Art Instructors: Mark Smith, Linda Bergeron, and Richard Morgenthaler

Welcome to the Mount Vernon Art Department web page.  The newly renovated Art Dept. is located in the 1st and 2nd floor of the former Library.  Let us take you on an exciting journey of discovery through the arts here at Mount Vernon High. 

In the Fundamentals of Art I and II classes, you will learn the vocabulary and the necessary skills needed to continue your exploration in more advanced art classes we have to offer. Here, you will begin a step-by-step building process which will improve your artistic abilities, give you new ways of looking and talking about art, and prepare you for the next step of your artistic journey.

Once you have satisfactorily completed the Art Fundamental classes, you will be able to move on into the realm of Ceramics, Drawing and Painting, and Crafts.  These classes are all repeatable, giving you the opportunity to thoroughly understand each medium before you move on to the Advanced Art class. At MVHS, we offer a variety of fine arts courses which focus on the 7 elements of art: Line, Shape, Form, Color, Texture, Value, and Space. As well as the 7 principles of design: Balance, Variety, Rhythm, Emphasis, Repetition, Uniformity, and Proportion.

Enjoy your journey and once again welcome to the world of Art at Mt. Vernon High School. 

Fundamentals of Art I
This course provides an introduction to the basic elements and priciples of design.  Students will be taken on a step-by-step journey that will help them to develop their own artistic abilities as they learn direct observation drawing with a variety of media.  Students will be exposed to a range of work of various artists, starting from prehistoric up to the modern age.  Students must be willing to practice and improve.  Additional sketch book fabrication, sketch book assignments, participation in critiques, and in class projects are required.

Fundamentals of Art II
This course is an in-depth concentration studying and implementing the elements and principles learned from Fundamentals of Art I.  Students will further develop their technical skills and knowledge using materials to create 2-D and 3-D work.  Students will also build problem-solving skills designing projects in mixed media.  All students will construct a journal for practice and assignments.

Drawing and Painting
Students will explore in depth various media and concepts in the production of drawing and painting.  The visual language will be understood through the exploration of the elements of art and the principles of design.  Students are required to create a portfoilio to house their work.  Assignments will include field studies, thumbnail sketches, and center around landscsapes, still life, perspective, and portriature.  Students will learn how to access their creativity through a variety of exercises and assignments.  They will also learn how to critique their own work, and the work of others using visual language, to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of art.  This upper level art course requires a nominal studio fee for materials, to be announced in class.

Advanced Art
Students who have demonstrated a serious interest in art will design, develop, and display a unique portfolio of original artwork.  Two and three dimensional media will be explored.  Knowledge and skill in the elements and principles of design are required.  Students will increase their ability to produce, critique, and value art.  Through personal interest, self-motivation, and direction from the instructor, the student will be encouraged to discover the possibilities of creative problem-solving.  This upper level course requires a nominal studio fee for materials usage, to be announced in class. 

Ceramics
Students will gain an understanding of the history of pottery.  Skills and concepts will be developed in hand and wheel-built ceramics.  Students will learn the techniques in decoration and glazing.  They will have a number of functional and sculptural ceramic pieces at the completion of the class.  This upper level course requires a nominal studio fee for materials usage, to be announced in class.