visual art

The Visual Arts at BLS are a changing and growing discipline within the larger framework of the school's academic structure. Students are making paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, digital art and multimedia works. As students experiment with these techniques, they learn the ways that creative arts can intersect with and inform their more academic pursuits.

Classes

Seventh Grade Art: Students of Class VI are taught art by Mr. Byron. The goal of the seventh grade art program is to build self-esteem, explore the fundamentals of good draughtsmanship with class projects and problem solving skills for the future.
Eighth Grade Art: In Mr. Harris' 8th grade art classes, students are introduced to art history, aesthetics, and to many art-making practices. During the five terms students will focus on drawing, sculpture, architecture, painting and mixed medium. By talking about art history and aesthetics, students will gain a better understanding of how art-making effects every aspect of our society. In each term students will design and construct projects relating to each individual topic. The processes and techniques used on each project will help students acquire confidence in their creative abilities and the mastery of new materials.; In 8th grade Connections, there is a theme that goes along with every term. The course overview is as follows: Term 1 - Theme: Community Drawing - Introduction to varied drawing materials, line drawings, contour drawing, blind contour, observation drawing, still life, vocabulary, overlapping and spacial concepts. A drawing project that complies with the theme. Term 2 - Theme: Heroic Ideal Sculpture - Term focuses on form first with drawing then with clay or some other three dimensional material. Term project that reflects the theme and is sculptural. Term 3 - Theme: Public Life Architecture - Architectural history, vocabulary, structural and environmental aspects of architecture, perspective drawing, blue prints, design and construct an architectural model. Term 4 - Theme: Private Worlds Painting - Color, color families, introduction to varied painting materials and techniques. Portraiture, landscape, fantasy and self portraits. Term 5 - Theme: The Power of Image Media - Advertisement, propaganda, television, magazines etc., graphic design problems.
Advanced Placement Art: This two-year program is intended for the highly motivated students committed to serious study in Art. Advanced Placement Art work in art requires more time than any other Advanced Placement course. In place of an examination, students' art work will be selected for evaluation by a group of artists and teachers. The quality will be judged on quality, concentration, and breadth.

Afterschool

Photography: The darkroom is a veritable hive of activity every day after-school. Come by and visit anytime! We are in Room 516 on floor 2A of the Arts Wing. In addition, this year Mr. Byron is offering a digital photography class.
Pottery: Pottery classes taught by BLS alumna Caitlin Jolly meet after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Interested students should contact Mr. Harris.