Visual Arts

A visual arts education is essential to the growth and development of all young people.   A well-rounded art education is formed by the knowledge, understanding, and practice of Art making (production), Art History, Art Criticism, and Aesthetic appreciation.   

At Ambridge High School all art courses focus on each skill set separately and combined.  It is a supported belief that all career paths benefit greatly from a foundation in the arts.  In each course we concentrate on creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication, but also innovation, flexibility and adaptability.  

We offer Art I and Art II to incoming Freshman as introduction courses.  Sophomores and interested upperclassmen are offered content specific courses such as Drawing I, Drawing II, Ceramics and Sculpture, Painting, and Jewelry Making.  Serious art students who’ve taken the proper sequence can take independent study course to further develop skills in their specific area of interest in Art III, Art IV, or Art V respectively.  Please see the High School’s course catalog for additional details on each course.  

Opportunities to be a part of community art projects and special projects arise periodically throughout the SY. Students are given the opportunity to work with peers and occasionally guest artists and/or resident artists to complete these special projects. 

Art 6 (Quarter class) 

This course emphasizes the development of basic skills and techniques.  Units in drawing, painting, sculpture, color theory, color and design, and art history enrich each student’s experience.  Both two-and three-dimensional projects will be undertaken in this quarter course. 

Art 7 (Quarter class) 

This course is an extension of Art 6.  Students will focus on 2-D art. Students will experience various types of drawing and painting methods.  There will be weekly assignments for art vocabulary, art history, and creativity. 

Art 8 (Semester class) 

This course is an extension of Art 7.  Both 2-D and 3-D art will be explored. Students will have the opportunity to experience various types of drawing and painting methods.  Students will also use clay and plaster to create sculptures. There will be weekly assignments for art vocabulary, art history, and creativity. 

Art Club  

The club occurs once a month at the Middle School, after school in the Art room from 2:30 to 4:15pm.  The group will decide to use their time to create individual or group projects. The club will also assist in creating decorations for dances at various times throughout the year.