BOULDER HIGH SCHOOL ART DEPARTMENT
Teacher: Merry Wilson & Melissa Lobpries
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 720-561-2216
Website: http://www.boulderhighart.com
The Visual Arts Department at Boulder High promotes the visual arts as a form of visual communication. It is designed to develop an
understanding and appreciation of artistic judgement. We seek to give students a feeling of personal satisfaction through the creative
process and help them develop individual skills in the various areas of art. This class allows the opportunity for creative problem solving
through the exploration of materials, tools and techniques. I encourage each individual to express visual ideas through a variety of instructional
approaches. Students will be introduced to exemplar artists and cultural art forms from the past and present. We will go out into the community
to see art, meet artists, and welcome visiting artists into our classroom. As an artist and educator, I address different learning styles and skill levels
of individual students. Every student is welcomed and respected in our class.
Class time will include:
● producing works of art
● observing and appreciating art
● critiquing works of art
● learning about past and present artists
● researching, discussing and writing about art
Projects may be turned in for a late grade, no later than 2 weeks from the date it was assigned.
This class follows the State and District Academic Standards for Visual Arts:
BVSD/Colorado Academic Standards for Visual Art
1. Observe and Learn to Comprehend: The visual arts are a means for expression, communication and meaning making.
2. Envision and Critique to Reflect: Visual arts recognize, articulate, and implement critical thinking through the synthesis,
evaluation and analysis of visual information.
3. Invent and Discover to Create: Generate works of art that employ unique ideas, feelings, and values using different media, and technologies.
4. Relate and Connect to Transfer: Recognize, articulate, and validate the value of the Visual Arts to lifelong learning and the human experience.
Note: the complete documents of the Academic Standards for Visual Art can be found at www.bvsd.org under Curriculum, Visual Arts.
Drawing & Painting 1,2,3 & 4
Level: 9-12
Offered: 1 semester, 5 credits
Fee: $35 on the Boulder High Website, under RevTrak (fees are waived for students who receive free and reduced lunches)
Course Description and Purpose
In Drawing and Painting 1-4, students can expect to gain a strong foundation in drawing and painting. Composition, the
Visual Art Elements and Principles of Design, and the basic techniques and concepts of both drawing and painting will be
covered. The end goals are to increase artistic self-confidence, increase one’s understanding of the basics of drawing and
painting, and to produce successful works of art. Advanced levels will build on the previous techniques and processes while
gaining a sense of their own personal style, creative development, and preparing the students for future career goals.
Portfolio Arts 1,2,3,4
Level: 9-12
Offered: 1 semester, 5 credits
Prerequisites: Highly successful completion of two levels of any art course with a teacher recommendation
Fee: $35 on the Boulder High Website, under RevTrak (fees are waived for students who receive free and reduced lunches)
Course Description and Purpose
This course is imperative for the student who is preparing an art portfolio for entrance
into college or art school. Guidance and instruction on portfolio building will be given
with the individual’s goals in mind. Students will be expected to initiate and carry out
ideas on a more advanced and independent basis. This course may be taken for up to
four semesters, not necessarily sequential, for credit.
FEE
Materials needed for Drawing and Painting will be provided by the student. A student’s art fee goes on to an Art Card,
which the student may use to buy materials in our Boulder High Art Store. Our prices in the BHS Art Store, are consistently
less expensive than buying materials at commercial stores. If a student is on free and reduced lunches, that student will also
receive an Art Card for purchasing materials.
Grading
Grades in this class are based on student performance in the following areas:
Preparation and Production 20%
Formative Assessments 40%
Summative Assessment 40%
Expectations, Policies and Consequences
The expectations, policies and consequences of the Boulder High Art Department support those found in the Boulder High Planner.
The expectations, policies, and consequences have been developed to promote a positive, creative and productive learning environment.
Equipment, Materials and Furniture
Students are expected to use materials, tools and furniture safely and appropriately. Students will wash, clean and return all tools,
equipment and materials to their designated area and clean their work space at the end of each period.
Participation/Discussions
Each student plays a vital role in contributing to a respectful and positive learning environment. Students are expected to actively
participate in art room activities. While working on studio projects, critiquing art, working in groups, attending a field trip and/or
cleaning, students are expected to use proper language and proper behavior.
Attendance
Consistent attendance is strongly recommended. If a student is absent, it is up to them to find out what they missed the first day
they return to class. Each period missed, excused or unexcused, results in a five point loss from the attendance grade. These points may be made up
by coming in and working on missed work during lunches or off periods. If absences are not made up, the loss of credit will affect a student’s grade.
Tardies
Students are expected to come to class on time. If a student arrives after five minutes after the bell, they will be counted unexcused in Infinite Campus,
per Boulder High Policy.
Communication
Since I am teaching all day, the best way to reach me is by email. My policy is to respond within 24 hours Monday through Friday. My email: [email protected]
Art Images
Working in a school environment requires that artists must adhere to the Boulder Valley School District policy in regards to appropriate images.
Drug related imagery, gang, pornographic images, and/or symbols offensive to specific racial, ethnic, gender or religious groups will not be
tolerated by the Boulder High Art Department. Use of such images or symbols may result in a failing grade for that project, parental contact,
and a possible discipline referral.
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