ART COURSES 

In art courses offered at Fairmont, students will dive into the elements of art and principles of design, explore various techniques for creating artwork, and develop their creative problem-solving skills. The program is designed to build essential artistic skills and concepts in a way that every student has the tools to grow and express their unique creative vision. Courses at Fairmont offer a supportive environment to explore, experiment, and develop artistic abilities.

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Foundations of Art - AR101
Prerequisite: None
Credits: 1/2
Grades offered: 9, 10, 11, 12

All students wishing to take art courses at Fairmont must start with Foundations of Art. 

This is a beginning-level course designed to give students a broad introduction to the visual arts. Through hands-on projects in drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, and photography, students will build a strong foundation in both traditional and contemporary artistic techniques. This course emphasizes the development of fundamental skills, from understanding the elements of design to mastering various media and tools. In addition students will explore art history, helping to understand their work and connect to the broader world of art.

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Ceramics I - AR115
Prerequisite: Foundations of Art
Credits: 1/2
Grades offered: 9, 10, 11, 12

This course provides a comprehensive study in hand-built clay construction, surface decoration, and varied glazing techniques. Students will look at the chemistry of clay and glazes, the history of ceramics, and explore contemporary artists working in clay.  Visual journals will be kept in class.
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Ceramics II - AR215
Prerequisite: Ceramics I
Credits: 1/2
Grade offered: 10, 11,12

This course builds upon the skills and experiences in Ceramics I. It is geared towards the student who enjoys working with clay and is seeking personal and artistic growth in a setting of like-minded students working at a high level. Additionally, students will gain experience in wheel throwing. The combination of craftsmanship and personal expression will be a focus. Visual journals will be kept in class.
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Drawing and Painting - AR120
Prerequisite: Foundations of Art
Credits: 1/2
Grade offered: 9, 10, 11, 12

This course further develops studio skills in drawing, painting, and design that were introduced in Foundations of Art. Students will strengthen their drawing skills by drawing from observation and reference images while using a variety of media including pencil, colored pencil, and charcoal. Painting techniques will also be covered as students further develop their watercolor and acrylic painting abilities. Visual journals will be kept along with course portfolios.
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Printmaking - AR130
Prerequisite: Foundations of Art
Credits: 1/2
Grade offered: 9, 10, 11,12 

In this course students will experiment with a variety of printmaking techniques, including relief, monotype, screen printing, and collograph. Students will learn the fundamentals of each process while exploring art history and artists who have shaped the world of printmaking. Along the way, students will keep a portfolio to document their ideas and creative journey, as well as build a personal collection of their best prints.
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Photography - AR140
Prerequisite: Foundations of Art
Credits: 1/2
Grade offered: 9, 10, 11,12 

Discover the magic of photography—where art and science meet! In this fun, hands-on class, students will shoot black-and-white film and develop their own prints in the darkroom under glowing red lights, just like in the movies. Students will also work with studio lights, backdrops, and creative setups to capture portraits and still lifes that pop. Learn how lighting, composition, and editing can take photos—and social media posts—to the next level. No experience needed, just curiosity and creativity!

AP2D Design/Drawing - AR511
Prerequisites: Previous art class or permission of the teacher.
Credits: 1
Grades offered: 11, 12
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The AP 2D Design/Drawing course offers advanced art students the opportunity to develop their artistic skills and personal style through two-dimensional media such as pencil, ink, paint, and digital tools. This college-level course emphasizes creative problem solving, technical skill, and portfolio development. Students will explore a range of themes, participate in critiques, and prepare a final portfolio for AP evaluation with the potential for college credit. This course is ideal for helping students build an artistic practice, refine their techniques, and build a body of work for future art and design studies. 
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IB Visual Art YR 1 - AR610
IB Visual Art YR 2 - AR710
Prerequisites: Foundations of Art or permission of the teacher
Credits: 1
Grades offered: 11, 12
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Course may be taken for individual IB course credit or as part of the IB Diploma. Students may enroll for one or two years. IB Diploma Candidates must register for both years.

This course invites students to dive into both the rich history and innovative future of the art world. Through hands-on exploration, students will engage in research, critical analysis, and creative practice, working with both traditional and contemporary techniques. The course is built around the IB Visual Art assessment, where students analyze global art forms, track the evolution of their creative journey, and curate and showcase a collection of resolved artworks. IB Visual Art is a unique opportunity for students to express individual creativity and develop the skills to think and create like a professional artist.

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FHS Pre-AP/IB Studio - AR301
Prerequisites: Foundations of Art or permission of the teacher
Credits: 1/2
Grades offered: 10, 11
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In this course, students will explore a diverse range of media and techniques while developing their own unique artistic style and thematic focus. The course places a strong emphasis on the elements and principles of design, guiding students through the creative process and helping them to deepen their understanding of art-making as both an expression of self and a reflection of the world. Students will build a portfolio that showcases their artistic growth, conceptual thinking, and technical skill. Constructive critique sessions will encourage collaboration and provide valuable feedback to refine individual artistic voices. By the end of the course, students will be fully prepared to succeed in advanced programs like AP or IB Art, equipped with the confidence, knowledge, and skills needed to thrive in an advanced studio environment.

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Advanced 3D Practices - AR315
Prerequisites: Ceramics I, Ceramics II
Credits: 1/2
Grades offered: 11,12

Advanced 3D Practices is designed for students wishing to pursue 3D art at the highest level. The course includes an exploration of 3D materials, processes, related artists, and techniques that go beyond just clay. There is an emphasis on creative process, research, advanced craftsmanship, and viewing art as sculpture in the round. Reflection and critique will be critical elements of this course.