Every day, we are surrounded by a great quantity of art in varying forms, whether it be found in books, fashion, movies, or music. Each seemingly ordinary design or object represents the remarkable innovativeness and creativity of an artist. Every stroke of a paintbrush, line of a pencil, and crevice of a sculpture adds beauty to the world around us, expressing the limitless imaginations of humanity.

Wayne Valley offers a variety of opportunities in terms of art electives for those wishing to begin developing or advancing their artistic skills. In elementary school, graduating students may apply for Windows Art in middle school; if they choose to pursue art upon acceptance, then they may submit another application for high school which would allow them to skip the first year of art—Visual Foundations. Otherwise, students may take Visual Foundations from freshman to junior year with no prerequisites.

Introduction to the Visual Arts is a great break from your rigorous courses. If you feel like you aren’t cut out for art, throw that thought away. No prior experience is needed to take this class! Taught by Mrs. Olivo, you will learn about many different art mediums and how to use them. You’ll find your voice through art and discover different ways to express yourself. In this course, you’ll also critique the art of other students, giving feedback and finding inspiration. On top of this, you’ll study professional artists from different time periods to see the origins of art and appreciate the efforts used to create these masterpieces. Introduction to the Visual Arts is the prerequisite course for many of the other art classes. Unlock your creativity through art and take Intro to the Visual Arts!

Following Visual Foundations, Drawing and Painting, and Design and Composition, students can choose to enroll in Advanced Drawing and Painting, leading to AP art and design—where, with the help of Mrs. Gingerelli, you’ll create a sustained investigation and portfolio to submit to CollegeBoard. Those interested in art are encouraged to follow the trajectory of art courses the school offers to develop their ability in a course designed to expand on principles of visual arts. Building on the skills of perceptual drawing from Visual Foundations and Drawing and Painting, Design and Composition focuses on two-dimensional media, and as labeled, the unique design and composition of different artworks. You will work on sketches and paintings, and maybe even have the opportunity to contribute to a mural for the school! The art teachers Mrs. Gingerelli and Mrs. Olivo are extremely supportive and understanding, guiding each student to reach their greatest potential.

The elective Design and Composition, an enriched course for students entering tenth to twelfth grade, is an excellent opportunity for those wishing to broaden their creative expression. Throughout the year, you will receive a variety of prompts to challenge yourself. You can choose the materials you wish to utilize, such as pastels, paint, and colored pencils. This year, students were introduced to conte pencils and they all drew their own pictures of marbles, while also using the concept of emphasis to create their own pieces at home. You also make your own art journals using bookbinding to sketch your ideas and inspiration for future projects. Design and Composition is an amazing course to take if you wish to pursue a career in the arts or if you simply wish to improve a hobby.

Art is important in allowing individuals to express themselves and to explore their creativity. Not only can art inspire emotions and challenge perspectives, but it can also bring people and communities together. Sometimes, it is easy to forget to appreciate the efforts of artists, but if you take a look at the amount of time and work each artist places in their projects, you will undeniably appreciate the concept of art further.