Visual Arts

In the Visual Arts Department, we believe it is most important to teach our students how to see because creating visual art requires an acute ability to study the visual qualities of objects as they appear in different environments. Four different levels of art are offered, allowing students to advance if they so desire.

In our art courses, we encourage creative thinking and risk taking in an environment that promotes artistic expression. We incorporate art history into the lessons so that students may understand the significance of their methods. Students are required to keep a portfolio and exhibit works of art in the fall and spring art shows.

Basic artistic forms and techniques are taught in beginning art classes through teacher demonstration and examples. Each level builds on developed skills as students experiment with personal style and emulate the classical styles. In the upper level art classes, students are taught to develop their own artistic style.

Art Honor Societies

National Art Honor Society (NAHS)
National Art Honor Society recognizes students who have shown outstanding ability in art. NAHS strives to foster excellence and dedication in the pursuit of art and further the creative abilities and talents of its members as well as Mount Carmel Academy's entire student art enrollment. The chapter's highest goal is to provide service to the school and community utilizing the students' artistic talents.

National Junior Art Honor Society (NJAHS)
National Junior Art Honor Society recognizes eighth and ninth graders who have shown outstanding ability in art. NJAHS fosters excellence and dedication in the pursuit of art though service and hopes to further the creative abilities and talents of its members. The chapter’s highest goal is to provide service to the school and the community by utilizing the students’ artistic talents.

Genius Hour

Students in Art III pursue passion projects as part of the Genius Hour, an educational movement where students spend 20% of their class time on inquiry-based, student-led learning.

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Visual Arts courses encompass a variety of techniques and media including oil painting, watercolors, printmaking, photography, mixed media, 3-D printing, sculpture, and more.

Visual Arts Courses

Fine Arts Survey

Fine Arts Survey is an overview of the arts that includes visual art, music, theater and dance from the prehistoric period until
the present. The object of the Fine Arts Survey course is to give students an introduction to understanding the four arts, how they are related, and how they each touch our lives. Some hands-on lab work and out-of-class work are expected. Final examination will be a project. Students are required to attend and/or participate in all Mount Carmel Academy Fine Arts Events. Fee required.

Art I – Painting and Drawing I

Art I is designed to teach students the basic application of the elements of art and the principles of design. Students will develop skills in producing visual art in a variety of media and techniques as well as develop creative problem solving skills. Students will learn how to evaluate their own art, as well as art made by other students and artwork from different cultures and historical periods. Students will draw from direct observation, maintain a sketchbook, and develop a portfolio during the semester. Art I students participate in an art exhibit at the end of the course.

Art II–Painting and Drawing

Students will apply their knowledge of the elements of art and principles of design and continue to explore a variety of media and techniques. Students will continue to develop creative problem-solving skills and engage in forms of higher level thinking that foster creative risk taking. Students will draw from direct observation, maintain a sketchbook, develop a portfolio, and participate in class critiques. Art II students participate in an art exhibit at the end of the course.

Art III

Art III is designed to continue an in-depth study of visual art. Students will apply their knowledge of the elements of art and the principles of design, continue to draw from direct observation, maintain a sketchbook, and develop a portfolio. Students will be expected to be creative risk takers and to engage in forms of higher level thinking in the development of their artwork.

Art IV

Art IV is designed to continue an in-depth study of visual art. Students will apply their knowledge of the elements of art and the principles of design, continue to draw from direct observation, maintain a sketchbook, and develop a portfolio. Students will be expected to be creative risk takers and to engage in forms of higher level thinking in the development of their artwork.

Photography

This course examines a variety of techniques to improve their photography skills. Students learn how to operate digital SLR cameras, identifying its features and uses in various situations. Fundamental elements of photography, including composition, exposure and depth of field are explored through lab activities and projects. Techniques for framing, dealing with background and lighting, and composition in portraiture are presented. Image editing and correcting flaws are examined through Photoshop software in the computer lab.

Student Artwork

Spotlight on the Arts

60 seconds of Spotlight on the Arts, a fine arts show and interactive arts experience