Fine Arts: Visual Arts

DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY

The visual arts program provides, through a low-risk and success-oriented environment, a series of developmental experiences that encourage and reinforce the processes of critical thinking: observation, perception, imagination, cognition, incubation, action, and problem solving.

Art is an educational discipline that employs 21st century skills, expanding both hemispheres of the brain and, in the process, addresses the development of the young woman as the whole person. Students are encouraged to develop problem-solving techniques and use these skills in real life with other subjects. The goal of each specialized course is for the student to develop confidence with skills and techniques in the selected art medium to better communicate her young voice.

Designed around the Wisconsin State and National Standards for Arts Education, the Qualities of a DSHA Graduate are also embedded in the curriculum. In addition to critical thinking, students experience the arts as a means for communication, leadership, and being a believer. These studio courses include multiple techniques for different learner styles, including: lecture, visuals, group work, oral presentations, demonstrations, art museum visits, and research, which all broaden the way information is processed.

INTRODUCTORY COURSE OFFERINGS

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ART FOUNDATIONS – 1020

Art Foundations is a beginning level course that provides formal instruction on the elements and principles of composition, exposure to a variety of art media, and practice of art technique. Students will develop a visual awareness with art and design and apply their knowledge through many opportunities. Creating artwork, fine art examples, and a field trip will support this learning. Students may experience working in two-dimensional media, such as drawing, painting, printmaking; and three dimensional media, such as ceramics, sculpture, and fibers. Ample time is given in class to complete course projects. Work outside class may be needed for small homework assignments, research, and a final semester project.

1 semester, $45 fee
SELF EXPRESSION – 1300

Self-Expression provides a more casual approach to the visual arts for students who are interested in self-discovery, stress management, and experiencing a variety of basic art making processes. This course intends to teach students the importance of journaling, reflection, and creative problem solving whether they view themselves as beginning level or experienced artists. Students are introduced to symbolism, stereotypes, body image, and expression, growing in personal awareness of their own artistic voice. Students will experience creative journaling and the use of a variety of mediums (drawing, painting, clay, etc.). Ample time will be allowed to complete course projects in class. Work outside of class may be needed for small homework assignments, research, and a final project.

11-12th grades, 1 semester, $45 fee
Note: Self Expression is not a prerequisite to upper level art courses.

SKILL-BUILDING COURSE OFFERINGS

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DRAWING – 1050

Drawing is an advanced course in which a student develops visual perception and drawing skills. Both realistic and interpretive drawing is explored. Sketchbook exercises include studies in perspective, proportion and composition, figure, head, and nature studies. A variety of illustration techniques and materials are experienced including contour, gesture, value, and modeled drawing. Detailed evaluation of course work will enhance the learning experience. Ample time will be allowed to complete course projects in class. Work outside of class may be needed for small homework assignments, research, and a final project.

10-12th grades
1 semester, $35 fee
Prerequisite: Art Foundations
PAINTING – 1100

The painting course builds upon the skills developed in drawing. Course content includes concept and skill development in understanding, composition, color mixing, and the use of various painting techniques. Exercises will include the use of complementary, analogous, and monochromatic color schemes. Acrylic paints are demonstrated and used for all larger works. Five major paintings are required; subjects include people or a person, a still life, a hard-edged painting, and a landscape. Detailed evaluation of course work will enhance the learning experience. Ample time will be allowed to complete course projects in class. Work outside of class may be needed for small homework assignments, research, and a final project.

10-12th grades
1 semester, $45 fee
Prerequisite: Art Foundations
CERAMICS – 1200

In ceramics, students learn the basic methods of clay preparation and formation. Using hand-built methods such as slab, coil, and pinch construction, students design and make five original ceramic pieces. Students will enhance these pieces with surface decoration, incised or relief patterns, stamping, slip trailing, and/or glazing. Good design and craftsmanship are stressed. An introduction to ceramic artists and styles will be given through lecture and independent web research to supplement class instruction. Ample time will be allowed to complete course projects in class. Work outside of class may be needed for small homework assignments, research, and a final project.

10-12th grades
1 semester, $35 fee
Prerequisite: Art Foundations
SCULPTURE – 1275

Sculpture explores design in the third dimension. Students will experience creative problem solving and will be introduced to construction techniques in relief, freestanding sculpture and kinetic artwork. Exercises working with three-dimensional form may include the use of a variety of mediums such as paper, wire, clay, metals, stone, recyclables, and mixed media. Ample time will be allowed to complete course projects in class. Work outside of class may be needed for small homework assignments, research, and a final project.

10-12th grades
1 semester, $45 fee
Prerequisite: Art Foundations
PHOTOGRAPHY – 1150

Photography is an introductory course in which every part of digital photography is explored. The course begins with the history and science of the photographic image. Students learn how to create a pinhole camera image using simple materials and darkroom chemicals to create an image. With a basic understanding of camera parts and functions, students learn how digital cameras work and how to fully use controls to enhance and alter image appearance when recoding the image. Students will also learn how to enhance a raw camera image for final printing using Adobe Photoshop. Concepts such as depth of field, motion, composition, lighting, color, and camera angle are fused with art history and contemporary photography to expose students to the power of photographic images in society. Ample time will be allowed to complete course projects in class. Work outside of class may be needed for small homework assignments, research, and a final project.

10-12th grades
1 semester, $45 fee
Prerequisite: Art Foundations | access to a digital camera
GRAPHIC DESIGN – 1230

Graphic Design students will be introduced to the world of graphic design, compositional concerns of the designer, and the dynamics of the graphic artist/client relationship as it relates to the process of creating, editing, and manipulating visual images for a client. Basic techniques using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop will be introduced as a tool for designers. Students will practice manipulating typography and visual images to create logos, business stationary, information design, advertisement, posters and three-dimensional package design. Coursework is designed to introduce the student to digital programs and transfer her communication skills into all subject areas in school and in her personal life. Ample time will be allowed to complete course projects in class. Work outside of class may be needed for small homework assignments, research, and a final project.

10-12th grades
1 semester, $45 fee
Prerequisite: Art Foundations
DIGITAL IMAGING – 1235

Digital imaging students will further progress their digital photography skills as they are introduced to the contemporary world of new media art. In this course, we will explore contemporary subjects such as social consciousness, scientific method, and interactive art using photographic images taken and found. Advanced techniques and skills in digital photography, digital animation, photomontage, and digital painting using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator will be the tools for creating original digital images. Coursework is designed to further develop a student’s understanding of photographic composition and expand the student’s ability for interactive expression through non-verbal means in all subjects and areas in her life. Ample time will be allowed to complete course projects in class. Work outside of class may be needed for small homework assignments, research and a final project.

10-12th grades
1 semester, $45 fee
Prerequisite: Art Foundations | access to a digital camera
JEWELRY – 1250

This is a course that allows students to design art pieces that can be worn as a physical adornment. Coursework may involve working with polymer clay, pewter casting, sheet metal, beads, fibers, and enameling techniques. In this course, a student will design and fabricate jewelry pieces that are evaluated on good design, sculptural quality, expression and craftsmanship. Students will learn the proper care and use of equipment. A sketchbook with researched designs and ideas will be required. Ample time will be allowed to complete course projects in class. Work outside of class may be needed for small homework assignments, and research for the final project. This course is offered alternative school years with FIBERS.

10-12th grades
1 semester, $45 fee
Prerequisite: Art Foundations
* This course will be offered in the 2023-2024 school year, but will not be offered in the 2024-2025 school year.
FIBERS – 1280

This course will introduce fibers as a medium for expression. Fibers will combine historic textile processes and traditions with emerging technologies and contemporary visual culture. Students will engage in interdisciplinary experimental and sustainable approaches to design, craft, and art making. A variety of small exercises will be created in preparation for approximately four larger-scale projects, showing the elements and principles of design as they apply to fibers. Art pieces may include weaving, making fabric, surface design, felting, paper making, sewing, 3-D construction, and more. Students will choose their medium and technique for a final art project. Some work outside of class may be required for research or to finish projects, but most projects utilize class time. Fibers will be limited to one class per semester due to equipment availability. This course will be offered alternating school years with JEWELRY.

10-12th grades
1 semester, $40 fee
Prerequisite: Art Foundations
* This course will be offered in the 2024-2025 school year, and will not be offered in the 2023-2024 school year.

AP COURSE OFFERINGS

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AP ART: 2D DESIGN – 1361 and 1362

Students pursuing this course should have previously completed Art Foundations, Drawing or Painting, and one other art course, either a 2D or 3D art medium. Only Self Expression is not a prerequisite. This course is designed as a student-directed project-based class. Each student will be given the opportunity to create a body of work based around a central theme in the mediums of their choice. Components of peer discussion and feedback, as well as self-reflection, round out the studio experience, creating ideas and communicating them. AP Art: 2D Design is designed for the student who has experienced a variety of mediums and is considering the pursuit of a career in fine arts or design. Students will be expected to use time in and outside of class for in-depth research and art production relevant to the needs of the individual student. Preparation of an art piece for Scholastic competition, a portfolio of artwork for presentation for college admission or scholarship, and preparation for a display at the senior art exhibit will be the focus of this course.

Prerequisite: Department approval
Grade: 12
Semesters: 2
Fee: $50 and additional fee for AP exam

Learn more about AP & Dual-Credit offerings.

MEET THE VISUAL ARTS DEPARTMENT FACULTY

Nora Larscheid | at DSHA since 1994 | teaching since 1993

Visual Arts Department Chair
Visual Arts Faculty
Yearbook Co-Curricular Moderator
BA in K-12 Art Education and Fine Art, UW-Milwaukee
MA in Fine Arts, New York University
larscheidn@dsha.info

"When people ask me about what I do for a living, they always remark how difficult it must be to work with teenagers. Nodding my head, I respond to their comments that teaching holds many challenges but how lucky I am to teach at an all-female high school. DSHA students embody what education quests to be – discovering a personal passion for learning. I have had such enjoyment teaching and learning along side so many brilliant young women for 20 years. These young girls challenge me daily in many ways, benefiting them as student and myself as learning coach. So when people ask me about working at DSHA, I am glad to give thanks for all the beautiful women in making me a better teacher."

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Department-Related Co-Curriculars & Activities

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AP Art Show
Art Studio
Yearbook

Department-Related Resources

Youth Art Month
Youth Art Month is a local Wisconsin run art competition held by the Wisconsin Art Educators Association every year. Students have their work submitted to the south-eastern exhibit and have their work viewed in a public venue. Students are eligible to win a first placement every year and their work goes on to be shown at the State Capitol Rotunda in Madison. Sponsors offer monetary awards for winning artworks.

Students wishing to submit to YAM must inquire through their current art instructor.
Scholastic Art
Scholastic Art competition is a national arts competition that provides opportunities for creative teens to be celebrated. The goal is to recognize students with exceptional artistic talents and submit their work to be judged on a local and national level. Students can win scholarships, prestigious awards, and have the opportunity of having their work displayed at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Gold Key winners may be selected for national awards presented at Carnegie Hall in New York.

Students may request submission into Scholastic competition. Work submitted must be created within one year from the previous December 1, and submitted to the art faculty by the current December 1.