The CNEC Art program, headed by Lauren Myers, offers a variety of classes for students at all levels. For seventh grade beginners, the one-semester class provides a solid introductory background and gives students the opportunity to learn such skills as drawing in linear perspective and to investigate basic color theory, as well as to create projects based on various schools of art. Travis Mills and Monica Morandi also teach the one-semester introductory class. Following the semester class, a year-long advanced class provides eighth graders the chance to build on what they already have learned, and explore more complex art projects, including printmaking and sculpture, as well as more advanced color theory.
Art – Drawing and Painting
All high school drawing and painting courses are yearlong courses: Art 1, Art 2, Art 3, and Ap Studio Art. Art 1 has no prerequisite, and provides students with an introductory into several mediums including: tempera, watercolor, pastel, and charcoal. Students enrolled into Art 1 will be assigned design projects that reflect the elements and principals of art. Art 2 builds on the concepts of Art 1, with more challenging painting and drawing projects. Art 2 students will be introduced to several notable artists throughout history as well as new media including: pen & ink, professional-colored pencils, and acrylic paint. Art 3 is designed for the serious artists to stretch themselves and find their “artist voice.” Art 3 students will use the background knowledge of Art 1 & 2 to steer their projects and individualize their project outcomes. AP Studio art is a yearlong course that requires the student to create an 8-to-15-piece portfolio to submit to collegeboard. If a student wishes to advance to any higher- level art course, they must maintain a “B” or better BOTH semesters and/or permission of the instructor. Mrs. Myers teaches Art 1, Art 2, Art 3, & AP studio art drawing. Monica Morandi also teaches Art 1.
Ceramics
In Ceramics, Clovis North students get the opportunity to create 3-dimensional sculpture using clay, often finishing these sculptures with glazing and painting techniques. Ceramics 1 gives students a foundation of clay building skills and techniques such as pinch method, slab building, coil method, as well as many other techniques. Some of the projects students can look forward to making in Ceramics 1 are pinch pots, whistles, slab boxes, picture frames, coil pots, masks, animal sculptures plus many more. In Ceramics 2 and 3, students take these foundation skills and create more complex projects while exploring more advanced themes. The prerequisite for Ceramics 2 and 3 is a “B” or better in the previous Ceramics course and/or permission of the instructor. Travis Mills is the instructor for all Ceramics courses.
Photography & Videography
As part of the visual arts department, the Photography 1 and Videography classes offered to Clovis North students expose students to the challenges of capturing art through light with the help of today’s modern technology. For students who excel in Photography 1, Photography 2 is offered to explore this very challenging discipline even further. Students may take Photography 2 if they have received a “B” or better in Photography 1 and/or permission of the instructor. Taught by instructor Travis Herb, students can expect a rigorous and exciting exploration into this unique medium.