Welcome to Towson Visual Arts!
At Towson High School we offer courses ranging from Fundamentals in Art to AP Studio Art. We offer pathways in Drawing and Painting, Sculpture and Photography.
Meet Our Teachers:
Lindsay Miller, Instructional Coach
[email protected]
she/her
Ms. Miller
Gabriella Contreras
[email protected]
she/they
Mx. Contreras
Programs:
For Students: The National Art Honor Society welcomes all students who are enrolled in an art class at THS. This organization is for students interested in engaging in an art community outside of the classroom. Learn more about NAHS from your art teacher.
For Parents: Support visual arts at Towson High with the Towson Art Parents Association
Join Here
Meet Our Students!
Hear from our students about what they love about the THS Art Program!
Visual Arts Courses at Towson High School:
Here is an Introduction to our Art Community and an overview of our course offerings.
Above is an example of a schedule with 4 years of art in each of our pathways.
Fundamentals of Art- Standard and GT
Credit: 1
Note: This satisfies the Fine Arts graduation credit
Students will develop the foundational skills needed to communicate ideas visually while developing understandings about the contributions of various artists/craftsmen to their cultures. Emphasis is placed on observational drawing and exploring composition and design in the art of various cultures using drawing, painting, and 3D media. Students will be encouraged to keep a sketchbook and a portfolio.
Learn more about our different pathways by clicking the links below!
Sculpture Pathway Video
Design in Clay I and Design in Clay 2- Standard and GT
Credit: ½ each
Note: Design in Clay I &II courses should be scheduled consecutively.
Students will explore a variety of hand-building clay techniques using design criteria. Students will have opportunities to explore functional and non- functional clay works through an analysis of past and contemporary collections and apply their knowledge in design.
Fine Arts Pathway Video
Intermediate Art - Standard and GT
Credit: 1
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Fundamentals of Art
This course provides opportunities for students to refine skills developed in Fundamentals of Art. Students will study and critique artistic styles and trends and apply knowledge gained in their own work. Emphasis is placed on working from observation using drawing, painting, and 3-D media and incorporating imaginative ideas to begin developing a personal style. Students enrolled in this course will be required to maintain a sketchbook and a portfolio.
Photography Pathway Video
Photo 1 and Photo 2 - Standard and GT
Credit: ½each
Note: Photography I &II courses should be scheduled consecutively.
In these courses, students will have opportunities to learn the basic processes and techniques of photography which include elements of the 35mm and digital camera, composition in photography, film processing, and editing.
Advanced Courses
Studio (AP Studio Art: 2D Design, AP Studio Art: 3D Design, AP Studio Art: Drawing)
Credit: 1
Prerequisites: Successful completion of an Intermediate level art (Photo, Clay, Intermediate art)
This course provides flexibility in planning an independent program for the highly motivated, honors, or GT art student. Emphasis is on preparing a portfolio that reflects the development of a personal style and/or artistic focus. Opportunities to help students develop depth, breadth, and quality in creating artworks will be provided through the investigations of ideas and art problems, and the exploration and experiences in a variety of media. Students have the option of submitting their portfolio for review by the AP College Board. Career guidance and scholarship opportunities in the visual arts are provided.
Studio Advanced (AP Studio Art: 2D Design, AP Studio Art: 3D Design, AP Studio Art: Drawing)
Credit: 1
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Studio.
This course is for students who want to continue advanced level studies begun in Studio. It provides flexibility for planning independent art making and focuses on experiences that further develop personal artistic style through the investigation of media, materials, and processes, development of big ideas through art and design, and exploration of formal, technical, and expressive qualities through the presentation of work. Students have the option of submitting their portfolios for review by the AP College Board. Career guidance and scholarship opportunities in the visual arts are provided.
Electives
Art and Technology- Learn more about this course here
Credit: ½
Note: This course is for ½ of an elective credit.
Students will be provided opportunities to understand ways that art and design concepts can be used for visual communication and presentation. They will study advances in technology and use technological applications with traditional art tools for developing purposeful visual products.
