Art Department

• 2009 Art Course Offerings
   

Our Mission

Learning in the Visual Arts helps guide students in lifestyle and career choices during their high school tenure, prepares them for further study in Art and develops their understanding of an increasingly visual world.

The Art Department is dedicated to nurturing the internal creative development of all students through a focus on critical thinking and aesthetic understanding.  By providing a range of experiences in the visual arts--including study and artwork production utilizing a variety of media, techniques and approaches--all students have the opportunity to appreciate and enjoy Art.

Beginning with a foundation of Design and Visual Culture concepts in the Art Encounters courses, students may choose from among six studio art areas to further explore technical and conceptual aspects of Art.  Independent Study is offered as an individualized program, with the guidance of all the Art staff, culminating in a body of work reflective of personal growth and development in the Visual Arts.  All Art classes are one semester, for 1/2 credit.  Art courses help fill the graduation requirements for elective credits.

Extracurricular Opportunities

Fine Arts Circle

Students have an opportunity to engage in Art-making and Art-appreciation activities outside of the art classroom with the extracurricular Art club, known as the Fine Arts Circle (FAC).  Open to all students, the FAC meets throughout the year at both buildings on a weekly basis.  In addition to an annual field trip to an Art venue such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the club facilitates exhibits of student work, explores art media through workshop experiences, and assists in the selection of the annual purchase awards which enhance Neuqua Valley's Permanent Art Collection.

Exhibition and Competitive Opportunities

Each year, NVHS Art students are offered opportunities to participate in 4 to 6 exhibitions involving students from area high schools, some of which are juried by Art professionals from the community and local colleges and universities.  These opportunities result in portfolio development and recognition for students from every grade level.

The District Fine Arts Festival held in May is a showcase of student Artwork, with special focus on graduating seniors' one-person shows, student demonstrations, and Fine Arts Circle Purchase Awards.

Awards

Over the past several years, NVHS Art students have garnered recognition of extraordinary achievement through the national Scholastics High School Art Contest.   Art students have earned "Gold Key" Awards including the highest honor, an "American Visions" Award, resulting in display of their artwork in New York and Washington, DC.

Additionally, a Neuqua Valley student was selected as a Congressional Art Award recipient in 2002 and his artwork was displayed in the halls of the United States Congress.

Neuqua Valley Art students have been featured on the Illinois Art Education Association's annual poster celebrating national Art Month (March) in 201.  On a local level, Neuqua Valley Artists have been recognized each year with top honors in the Upstate Eight Conference Art Exhibit, the NIU High School Student Show, the Naperville Woman's Club Contest, and the Chicago Area Annual 4 x 5 Show.

Art and Music  Department Faculty

12/20/07