Contact Information:
Art & Design teacher: Rachel J. Minnich
Email: rminnich@octorara.org • Phone: 610-593-8254
Class Description (as found within the program of studies):
1.0 Credit Gr. 9, 10, 11, 12
Art Major I is the foundation for further study in art. Therefore, it is the prerequisite to all other art major courses. This course emphasizes the elements of art and the principles of design primarily through a series of 2-D work. The first half of the year is devoted to improving drawing skills (pencil, pen and ink, and charcoal are the mediums that will be used) and composition skills (through the use of digital photography). The second half of the year will focus on color theory using such mediums as acrylics, colored pencil, watercolor, and the computer. Projects include digital photography, still-life studies, layout, drawing, painting, and computer-generated fine art. Grades will be derived from weekly out of class photo/drawing assignments, in class projects, and fine art critiques.
What will your child learn in this class?
This class focuses upon the fundamentals of art. We will not only review all elements of art (line, shape/form, color/value, texture, space) and principles of design (balance, emphasis, harmony/unity, variety, movement/rhythm, proportion) that your children have already learned in years past, but base our projects around this core concept (using a multitude of mediums and techniques). Art History, Aesthetics & Criticism (good kind) are other very important elements in this course.
What your kids should tell you but probably won’t:
Due to this rigorous curriculum, students that are taking this class realize that Art Major 1 is for the serious art student that plans to take multiple years of art.
Due to this rigorous curriculum, students that are taking this class realize that Art Major 1 is for the serious art student that plans to take multiple years of art. Students will have frequent in/out of class projects that should be created not in haste, but following the procedures learned during class. Project assignments, due dates & sample projects are posted up in their section of the room. Students that work slowly or are off-task may come in before or after school during my scheduled help classes. Poor grades may be changed to a higher score if students fix or redo their projects. Poor, incomplete or missing work affects a student’s eligibility (sports). Students have until 1 week before the marking period ends to turn in missing or poorly done projects for a higher grade. Parents are encouraged to check on their progress on a regular basis.
Supplies Needed:
REQUIRED: Sketchbook (not glued), #2 Pencil, Chromebook
SUGGESTED: Drawing pencil set with eraser, Colored pencil set, Thin/Broad black marker, phone with camera/digital camera
Art Major 1: In-Class Project Examples
Art Major 1: Out of Class Project Examples
Rules & Expectations:
- Students are expected to be to class on time
- Students are not permitted to throw objects of any kind
- Students are not to touch, take or damage artwork or other property not belonging to them
- Students are not allowed to play games on their phones or at the computers
- NO cell phones are allowed
- NO FOOD, DRINK OR PERSONAL OBJECTS ARE ALLOWED AT THE COMPUTERS!
Other art room expectations:
- Upon entering the art room, students are to put all backpacks UNDER their assigned studio table; Books, purses, lunches, drinks should be left on the shelves by the classroom entrance.
- Polite, courteous behavior is expected in the art room towards your teacher, substitute, student-teacher or peers at all times. This means that:
- Students are not to interrupt anyone while they are talking
- Students are not to use indecent or profane language
- Students will pay attention and participate in lectures, critiques and group discussions
- Phones are AWAY at all times
- Students are to work the entire period – failure to do so can result in making up the time wasted.
- Students are not permitted to line up at the door at the end of class.
- Students are only permitted to clean up 5 minutes before the bell rings.
- Students are to push their chairs in when leaving.
- Students are not permitted in or through the teacher’s supply room.
- Students leaving this room for any reason will need to have the classroom pass - only 1 student is allowed out at a time.
- Students should submit their completed projects both physically & electronically.
- Students should be aware of the ESSENTIAL QUESTION for every project they are working on.
- ALL SCHOOL RULES AND POLICIES ARE SUPPORTED AND WILL BE ENFORCED IN THIS ART ROOM!
ELEMENTS OF ART: The visual components of color, form, line, shape, space, texture, and value. may be two-or three-dimensional, descriptive, implied, or abstract. Shape An element of art that is two-dimensional, flat, or limited to height and width.
Principles of design: These describe the ways that artists use the elements of art in a work of art. Balance is the distribution of the visual weight of objects, colors, texture, and space. ... Movement is the path the viewer's eye takes through the work of art, often to focal areas.
What is art for? Let’s watch this short video & find out what Philosopher Alain de Botton says his top five reasons for why art is such a vital force for humanity:
Now, trying to challenge yourself, let's see if you can tell what's art or not:
Student Art Opportunities:
Senior Art Shows: (grade 12) Each upper level senior art student (fine arts, photography, ceramics, graphic design, or studio art) will need to sign up with their teacher to be part of the group senior art show in the spring. Students will meet with all members of the art department for quarterly portfolio reviews. Seniors will be asked to keep a working portfolio of 8-15 pieces at Octorara High School throughout the school year. Portfolios will not only be reviewed by presenters from visiting art schools, but students pursuing art will have a chance at scholarship opportunities through the different competitions posted in the art wing.
Art School Visitions: Some of our visiting schools have been: Millersville, Kutztown, PCAD, DCCC, Moore, Tyler/Temple, UArts, Marywood, Antonelli, The Art Institute, Cecil, Delaware College of Art & Design, Arcadia, Hussian, MICA, Lebanon Valley College, Drexel, Wilson, Lock Haven, Thaddeus Stevens, Rowan, Full Sail, Penn State, PA Academy of the Fine Arts, LaSalle, Keystone College, Harcum. This year’s schedule: T.B.A.
National Art Honor Society (N.A.H.S.): (grades 9, 10, 11, 12) The NAHS strives to aid members in working toward the attainment of the highest standards in art areas, and to bring art education to the attention of the school and community. For students to achieve high standards, art programs must maintain a substantive focus by choosing art content that includes complex problem-solving and higher order thinking skills, and serious alignment of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development that results in student learning.
Need to start planning for college? Here are some websites to visit:
Questions, Comments, Need help? Please don't hesitate to contact me...
Mrs. Rachel J. Minnich • rminnich@octorara.org