Art Portfolio Prep & Aesthetic Theology

Curriculum for High School Art Class: Art Portfolio Prep & Aesthetic Theology

Class Duration: 2 Hours (Friday)

Cost: $50 per session
Level: High School Students

Course Objectives:

– To develop a strong art portfolio suitable for art school applications.
– To engage with the aesthetic values and virtues of art from a classical Christian perspective.
– To draw inspiration from leading thinkers in art and theology.
– To prepare students for participation in art competitions and exhibitions.

Reading:

Mako Fujimura- “Culture Care: Reconnecting with Beauty for Our Common Life”
Leland Ryken- “The Christian Imagination: The Practice of Faith in Literature and Writing”
Martin- “Art and the Bible”
Makoto Fujimura- “Art + Faith”

Weekly Schedule:

Week 1: Introduction to Art Portfolio Development

– Discuss components of a successful art portfolio and explore inspiration sources.
– Overview of different art mediums and styles.
– Introduce concepts from “Culture Care” on reflecting God’s beauty and truth through art.

Week 2: Understanding Aesthetics and Virtues in Art

– Explore classical aesthetics through Martin’s perspectives.
– Discuss the importance of virtues like patience, excellence, and courage in art.
– Students create initial sketches that illustrate a chosen virtue, considering aesthetic qualities.

Week 3: Thematic Development for Portfolio

– Brainstorm and choose themes for individual portfolios that reflect personal beliefs and classical Christian perspectives.
– Incorporate insights from “The Christian Imagination.”
– Prepare drafts of artist statements that accompany artwork and reflect on their chosen themes.

Week 4: Techniques and Mediums Exploration

– Experiment with various media (painting, drawing, sculpture) to engage with chosen themes.
– Practice techniques that enhance visual narratives.
– Discuss how specific techniques convey deeper meanings or virtues.

Week 5: Incorporating Theology into Art

– Discuss the integration of biblical themes and stories in artwork, drawing on Fujimura’s insights.
– Examine historical artists who expressed their faith through their art.
– Begin creating a piece inspired by a specific theological theme.

Week 6: Critique and Feedback Session

Week 7: Planning for Competitions

– Research and identify upcoming local and national art competitions; discuss application guidelines and deadlines.
– Students select artworks from their portfolios to adapt or refine for competition submissions.
– Discuss the importance of displaying artistic integrity and excellence in competition entries.

Week 8: Creating Final Pieces

– Intensive studio time to finalize both portfolio pieces and those selected for competitions.
– Encourage students to be mindful of craftsmanship and to reflect the Creator’s qualities in their work.

Week 9: Presenting Art and Artist Statements

– Prepare for final presentations of selected works, focusing on the artist statement and the story behind their work.
– Students articulate how their faith, themes, and techniques connect to ideas from their readings.
– Practice receiving and giving feedback in a professional manner.

Week 10: Exhibition & Reflection

– Organize a mini-exhibition where students display their work for peers, family, and the community.
– Optionally, coordinate a small competition within the group to encourage friendly engagement.
– Reflect on the entire experience, synthesizing insights from readings and discussions regarding their artistic journey.

Assessment:

– Continuous progress on portfolio development throughout the course.
– Participation in discussions, critiques, and peer reviews.
– Quality of final presentations and ability to articulate the relationship between their work, aesthetics, and theology.

Humanities