The 3D art elective is an independent projects-driven course in which students develop three-dimensional artworks based on their own concepts or chosen technical processes. Drawing on historical and contemporary practices for reference and inspiration, students work closely with the teacher to determine the 3D approach best suited to execute a well thought-out idea, or to explore the possibilities of creative expression in a specific technical method of interest. Students are expected to document their processes and be prepared to discuss their work regularly. Materials are determined by the needs of the project; they may include but not be limited to: wire, cardboard, paper, Papier-mâché, clay, glazing, textiles, found objects and recycled materials.

In this art elective, students explore principles of design and expression in three­-dimensional form. Historical and contemporary artworks are introduced as sources of inspiration and cultural influence, as students experiment with various materials and different sculptural processes. Projects assigned fit within a loose framework of technical and/or conceptual requirements, allowing for largely self-driven work and creative development of ideas. Materials may include but are not be limited to: wire, cardboard, paper, Papier­ mâché, clay, glazing, textiles, found objects and recycled materials.

Students explore experimental and alternative photographic processes throughout the trimester. In moving beyond traditional photographic image making, students break from habits of seeing and making, discovering new pathways and means of visual expression. Class discussions and assignments explore techniques from photography's history and from contemporary practitioners.

Building on 9th grade film, students learn narrative filmmaking with emphasis on combining sound and picture. The class looks at film grammar and narrative structure in fiction films through in-class viewing. There are written assignments associated with film viewing where students respond to what they saw. Students work in groups to produce short films where collaboration is essential and projects success depends on teamwork.

Documentary photography gives students a platform to explore the world and share stories big and small. Students learn to generate story ideas, create story maps, and utilize strategies to photograph intentionally and with care. Students work on editing and sequence to form clear photographic narratives. Class discussions on ethics invite students to consider the issues and opportunities raised by documentary work.

Photographic images are created with light: the word photography can be translated as "light drawing." This course explores harnessing and using light, not just to make an image but to shape an image. Students learn to consider available light and to introduce and alter light, amplifying the visual impact of their photographs. Class discussions and assignments explore the use of light across photographic genres.

In this course, students engage in a broad investigation of photographic expression. They build upon camera and image making fundamentals learned in 9th grade, solidifying their technical skills. Assignments and class conversations encourage students to make images with greater intention and to understand how photographs create meaning. This course also introduces students to film photography, giving them an opportunity to process their own black and white film and print photographs in the darkroom.

In this course, students learn to use the digital camera as a tool of creative expression. They learn to use the primary settings of the camera in order to shape the visual outcomes of their images. They also learn to enhance and manage their photographs using Adobe Lightroom editing software. Class conversations explore the meaning and content of photographic images and their relationship to the history of photography.

Photographic history gives students a strong foundation and rich inspiration for their photographic work. In the first trimester, assignments are inspired by artists and themes from the first hundred years of photography. Students study both famous and lesser-known photographs, gaining insight into art traditions and innovations. Students also learn camera skills and photo editing to support their visual efforts. Class discussions and research activities provide additional opportunities to explore and articulate photographic intentions.

Photographic history gives students a strong foundation and rich inspiration for their photographic work. In the second trimester, assignments are inspired by artists and themes from modern and contemporary photography. Students study both famous and lesser-known photographs, gaining insight into art traditions and innovations. Students also learn camera skills and photo editing to support their visual efforts. Class discussions and research activities provide additional opportunities to explore and articulate photographic intentions.

Embroidery and quilting have existed for centuries, across multiple cultures and traditions. Both functional and decorative, these skills have been considered “women’s work” in the modern world, and have become undervalued both because of this and because of the rise of easily replicated machine-made work. In this class, students learn the basics of both decorative and practical embroidery and machine sewing, with a focus on functional sewing. Students also learn about the history of both forms, particularly the rise of the “modern” and “art” quilt and the significant contributions of African American creators to these movements, as well as the ways in which textile arts have become spaces for political and resistance art. No sewing experience is required. This class does not teach clothes making (although many of the skills cross over). Students learn to sew by hand and with a machine, read a pattern, create multiple small functional projects (bags, small quilted objects), and create at least one original wall quilt and one original work incorporating embroidery.

In collaboration with the Drama department, students learn the basics of directing and choose scenes from existing screenplays, which focus as much on performance as on the language of film. Students review and practice technical aspects of filmmaking including cinematography and audio recording. The trimester culminates in the creation of a final short film shot in groups based on original screenplays using actors from the Drama class.

In this course students write and direct dramatic films. The course is an examination of genre and more importantly the art and craft of visual storytelling. Through the study of seminal films, students analyze the basics of great storytelling - the relationship among plot, dramatic structure, character, and theme. This informs the work. Once a genre has been identified, students work on exercises in the form of short projects ultimately culminating in a final short film.

Projects in Studio Art: The 10th grade Studio Art elective builds on of the basic materials and methods explored in the previous year's survey course. This course is project­-based, meaning that there are material and/or conceptual constraints imposed by the instructor, designed to spark creativity and skill building. The projects are longer and more conceptually driven with an increased focus on historical and contemporary arts texts as sources of inspiration and cultural influence. While a range of materials are introduced and explored, a healthy dose of observed drawing should be expected. Materials include but are not be limited to: graphite, colored pencil, charcoal, acrylic paint, watercolor, oil paint, pastel, recycled materials, printmaking, typography and digital design. For students new to the class some additional foundation work may be required.