Studio Arts Curriculum

Studio Arts at Wasatch Academy aims to provide students with the fundamental skills to explore and practice creativity in a variety of mediums. The fine arts department also supports students interested in further developing their artistry through advanced art courses. Students are encouraged to exceed basic execution of technique and design, enhancing their skill refinement and personal aesthetic evolution.

Courses

  • Duration: 1 semester

    Drawing and painting are not talents given at birth but skills learned and practiced over time. Introduction to Art is an introductory class focused on teaching the basic skills of drawing, painting, and sculpting that will prepare students for more advanced art. The elements and principles of design will be covered and referenced throughout the course. The first semester will deal primarily with line work, tone, value, perspective, form, and rendering. The second semester will focus on color theory, composition, portrait work, and typography.

  • This course emphasizes drawing and painting skills in various media. Students develop their artistic styles and voice.

  • Duration: 1 semester

    Introduction to Ceramics focuses on the elements and techniques of working with clay to make functional and decorative pieces. Students develop skills in hand-building.

  • Duration: 1 semester

    Advanced Ceramics emphasizes aesthetic design and form as students further improve skills learned in intro ceramics. Students continue to develop individuality and personal expression in their work.

  • Duration: Full year

    Students explore all aspects of the photo-making process, including the essential functions of a camera, darkroom techniques, digital photography, and Composite Photoshop images.

    This class is a prerequisite for Photography II

    This course is suggested for anyone making a college art portfolio.

  • Duration: Full year

    Students build on foundational darkroom and digital skills while exploring new techniques such as 35mm film, alternative methods, and lighting techniques. 

    *Photography 1 is a prerequisite for this class.

  • Duration: Full Year

    The course explores pulling multiple original print impressions using relief, monotype, and intaglio techniques. 

    *This course is suggested for students who are making a college portfolio.

  • The Fiber Arts course will offer a wide range of topics, allowing students to explore both traditional and modern techniques. Common subjects include knitting, crochet, weaving, embroidery, origami, sewing/quilting, papermaking, macramé, beadwork, and felting. Students can learn about the properties of various fibers, including wool, cotton, silk, and synthetic materials, and how these properties affect the final product. The curriculum may also cover instruction on design principles, color theory, and pattern creation. Advanced topics could include dyeing fabrics, silkscreen printing, mixed-media projects, or the history of textiles. Through their study of fiber arts, students will develop valuable skills in creativity, problem-solving, and craftsmanship, while gaining an appreciation for the cultural significance of textile arts throughout history. Enrollment for the semester is limited to 6 or 7 students, subject to the instructor's approval.

  • Advanced Portfolio empowers emerging artists to focus on creating a body of work for college applications.

    *Two years of art is a prerequisite for this class.

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