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Course Offerings  

Advanced Art: College
Advanced Art is a year-long, challenging and fun experience which will give you the tools to create a quality portfolio at the college level as well as help you build quality artwork for your college applications, even if you are not planning to specialize in art. The Advanced Art course is designed for those who are seriously interested in the practical experience of two-dimensional art and wish to develop mastery of concept, composition and execution of their ideas. Students during the first semester work in black and white media only. Students create projects inspired by the world of contemporary art, which may include: experimental drawing techniques, painting, animation, darkroom and digital photography techniques, graphic novel/comic art, stenciling, and more. During the second semester, students work on developing a body of work called a “Concentration” that investigates an idea of personal interest. Like any college class, Advanced Art requires a good deal of time on the part of the student, creativity, thought and a willingness to push yourself beyond your ‘comfort zone’. The course is enriched with visits to local galleries, museums and street art. The course culminates with a showing of each student’s digital portfolio. Students receive 3 college credits from PCC for successfully completing this class with a B grade or higher. All Advanced Art students will have the opportunity to show artwork in the Alberta Arts District, Cherry Sprout Market, PCC. Prerequisite: Intermediate Art

Art Foundations
In this art course, students will learn the basics of drawing, painting, basic design concepts and 3D art. This class is excellent for those who want to learn art skills, explore an art profession or develop a useful hobby. This class will help students to begin to follow their own artistic path and listen to their own instinctive creativity. Students will learn to see themselves as an artist by creating artworks in pencil, ink, watercolor, acrylic and clay. Art history from many cultures, both historical and contemporary, is woven into studio assignments. Students will have the opportunity to exhibit their artwork in a variety of venues and have many opportunities to work independently. Both beginners and those with art experience will benefit. This class is for students who have an interest in and motivation to learn about art and art techniques as well as an ability to work maturely and independently in a studio art setting. Prerequisite: None

Ceramics
Ceramics 1-2 and 3-4 are for both beginners and those who have already taken a ceramics class but wish to continue exploring the medium. Ceramics 1 will introduce hand building techniques and “throwing” on the potter’s wheel. We will examine low-fire glazing techniques and find inspiration in the works of contemporary and historical ceramicists. Ceramics 2 will build upon their previous knowledge of the subject by combining various construction methods to create more complex forms. We will also examine alternative firing techniques. An emphasis on safe and successful studio practices will be expected of all participants. Prerequisite: Art Foundation

Digital Art Foundation
This art course will introduce students to creative expression through digital art and design skills. Students will be creating digital images and computer-based art using programs such as SnapSeed, PhotoPea, Adobe Spark and We Video. Students will explore different ways of visual communication, self-expression and creative problem solving through the creation of commercial, interactive and fine art. A digital portfolio of studio work will be required. This class is for students who have an interest in and motivation to learn and use basic computer operations and an ability to work maturely and independently with technology in a studio setting. Prerequisite: Drawing skills are the basic foundation for ALL fields of visual art. The Art Foundations class is highly recommended for all students taking this class.

Intermeditate Art 3-4
Intermediate art is a fun and diverse class. It builds on the skills learned in Studio Foundations and Digital Media. Have you ever wondered how to build a canvas to print on? Have you ever wondered how you could silk screen t-shirts at home? The intermediate art course is designed for those who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art and wish to develop mastery in concept, composition and execution of their ideas. This class is also for students who are just interested in exploring their own creativity. Students have the chance to explore silkscreening, fiber arts, drawing, animation, oil/acrylic painting, two point perspective, mural painting, as well as individual projects like painting shoes, set design, Illustrator / Photoshop projects, spray painting and more. The course is enriched with visits to local galleries, museums, murals and visiting artists. All art students will have the opportunity to show artwork in the Alberta Arts District, Cherry Sprout Market, PCC and more. Prerequisite: Art Foundation

Photography 1-2 & 3-4 (Beginners apply)
Photography 1-2 and 3-4 is for both beginners and those who have already taken a Photography class but wish to continue exploring the medium. Photography at Jefferson is special as we have one of the few remaining darkrooms in ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ. Starting in the darkroom, students understand the evolution of photography. Students begin the year learning about alternative photography and film. In the second Semester, we have the opportunity to practice using the latest DSLR cameras and cellphones. (Cameras and cellphones are not required but are helpful if you have one). Students are introduced to techniques used in professional photography, including studio lighting, and photo editing and composition techniques. Students are inspired by historical and contemporary multicultural photographers. Students develop skills to work in Photo Pea (a free online Photoshop-like app) using their Chromebooks. In Photo Pea, students gain experience manipulating images from basic photo editing and retouching to manipulating layers. Topics covered are changing color, filters, fonts, texture, special effects and more. All projects are hands-on, emphasizing composition, creativity and originality. Students have several opportunities to show their artwork, including the JHS Art website, Cherry Sprout market, PCC and more. Prerequisite: Art Foundation or Digital Art Foundation