Art & Design is required for all other art courses except Photography. Students will explore and expand their creative self, learn visual compositional strategies, and improve their art making skills. This course is designed for students who have an interest in the visual arts and to prepare students who want to pursue additional hands-on studio art courses at DCHS. Through the use and understanding of the elements of art and principles of design, students will create a variety of interesting projects with various media to develop a solid academic foundation of 2-D and some 3-D composition. Students will be required to complete at least one hour per week of additional independent work outside of the classroom to improve their observational drawing skills through regular practice and to demonstrate their knowledge of material taught in class.

This course is the study of clay as a three-dimensional art form. Students are introduced to the basic processes and vocabulary of ceramics and taught a variety of basic construction methods. They will learn about aspects of art history from many different cultures related to their projects and will be introduced to traditional kiln firing techniques.

Students will explore a variety of art techniques and media using materials such as chalk, oil pastels, ink, charcoal, colored pencils, markers, watercolor, acrylics, and printmaking. Students will begin to use more personal imagery and ideas when producing artwork. This course is a must for those who love drawing and art as well as those who are preparing a portfolio, planning to take art classes in college, participating in scholarship competitions, or considering the Art Educators of Iowa All-State Competition.

This course covers advanced techniques in drawing and painting that are explored as a means of personal expression. Creative problem solving through the various media is stressed with sketchbook, studio work, written and oral critique, and the development of a portfolio.

Metalsmithing is an introduction to metals and construction techniques in a 3-dimensional art form. Forming, forging, and finishing techniques in brass, copper, and nickel will be explored.

This course offers more complex techniques in metalsmithing used for advanced students, including casting and stone-setting. Students will have greater artistic freedom within their assignments and metals. Sterling silver may be purchased (the cost will run from $30 to $40).

Students will create paper, learn the craft and multiple methods of bookbinding, and create various types of prints throughout this course. Projects in this class are both 2D and 3D. While most of the projects in this class are process-based, there is some required drawing/design.

Students will create three-dimensional art forms using a variety of three-dimensional art supplies, hand, and power tools. Paper mache', plaster, wood, and construction with found materials will be explored.

In this course, students will further their skills in creating three-dimensional forms in a variety of media.

Students will enjoy this introduction to fashion illustration, woven sculpture, and sewing techniques used as an art form in this hands-on studio course. This course will offer many possibilities for creative expression within the visual arts framework. Students will be introduced to a wide range of techniques and creative processes associated with the production of textiles, fabric, and fiber artwork. Visual identity and creative problem solving will be a major focus.