Art Foundations is the one course needed to move on to many of our other courses offered here. We believe that a sound foundation in the understanding of the basics of art, art theory, criticism, appreciation, and more, are as important as learning the rules to a skill. With this background students with a varying degree of talent can increase their awareness of these understandings that will bring success to their own art. Art foundations should be taken as early as possible to ensure enough space in students’ schedules each year to be able to take as many of our art courses as possible.
We like to target any student interested in trying an art class. Not everyone must be talented. We discover the talents many times in art foundations because this class briefly covers a wide variety of art media to give a “taste” of them. Particularly, in some of our other classes, such as ceramics and graphic design, students have never taken any course like this, so will not know if they are talented in an area until trying them.
There is proof that creative minds score higher on standardized tests, such as the SAT’s. We believe strongly that students must have a creative vent during the course of a day that will allow them to use the full potential of minds. Our art department provides an atmosphere where creativity thrives!
The only class students can take without the art foundations prerequisite is the ceramics one class. However, this class cannot be taken until the sophomore year. The classes are popular and if you want to take the three levels offered, you must sign up early in high school for them. Many seniors take ceramics one, and wish they had time to take the next two, so think about this early!
We pride ourselves in teaching a very high level of art here at Salem. The graphic arts classes are on the college level type. We even surpass some colleges in the quantity we teach in the two classes offered, and also in quality. The ceramics classes teach the exact same skills as students would take in college, at each level. The IB Art class is college credit, and the portfolios and senior art show outperform most high schools. Our scores average higher than the national average for IB art students.
Most students taking any art here at Salem will take their skills with them throughout their lives. We greatly enjoy being able to offer what we do here, and often hear back from students in college on what a great foundation they received here, whether they went to college for art related areas, or not.
Art classes are a wonderful elective to add to a student’s schedule. Try them early so you can fit them all in. We look forward to teaching everyone!
Last Updated Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Welcome back to all of our students in the fine arts program. Mrs. Pope, Mr. Gibson and Mr. Wallace are excited about this year and the possibilities that await each one of you in the many different art classes that are offered at Salem High School. Featured here, is a short video of some of our students working in painting, IB Art, and computer graphics. Please click on the play button to see what is being done in our classes.
The Art Department of Salem High School, Salem Virginia 24153
