While creativity permeates all areas of study at Tilton, in the Arts, creative passions are ignited. We believe that there is a creative side within each of us, so we guide our students to find those interests and discover new skills. Artistic opportunities are available within the academic schedule and also as extracurriculars.
Regardless of skill level, students who explore the Arts at Tilton do so in a supportive environment that provides opportunities to be creative, take chances, and learn new things.
*Note: course offerings are responsive to enrollment and student interests, and in any given year, some courses may not be offered. Students wishing to pursue advanced studies in these areas are encouraged to pursue Independent Learning Experiences.
This is an introductory course that will allow students to learn the process of glass fusing and create colorful works of art. The curriculum will provide students a greater understanding of the elements of art and basic design principles that will strengthen their compositions and creations. Students will engage in firing techniques such as slumping, tack fusing, and fully fusing, students will have the opportunity to create their own ceramic molds to further develop their forms and create unique sculptural and functional glasswork. Students will leave the course with a vocabulary and scientific knowledge representative of a greater understanding of the process of fusing glass. Projects may include mosaics, slumped bowls, glass trays, hangings, and pendants or other small jewelry. Enrollment is capped at 6 students. A materials fee applies for this course.
In this course, students will explore what constitutes good quality video content on YouTube. Students will learn how to use cell phones and the DSLR camera to produce engaging video content. Essential practices taught will include studio and location lighting techniques, audio recording, and video editing. Elements and principles of design are blended into the curriculum to gain an understanding of guidelines used to create good composition. The course will then explore how to use these skills to produce a short film. Projects for this full time course will include the production of short videos covering a variety of topics for placement on YouTube and a large group project to produce a short film.
This is a basic course in ceramics with an emphasis on wheel throwing and hand construction techniques, design, aesthetic and the creative development of clay objects, examining cultural, historical and personal models of expression. Students are expected to develop skills in various forming methods. Sensitivity to the materials, to aesthetic design and to the individual and imaginative use of the materials is expected. Students will learn technical skills and develop an artist’s vocabulary. Class time will include: demonstrations, videos and personal practice. A materials fee applies for this course.
For students with a background in basic ceramics, this course provides opportunities for continued explorations in clay media and techniques. Wheel-throwing and hand building methods will be used in ceramic sculpture, tile making, stoneware pottery, and collaborative forms. Students develop ideas based on contemporary culture as well as traditional clay forms and methods. The sculpture process will include: pinch and coil building, extrusion and slab construction methods. Firing will take place primarily in an electric kiln, with opportunities to participate in group raku firings during the fall and spring. A materials fee applies for this course.
This course introduces students to a variety of digital tools used to create modern artistic work. It gives students a taste of full year digital arts courses offered at Tilton including Digital Photography, YouTube/Filmmaking, and Graphic Design. Topics covered include fundamentals of photography, video production, and the design process. Students will complete individual and team projects throughout the trimester, starting to build a small portfolio of digital artwork. This is a great class to take if you’re not sure which full-time arts class you want to explore.
The primary goal of this course is to teach students the foundation of good design skills and provide a glimpse of what it’s like to use those skills as a Graphic Designer. Students are introduced to Adobe software used by design professionals including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. We begin by learning basic design tools, elements of art, and principles of design. Students build from these design fundamentals throughout the year to create a wide variety of design products including logo designs, posters, book covers, business cards, vehicle wraps, magazine covers, product packaging and more! Students are encouraged to evaluate their own work, the work of their peers, and the work of professionals. Assessment is based on class participation, review of complete assignments, peer feedback, and increasingly challenging work. At the completion of the course the students will select their best work for the spring art show.
Art Portfolio Review is a class for the advanced art student interested in preparing a portfolio for college and scholarship applications. Students learn techniques of formatting art portfolios in a workshop environment with teacher-led tutorials and time in class and outside of class for producing their own portfolio. Students also have dedicated class time and work space for working on 10 personal art projects in their chosen medium. Students learn how to put together an art exhibit and will be required to produce a solo exhibit in the school year. Students will also walk away from this class with a finished art portfolio website and artist statement. This class is two trimesters. A studio fee of $50 is required. Instructor approval is required.
This course will break down the basic elements of drawing and painting. These elements will be practiced and built upon. The students will learn how to mix colors only using the three primary colors. The focus of this class will be on drawing and painting from life. Students will be pushed creatively, critically, will be asked to communicate about their own work and others, they will be pushed outside of their comfort zones and will learn how to take artistic risks. A materials fee applies for this course.
This course is designed to provide students with the journalism skills and the ability to apply those skills to the actual production of the yearbook. Units of study include teamwork, responsibility, brainstorming, content, coverage, concept, reporting, writing, headlines, captions, editing, photography, typography, design, graphics, finances, yearbook campaigns, advertising and distribution. This course is an introduction to the basic elements of visual communication and the print world. Fundamental skills such as learning how to use photography to document events, reporting, and writing and design will be the foundation of this course. In partnership with Josten’s Yearbook Company, the course will cover all of the areas listed above which are in line with the Mastery Approach.
Designed for students who are interested in musical theatre, the semester elective focuses on performance. Students will explore American Musical Theatre and study the work of the actor/singer/dancer and develop their performance skills. Students will have multiple opportunities to rehearse, perform, and direct/stage various scenes and musical numbers from Broadway shows past and present. Students will prepare and present as soloists as well as members of small groups and larger ensembles. Student work culminates in an end-of-semester performance. All students are required to perform at the end of the semester.
There are generally no textbook expenses associated with Arts courses. However, expenses for supplies (paint, paper, toner, clay, photographic supplies) can vary depending on the course of study; students enrolled in arts classes will be assessed a materials and supplies fee.
In addition, there may be occasional field trips or other outings to to museums and galleries. Students in Independent Study programs in the arts, or those whose work require a significantly greater use of materials and supplies than the average student may incur additional charges or may be asked to provide their own materials.
All rights reserved. Design and development by Underscorefunk Design in partnership with Tilton School.
