Fine Arts

The Fine Arts Foundation Program consists of a 2-D and a 3-D class during both 7th and 8th grade. There are five important areas for growth that we explore in the Foundation Program and all Fine Arts classes: perception, resourcefulness, character, craftsmanship and creativity. We vary our activities, but generally cover complementary skills and ideas in 2-D Art and 3-D Art.

2-D Art 7
(Required; 2 periods/week; 1 semester)

2-D Art 7 is arranged to help students increase their powers of observation through a variety of drawing exercises, and the recording of visual notes. Students will learn about the history of Western linear perspective, the Italian Renaissance, and how to use both theoretical and observed one and two-point perspective to organize space. Use of line, value, and color mixing are covered through a wide use of materials and applications.

3-D Art 7
(Required; 2 periods/week; 1 semester)

3D art has height and width as a painting does, plus a third dimension – depth. The objectives of 3D Art are to begin to develop technical abilities involving sculptural form and to be introduced to the elements and principles of strong three- dimensional design. 7th grade students are guided through a variety of activities that include sculpting from observation, hand building and glazing techniques, plaster casting, and wire brazing.

2-D Art 8
(Required; 2 periods/week; 1 semester)

In 2-D Art 8, we review and emphasize the formal concepts and skills taught in 7th grade including observational drawing, linear perspective, composition, color theory, and color mixing. The concept of personal identity is explored through self-portraiture and learning about historical and contemporary portrait artists.

3-D Art 8
(Required; 2 periods/week; 1 semester)

The 8th grade sculpture experience is an extension of the 7th grade foundation program in structure but is broader and deeper in scope. Students are introduced to the role of content and the concept of meaning within art, and how they can express these ideas in their own work. Assignments will complement their 2-D Art 8 experience and include learning to control proportion and composition, and students can expect activities that will challenge their problem-solving skills.

Drawing and Painting I
(Grades 9-12; 2 periods/week minimum for credit; full year; 1/3 credit)

Principles of composition and the fundamental elements of art such as form, line, mark, shape, value, and color are studied through assignments in a variety of subject areas, which include portrait, landscape, figure, and still life. Students draw from observation, disabuse themselves of visual stereotypes, become self- evaluating of their work, and learn how to see. To that end, students are taught observational techniques such as measuring, and are encouraged to draw what they see rather than what they know. Media used in the studio include watercolor, acrylic, pastel, charcoal, ink, and pencil. The studio houses a small library for reference, as the examination of great works of art is a continuing part of study. The program is enhanced through the school’s collection of original art works, gallery exhibits and lectures by visiting artists.

Drawing and Painting II
(Grades 10-12; Prerequisite: Drawing and Painting I 2 periods/week minimum for credit; full year; 1/3 credit)

This course expands upon the fundamental theory and practices of art introduced in Drawing and Painting I, and more advanced concepts are explored. All media are available, including tempera, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, charcoal, ink, and pencil. Students are encouraged to take a corrective approach to their work, and to practice vocabulary surrounding visual dialogue as they engage in critique. Students are also encouraged to explore content in their work through creative expression.

Sculpture I
(Grades 9-12; 2 periods/week; full year; 1/3 credit)

Sculpture I is an exploration into the processes and techniques involved in creating sculptural forms. This class delves into the investigation of material, such as plaster, clay, bronze, and non-traditional materials, in addition to conceptual issues and themes related with sculptural art. A variety of projects are considered and used for creative examination. This class is designed to introduce students to the fundamental elements and principles of three-dimensional design. Students should develop a visual vocabulary while learning how to resolve three- dimensional structure and design problems. Students are also introduced to the work of a variety of artists working three-dimensionally.

Sculpture II
(Grades 10-12; Prerequisite: Sculpture I; 2 periods/week; full year; 1/3 credit)

Sculpture II is designed for students to build off the fundamentals learned in Sculpture I. These include: advanced modeling and casting techniques, an exploration of individual style and creativity, and understanding the communicative power of form and materials, including clay, bronze, wood, wax, steel, plaster, foam, etc. By combining these and other sculptural principles and elements, students will learn how to communicate their ideas through three- dimensional form and develop their own aesthetic and conceptual base.

Ceramics I
(Grades 9-12; 2 periods/week; full year; 1/3 credit)

This class will introduce students to the processes and techniques of making vessel-based objects in clay. Students will explore both hand building; pinch, coil & slabs, and the potter’s wheel, spending a semester in each concentration. They will be exposed to both historical and contemporary art works and examine how those ideas can be explored in their own work. Students will also investigate a variety of glazing and surface treatments.

Ceramics II
(Grades 10-12; Prerequisite: Ceramics I; 2 periods/week; full year; 1/3 credit)

Building on the foundations taught in Ceramics I, Ceramics II will challenge students to expand on their building skills as well as the concepts that they explore in their work. Both hand building and the potter’s wheel will be once again employed in the creation of work, and students will dive deeper into the ideas and projects presented to them. Students will also have the opportunity to pursue individual investigations in their work alongside directed assignments.

Printmaking
(Grades 9-12; 2 periods/week; full year; 1/3 credit)

Students are introduced to a variety of printmaking techniques including etching, engraving, serigraphy, relief prints, book binding, and monotypes. Historical and contemporary issues printmaking are discussed and regular critiques are held. Students are also required to make an edition of prints in order to participate in a print-swap with their peers.

Photography I
(Grades 9-12; 2 periods/week; full year; l/3 credit)

Basic black and white darkroom techniques are taught: exposure, developing, contact printing, and enlarging. Æsthetic issues are explored in relation to the historical development of photography as an art form.

Photography II
(Grades 10-12; Prerequisites: Photography I; 2 periods/week; full year; l/3 credit)

Advanced, experimental, and alternative photographic techniques are explored with emphasis on the development of personal aesthetic vision. Ideas relevant to the history of photography are presented and discussed.

Intensive Studies: Art
(Grades 11-12; a Level II art class, or multiple Level I 2D & 3D art classes, with D&P I strongly recommended; additionally, portfolio review and department approval; 4 periods/week; full year; 1 credit)

This course challenges and channels advanced students’ excitement for their work by exploring essential issues in art through guided exercises in both 2-D and 3-D media. The effective use of fundamental elements of design such as perspective, line, gesture, composition, value and color are explored. Discussions, field trips, reports and gallery visits are incorporated so that students may gain a better understanding of the context in which artists, historical and contemporary, create. This course is strongly recommended for the student who wants to develop a portfolio. Requirements include participation in critiques, development of an artist’s statement, participation in a show of intensive work in the school’s Bonsack Gallery, and generation of independent work along with studio assignments. This course is co-taught by members of the Sculpture and Drawing and Painting faculty.

Intensive Studies: Art - Honors
(Grades 11-12; one year of Intensive Studies: Art and department approval or department approval for Grade 11 students; additionally, portfolio review; 5 periods/week; full year; 1 credit)

This course runs in conjunction with the Intensive Art Studies class, builds upon work students completed in Intensive Studies: Art, and continues to challenge students in the creation of their artwork through historical understanding and personal experience. Discussions, field trips, reports, and gallery visits are incorporated so that students may gain a better understanding of the context in which an artist creates. This course is strongly recommended for the student who is considering applying to college Art programs and pursing a degree in an Arts related field. Requirements include participation in critiques, development of an artist’s statement, creation of a portfolio of artwork, research and presentations on artists and art movements, presentations of their work to an audience through a lecture and slide presentation, participation in a show of intensive work in the school’s Bonsack Gallery, and generation of independent work along with studio assignments. This course is co-taught by members of the Sculpture and Drawing and Painting faculty.

Independent Study: Ceramics
(Grades 11-12; Prerequisites: Ceramics II and departmental approval; 1/3 credit)

Students develop, with their teachers, projects specifically designed to address their individual needs and interests in ceramics.

Independent Study: Photography
(Grades 11-12; Prerequisites: Photography II and departmental approval; 1/3 credit)

Students develop, with their teachers, projects specifically designed to address their individual needs and interests in photography.

Independent Study: Sculpture
(Grades 11-12; Prerequisites: Sculpture II and departmental approval; 1/3 credit)

Students develop, with their teachers, projects specifically designed to address their individual needs and interests in sculpture.

Classical Mythology in the Arts
(Grades 9-12; 2 periods/week; full year; 1/2 credit)

In this year-long elective course, students who are intrigued by the gods, goddesses, heroes and heroines of Greek and Roman mythology will get a chance to take a deep dive into some familiar (and perhaps, some novel) tales of deception, valor and transformation as they explore their depictions in the arts. We will examine the myths through the lens of all media, ancient and modern. Students will read classical texts in translation, examine ancient vases, mosaics, coins and statues, read modern literary treatments, view film adaptations and listen to musical interpretations.

The Bonsack Gallery is a not-for-profit educational gallery on the campus of John Burroughs School. Regular gallery hours are 8 am to 6:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

The Bonsack is a teaching gallery with a focus on presenting a diverse range of ideas and material approaches. Professional visual artists of regional and national prominence are presented. Each gallery artist conducts a gallery talk with the students and community.

Click here to view the 2023-24 Bonsack Gallery calendar.

The Kuehner Gallery, used for the display of student and alumni work, was made possible by a gift from Kim Kuehner '71 in memory of his sister, Kerry S. Kuehner '68. The new gallery was christened with the first exhibit of the JBS permanent collection. The collection dates back to the early years of the school when a few parents made gifts of art because they believed that an appreciation of the arts was best nurtured in the presence of art. Later, friends of the school established specific funds which enabled the school to build the collection, now totaling more than 250 pieces, mostly works on paper from the mid- to late-twentieth century. St. Louis artists are well represented in the collection.