Preliminary Curriculum: Visual Arts

Objectives:

1. To develop an understanding and appreciation of God’s beauty as expressed by artists through the centuries.
2. To acquire and practice classic, foundational skills in 2-D and 3-D art, with the opportunity to explore different media and to learn to express the creativity God has placed within us using these media.
3. To reach a fuller understanding of the connections between all classical subject areas through the visual arts.

Scope and Sequence:

Two semester courses in Fine and/or Performing Arts are required of all students for graduation. For the first year of Trinity’s HS, Art Club will be offered as a cocurricular activity for interested students. In the second and subsequent years, as enrollment increases, Art electives will be added. Art II and III may be offered in alternate years, depending on enrollment levels and demand. The following is the expected Visual Arts course sequence:.

Art I:
1st semester Intro to 2-D Art; 2nd semester Intro to 3-D Art. (Two-semester course offered each year.) A foundational course teaching the basics of both theory and techniques. Includes study of masterworks relating to the topics covered. Prerequisite to other Art courses.

Art II:
Advanced 2-D Art. One-semester exploratory course; topics to depend on the experience and preference of the teacher (e.g., drawing in various media, painting, printmaking).

Art III:
Advanced 3-D Art. One-semester exploratory course; topics to depend on the experience and preference of the teacher (e.g., sculpture, ceramics, papermaking).

Art IV:
Advanced Explorations in Art—One-semester course repeatable for credit. May include Photography, Computer Art, and/or Graphic Design, as well as advanced work in other 2-D and 3-D media. Offerings will depend on the experience and preference of the instructor. If demand is not sufficient for a class in these subjects, they could be offered as independent studies.

Art History:
A one-semester course that will go into greater detail than is possible in the integrated Humanities courses. Topics covered may include art of ancient civilizations; medieval and Gothic art; art of the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods; and Modern art, including Impressionism and Post-Impressionism.

Additional Notes:

The HS program should coordinate with what is being done at the middle-grades level, with the understanding that HS-level work will involve a deeper concentration on both theory and practice/techniques.

Trinity could arrange to bring in artists from local groups such as Christians in the Visual Arts for demonstrations or workshops. This would be a great opportunity for student enrichment and/or for teacher continuing education.

Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill
4011 Pickett Road, Durham, NC 27705
919.402.8262 voice + 919.402.0762 fax