Advanced Art: Portfolio Development is an 8th grade alternating-day, semester-long course that focuses on creative thinking and problem-solving with a student-directed and independent learning approach. In Advanced Art: Portfolio Development students refine their technical skills focusing on the their individual areas of strength and weakness. Students express their creative “voice” by using a sketchbook as a personal tool for research, brainstorming, and idea development, by designing their own units/projects based off universal themes, and by selecting appropriate 2D or 3D materials to enhance the meaning of their artwork.  Students apply their technology skills to research and analyze the artwork of student chosen, relevant Contemporary Artists, document generation including written artist statements and artwork analysis, and creative self-expression. Students utilize the critique process to evaluate in-progress and finished artwork.

• Trip to the Institute of Art in Chicago to experience, analyze and interpret aspects of the visual world
• Select and prepare artwork and an Artist Statement for the “Advanced Art Course Exhibit”
• Finalize and present their portfolio for review by the High School Art Department for the opportunity to by-pass the Introduction to Art course at the PHS