, and 3D tracking and compositing. Approaching animation as a concept, rather than a technique related to any specific technology, they will learn how to think across multiple art disciplines, incorporating a range of mediums into their projects.

Students will create work and study in digital photography, engaging in both a technical and expressive exploration of the camera. Assignments will include creating work in response to their creative writing: short stories, poetry, and more.

Students will craft stories through digital imaging with the exploration of creating backgrounds and practicing the intentions of objects and placement.

This course teaches students fundamental skills and concepts in documentary filmmaking. These include using video cameras and sound equipment, lighting subjects, conducting effective interviews, and identifying ethical issues involved in their work. Projects allow students to examine and explore issues important to them and their communities.

Students will explore photojournalists and the techniques and impacts of creating documentary photos.

This course explores various techniques, tools, and skills to help strengthen and grow skills for either a new or a more advanced drawer. Developing looking and seeing skills are tantamount in this course. The focus in on naturalistic and observational skills: tone, composition, proportion, siting, and more. Various traditional and non-traditional materials will be explored. We will become familiar with artists with drawing practices, to see the many ways drawing can be part of the artistic practice, and how it can sharpen important skills for everyone. A consistent sketchbook practice, and drawing outside of class time are expected. 

In this class, students begin by exploring observation-based challenges and then gradually move away from rendering the world naturalistically to embrace issues of abstraction to varying degrees. This class includes an in-depth exploration of the principles of design and the construction of composition, as well as the processes of intuition, gesture, and mark-making, emphasizing personal self-expression to gain a richer understanding of their creative voice. The course ends with an introduction to nonobjective approaches to drawing.

In this class, students create a suite of 10 to 20 drawings in which visual design, evolved process, and conceptual ideas are thoroughly developed. This class is designed for students to explore content and personal voice in their art. It is considered "advanced" because the opportunity to concentrate on personal interests and skills in a focused way tends to catapult a student to the net level in their creative evolution. Even though this is an advanced-level drawing course, students with any level of art experience can benefit from taking this class.

Collage explores drawing through the cutting up of materials and rearranging them to form a composite whole. The course explores the history of collage while working with a wide variety of materials and processes to create two-dimensional artworks using found and handmade elements. Students exercise and balance mark-making with the activities of transforming found materials, image juxtaposition, creative risk-taking, “Listening to the picture,” “Seeing” potential in unexpected places, and “Reading” the work of art. The course explores collage strategies that include Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, and more.

In this class, students focus on idea-based and rule-based approaches to drawing. Students develop a wide range of strategies for visually and conceptually expressing ideas in drawing while learning about the history of conceptual art.

In this foundational drawing class, students will focus on developing their observational/representational rendering skills (naturalism). The course is structured to train the eye to see and the hand to respond. This is a challenging course designed for both beginning and advanced students. The homework is significant. 

Students will create digital photography based on themes of environmental justice, focusing on landscape, architecture, and human actions.

(Previously listed as Narrative Film) In this course, students will learn the fundamental techniques of narrative filmmaking, include storyboarding, cinematography, micing, and continuity editing. Working independently and in crews, they will create three films designed to tell stories visually with DSLR cameras, high-quality microphones, lights, and Final Cut Pro software. Throughout the course, they will also watch and discuss films by numerous narrative filmmakers.

This photography course will combine early photo history and practice. We will begin with the camera obscura, work through to pinhole cameras, continue through the late 19th century and early 20th century in coating materials with various emulsions, expose light sensitive materials using ultraviolet light instead of an enlarger, and complete the mod exploring medium- and large-format photography, which produces extremely detailed negatives with fine grain.

This course creates opportunities for students to create art from a mindful attitude. Mediation,  working for nature, and creating works that have a calming effect on the artist and audience are all aspects of this course. Drawing and sculpture will both be part of the course curriculum. Artists of all levels are welcome.

(Previously titled Interdisciplinary Photo) Students will use photographs in combination with collage, assemblage, and hand-applied elements including drawing to create work that explores line, value, shape, texture, and space.

In this course, students will explore the process of creating a photo book from conception to publication. They'll work on a long-term project of creating new work and refining their portfolios while practicing sequencing and editing techniques through weekly critiques. Students will identify themes and construction by researching existing photo books and photo book artists. Students will complete the course with a published photo book of their work.

This is an introductory course in black and white photography with instruction in camera technique, film exposure, development, and printmaking. This class provides students with a basic understanding of the photographic process. Weekly assignments encourage students to think about photography as a means of personal expression.

(Prerequisite: Photo 1 or permission of the instructor)

(Prerequisites: Photo 2)

Students will explore ways of capturing people and identities through composition, content, and body language in digital photography.

The course provides an opportunity to work and think about art on a large scale. Students create scale models of potential larger works that might require months to actually construct. They work outdoors on projects using simple “green “ materials to create large pieces that are both objects and activate the space around them. Students are given a variety of prompts and requirements to address when creating their sculptures. For example, themes have been based on ideas about safety vs. danger and transitions.  Students in the class are, sometimes for the first time, sawing and hauling logs, hefting rocks, digging holes and generally breaking a sweat to create their visions. This course will be offered every other year.  

In this course, students will explore various basic methods and materials related to creating sculptural artwork. Both traditional and non-traditional aspects of working in three dimensions will be investigated. Each module will begin with a series of exercises to familiarize the students with fundamental skills. This will be followed by longer projects that explore observational, conceptual, and abstractive methods. All projects ask students to consider the specific qualities, traditions, and meanings related to sculpture. This class is open to all.

Students focus on basic wheel throwing techniques, such as centering and throwing cylinders, bowls, and bottles. Assignments stress the functional qualities of the thrown form. By the end of the module, there may be some time to explore the personal expression one can achieve with wheel‑thrown forms.

The Art of Buildings is an introductory architecture course for students to learn the basics of blueprints and foam-core scale model building. During the course, students will explore how buildings can be an aesthetic and practical expression of social and personal beliefs. The intersection of privilege, access, equity, and building construction are considered. Students will engage in regular collaborative group critiques and present an underrepresented architect of their choosing. This intellectual and hands-on course is open to all levels of experience, from beginner to advanced students who might work more independently to expand on the assignments.

Video art has been described as the “electronic canvas.” In this course, students will learn to use the moving image as an artwork unto itself. Students will be exposed to video art’s unique history, as well as the video art pioneers and contemporaries who have created work outside the traditions of the narrative and documentary. We will explore the technical aspects of video, including using the camera, the software, and the moving image in both traditional and experimental ways. Editing will be done using the digital process of Final Cut Pro, but students may also explore other methods of creating moving images. How, where, and when to present work will also be explored.

In this course, students will learn a variety of advanced video editing techniques primarily in Adobe After Effects software, including chromakeying, masking, rotoscoping, and 3D tracking and compositing, culminating in a final project in which they create a dynamic, animated film using 3D models and third-party plug-ins. Throughout the course, they will also examine works by numerous contemporary artists who incorporate motion graphics into their work.

This course was previously titled "Intro to Special Effects," and covers the same content. Students who completed Intro to Special Effects should not take this class.

In this course, students will explore line (through the material of wire) and how it can be used to define a surface, a form, and even an environment. We will learn basic wire manipulation techniques of attaching, weaving, and forming, as well as how to attain structure on various scales, how it works with light to create shadow, how adding a skin can transform a structure, and more.