Art

Telephone: 240-740-6998

Staff Members 

Name Position Email
Dr. Eden Reff-Presco Teacher Eden_A_Reff-Presco@mcpsmd.org
Ms. Josephine Froelich Teacher Josephine_Froelich@mcpsmd.org
Ms. Kathleen Munoz Ventura Teacher Kathleen_A_MunozVentura@mcpsmd.org
Ms. Michelle Silberberg Teacher Michelle_Silberberg@mcpsmd.org

Mission and Vision

The Montgomery County Public Schools Art Program is aligned with National and State Art Education Standards. The effects of the art program do not end in the classroom, but extend into the personal and academic development of each student.

Students also develop the ability to concentrate, consider various points of view, problem solve, think creatively, work as a member of a team, and persevere in a task.


Academy of Humanities, Arts & Media Visual Arts Pathway

Visual Arts Pathway


Courses

Art History, Advanced Placement A/B-0.5 credit per semester

Through studying the evolution of Western and non-European art in contemporary society by examining the major forms of visual expression in world cultures, students prepare for the AP Art History exam. Students analyze architecture, sculpture, painting, and the decorative arts within a historical and cultural context, from ancient art to the present.

Ceramics/Sculpture 1 A/B - 0.5 credit per semester

Students learn basic hand-building techniques and glazing processes. Included are the composition and general characteristics of clay bodies, safe studio practices, craftmanship, and surveys of significant styles in pottery and ceramic sculpture. An introduction to the wheel may be presented. Ceramics 1B focuses on sculptural processes using a variety of materials and techniques. Writing and thinking skills are reinforced through journal writing.

Ceramics/Sculpture 2 A/B- 0.5 credit per semester

Students create original artwork inspired by natural and historically significant ceramic forms. Students study the formulation and firing characteristics of basic glazes, additional techniques for throwing on the pottery wheel, kiln theory, craftsmanship and safe studio practices. Students apply decoration techniques such as using overglazes, underglazes, and patina methods and learn to stack and monitor the kiln.

Ceramics/Sculpture 3 A/B-0.5 credit per semester

Students study the works of contemporary potters and sculptors in terms of form, finish, and conceptual statement. Students create a series of forms that reflect a common source or theme. They combine hand-made and wheel-thrown clay forms to create pottery or sculpture that reflects personal meaning. Writing and thinking skills are reinforced through journaling. Group critiques are conducted. Health hazards are reviewed.

Digital Art A/B - 0.5 credit per semester

Students use the computer as a tool to create portraits, illustrations, commercial/advertising art, and animations. Students discuss ethical and safety issues in the use of computers as an instructional tool. A variety of techniques, processes, and applications are studied. Guest speakers and experts in the field of digital art introduce and describe careers. Students work to develop criteria for judgment of digital artwork. A portfolio of digital art is produced.

Fashion Illustration 1 A/B-0.5 credit per semester

This course builds drawing and design skills as it applies to developing clothing styles, with an emphasis on textile/fashion solutions and merchandising. Focus will be on styles, textiles, and apparel; local, national and international fashion markets; and development and implementation of a fashion retail sales plan.

Foundations of Art, Pre-Studio A/B - 0.5 credit per semester

Artworks that convey personal meaning are created using a variety of production processes, including drawing, painting, crafts, commercial art, printmaking, and sculpture. Historically significant examples of each art form, representing a variety of cultures are investigated and represented in the creative production process. Students develop a context for understanding art as an aspect of human experience. Writing and thinking skills are reinforced through journaling. Career information is provided.

Painting A/B - 0.5 credit per semester

Students continue their study of composition, the structure of form, and the relationships of color, and apply these concepts to personal artworks. A variety of wet media and surfaces will be explored. Historical and contemporary painting styles are investigated; health hazards are studied. In the second semester, students may elect to concentrate on a preferred painting medium such as watercolor, tempera, or acrylic. Writing and thinking skills are reinforced through journaling.

Photography 1 A/B - 0.5 credit per semester

Students develop skills in using an SLR camera, processing film, and printing black-and-white photographs. The elements of art and design principles are studied and applied to photographic compositions. Contemporary photographic technology is demonstrated and used where available. Safe darkroom practices are learned, and opportunities to exhibit work are presented.Writing and thinking skills are reinforced through journaling.

Photography 2 A/B - 0.5 credit per semester

Students create a portfolio of photographic work using various production techniques, including advanced camera and darkroom practices, and digital technology. Students continue studies in the history of photography and apply historical or stylistic qualities to their work. Composition and aesthetic criteria are stressed. Writing and thinking skills are reinforced through journaling. Students participate in critiques, and mat and display their work for exhibit.

Studio Art 1 A/B - 0.5 credit per semester

Students continue their study of art, and apply their knowledge of media, tools, techniques, the elements of art and principles of design to original artwork. Many art forms are studied including drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Students learn about art from other cultures,regions, and time periods, and how both historical and contemporary artwork is used to inspire original work. Writing and thinking skills are reinforced through journaling. Career information is provided.

Studio Art 2 A/B - 0.5 credit per semester

Students continue to build a portfolio of artwork and an art journal. Personal style emerges through the selection of media, subject matter and art forms used to solve visual problems. Classroom reading assignments, group critiques, and visuals are used to help students develop an aesthetic vocabulary and an appreciation for art as an expression of human experience. Writing and thinking skills are reinforced through journaling.

Studio Art 2-D, Advanced Placement-0.5 credit per semester

This individualized program focuses on art projects that demonstrate the competencies expected of Advanced Placement art applicants, as identified by the College Board. Students assemble portfolios to meet the submission requirements for the AP Exam. This course may be repeated once for credit.

Studio Art 3-D, Advanced Placement-0.5 credit per semester

This individualized program focuses on art projects that demonstrate the competencies expected of Advanced Placement art applicants, as identified by the College Board. Students assemble portfolios to meet the submission requirements for the AP exam. This course may be repeated once for credit.