New Art Classes
By Julia Donald
Art classes coming to CBSD in Fall 2025 will provide new opportunities for students, even those who may not consider themselves advanced artists.
The Art of Photography, Beginning Photography, Collaborative Art, and AP Art and Design (3-D) were all approved as new additions to the CBSD art curriculum at the October 2024 school board meeting. Numerous teachers from all three high schools have been assigned to committees and will teach one or more of these classes in the upcoming school year.
Ms. Thomas, the coordinator of the district’s art department and an art teacher at CB South, moved to South this year to implement and teach the Collaborative Art program, and is working on bringing it to the other high schools. As the art department coordinator, she hopes to “build a sense of community and unity” and “an inclusive atmosphere” through this class within the classroom and hallways.
Collaborative Art will be open to students of any ability level, as they will be able to assume the role of both a peer mentor and learner for or from their fellow classmates. “The focus of this course is on the academic and social growth of all participants. Engaging in art alongside peers will support and foster social relationships within the school community” explained Ms. Thomas.
For students more interested in creating pieces by using a camera rather than painting or drawing, Art of Photography is an introductory class “meant to encourage students who don’t consider themselves artists to give [an art class] a try,” says Mrs. Ferraro, who will be teaching the class here at West.
The Art of Photography is a 9-week, .5 credit course that introduces photography basics, is no cost, and is flexible with the schedules of students who take multiple AP classes. The class will introduce students to basic composition and editing skills that they will be able to take into their daily lives when using their phones.
The Art of Photography supports a wide range of learning styles, and Mrs. Ferraro is “excited to have a different population of students” in this class than she would normally see in an art class. She will also be teaching Beginning Photography, a course tailored to “students who have a deeper interest in photography”.
Beginning Photography is an in-depth course that combines Photography 1 and Photography 2. This course provides more opportunities for practice, choice, and mastery with projects. Students will delve into manual camera settings, digital editing, composition, film, and dark room work; a DSLR or Film SLR camera is needed for this class.
Focusing on a different form of art, AP 3-D Art and Design will be offered to students who have taken Ceramics 1 and 2 and are interested in creating advanced, three-dimensional pieces. Advanced art students taking this course will utilize clay, found art, plaster, wire, paper, and any other materials they are interested in. Mrs. Levin, who will be teaching the class here at West, is “really excited to see the kids explore new materials and grander pieces than they’re used to making in ceramics class”.
The AP Portfolio that students will submit consists of their five best technical pieces: 40% of their grade labeled Selected Works, and seven pieces that surround a self-selected theme: 60% of their grade labeled Sustained Investigation.
With program planning underway, students with an interest in art or trying something new should consider taking these classes. Each class presents students with a great opportunity to explore new interests, meet new people, or advance skills and creativity.
