This course explores a variety of art media with experiences in the following areas: art appreciation, constructing, drawing, lettering, painting, printmaking, sculpting, crafts, careers, and related activities. Emphasis is placed on the elements and principles of design concepts as tools of visual communication. Art activities are planned to ensure that students understand art as a self-fulfilling and socialization process. Students are made aware of the aesthetic, cultural, and historical components of significant works of art. A global understanding of the world and many cultures is perpetuated through multicultural education art activities. Students learn and develop an appreciation for the contributions of diverse peoples and cultures to America. The incorporation of thinking skills strategies in this course will increase students’ abilities to talk in depth about art as well as creatively solve problems of production. Skill development in art content (knowledge) and art processes are part of the 8th grade level competencies requirement of the course. All students will be expected to maintain a journal/sketchbook.
