visual arts

Visual arts classes offer a broad range of courses for students with all levels of artistic training.
Foundation level classes focus on building creative and technical skills through an array of media. Students also learn to develop their understanding of aesthetics, and critical visual analysis. As students progress to more advanced levels, they continue to expand and hone their conceptual and technical knowledge. Advanced level students design their coursework with faculty, exploring and growing their creative vision and interests. Three major art exhibitions, and many smaller ones, are mounted throughout the year.

List of 7 items.

  • Advanced Projects in Art

    This course is for seniors with a strong background in visual arts who want to hone their personal style and self-expression through the creation of a mature, full body of work. Students develop a project by choosing a theme to explore in depth. Conversations about work in progress and critiques of final projects further the understanding of the art-making process. Students in this class exhibit their work in a group show at the end of the school year.
  • Advanced Projects in Photography

    This course is for students who wish to pursue a deeper, more personal, independent photography study. Ongoing dialogues and critiques throughout the year help students build a body of work inspired by their own interests. The course culminates in an exhibition at the end of the spring semester.
  • Beginning Photography

    Beginning Photography introduces students to the fundamental skills and principles of photography. This hands-on course teaches the rules of composition, exposure, and lighting using digital cameras and image editing software such as Lightroom and Photoshop. The use of 35mm film cameras, darkroom technology, and negative scans are also explored. Students learn to analyze visual imagery and truly understand what it means to be a photographer.
  • Drawing and Design

    Drawing and Design is a first year art course that explores a wide variety of artistic concepts (e.g., color theory, modeling perspective, composition), and makes use of different media (e.g., black and white drawing materials, pastels, watercolors, acrylics). Art is made from observation, memory, and imagination. Sculpture projects, digital tools, and Photoshop are introduced in this skill-building class, which is designed for students with any level of art experience. Study of artists and stylistic movements, occasional writing projects, art vocabulary study, and class critiques are incorporated throughout the course to develop students’ ability to understand and discuss art.
  • Intermediate Art

    In this course, students develop their personal style, artistic vision, and creative expression through the exploration of various art and design genres. Building on the skills introduced in Drawing and Design, Intermediate Art emphasizes concept and quality over quantity as students work to refine their art. The course may be repeated for credit, as the curriculum and assignments change each semester, allowing students’ work to progress over time.
  • Intermediate Photography

    Intermediate Photography students create imagery with storytelling and thematic elements. Students build upon their foundational skills while diving deeper into more specific areas of photography such as portraiture, abstract, motion, presentation, and more. This exploration requires initiative and an interest in experimentation as students are given frequent opportunities to make their own creative choices. The curriculum for Intermediate Photography varies each semester, allowing students to repeat the course for credit.
  • Nexus: A Course in Design and Creation

    Nexus is a visual arts class that investigates the intersection of art, design, technology, and culture. Each student develops a personalized design project, beginning with basic mock-up sketches in pencil, moving to computer software renderings, and ultimately fabricating objects using the tools available in College Prep’s art room and the xLab makerspace. Using design software, 3D printers, laser cutters, and sewing machines as well as drawing, crafting, and sculpting, students explore various aspects of design and creation.

List of 7 members.

  • Photo of Tina Harrington

    Tina Harrington 

    Choral Music Teacher
    510-652-0111 x230
  • Photo of Molly Aaronson-Gelb

    Molly Aaronson-Gelb 98

    Drama Teacher
  • Photo of Michael Chan

    Michael Chan 

    Visual Arts / Photography teacher
  • Photo of David Chiorini

    David Chiorini 

    Instrumental Music Teacher
    510-652-0111 230
  • Photo of Alicia Langlais

    Alicia Langlais 

    Dance Teacher
    510-652-0111 x249
  • Photo of Mitchell Ost

    Mitchell Ost 

    Drama Tech Teacher
    510.652.0111 x232
  • Photo of Christina Williams

    Christina Williams 

    Visual Arts Teacher
    510-652-0111 x226

mens conscia recti

a mind aware of what is right