Art
Art at Wabash High School
Why we need art in our schools:
Art education integrates and strengthens other Core academics. Students who take art outscore their non-art peers significantly on standardized test and score higher on their SAT exams. Here is how it happens: When we grid, measure, and draw we use geometry. When we make sculptures, we use engineering. When we mix colors, we reveal information about physics. When we create illustrations, we learn about literature. When we teach different styles of art, we teach history. When we teach ceramics, we teach chemistry. When we write about art, we strengthen writing skills. When we create works of art, we solve visual problems in creative ways.
Art has other emotional benefits as well. The NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information), has definitive studies that show art improves well-being. Art reduces stress, distress, anxiety and negative emotions. Art improves focus on positive life experiences, self-worth and social identity. For these and many other reasons, art is needed in our schools!
Art offerings at Wabash High School
Photography
This course serves as an introduction and exploration of photography. The course will cover the use of the Digital DLR camera controls, including f/stops, shutter speeds, film speeds and the production of a correct exposure. Skills will include composition, criticism, lighting, and image editing software. Students will also learn the history and invention of photography. Assignments will include creative use of the camera controls including depth of field and action motion, shadows and light, alternative camera angles, portraits, still life’s, and compositions based on the elements and principles of design. Students will receive basic instruction, demonstration, and see samples of the desired outcomes.
Photo 2
This course serves as a continuation in the exploration of photography. The course will review the use of the Digital DLR camera controls, including f/stops, shutter speeds, film speeds and the production of a correct exposure. Skills will include composition, criticism, lighting, and image editing software. Students will also learn the history and invention of photography. Assignments will include creative use of the camera controls including depth of field and action motion, shadows and light, alternative camera angles, portraits, still life’s, and compositions based on the elements and principles of design. Students will receive basic instruction, demonstration, and see samples of the desired outcomes.
Introduction to 2D Art and Advanced 2D Art
This course serves as an exploration of the elements and principles of design. The class will utilize various art media, tools, and techniques in the creation of art projects. The class will analyze the use of art in culture, criticism and art history. Students will explore how art is integrated into other disciplines of study and develop an understanding of opportunities and careers in the visual arts. Students will complete projects using traditional as well as contemporary methods of art-making. This course requires a high commitment to art making, art research and imaginative thinking.
Drawing I and Drawing II
This course serves as an advanced exploration into art. The class will utilize various art media, tools, and techniques in the creation of art projects. The class will analyze the use of art in culture, criticism and art history. Students will explore how art is integrated into other disciplines of study and develop an understanding of opportunities and careers in the visual arts. Students will complete projects using traditional as well as contemporary methods of art-making. This course requires a high commitment to art making, art research and imaginative thinking.
The art teacher at Wabash High School
Donna R. Pattee-Ballard
Mrs. Ballard was born and raised in LaFontaine, Indiana. She has undergraduate degrees from Vincennes University and Ball State University and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She has taught at Grand Valley State University, Kendall College of Art and Design, College of the Canyons and Ball State University.
Mrs. Ballard is an artist, as well as a teacher, and has shown her art work all across the country from Los Angeles, CA to New York, NY. She is known for her photographic art, but has also shown pyrography (wood burning art), drawing and sculpture. Mrs. Ballard loves to make all types of art, travel, read, and learn new things.
Resources:
Gibbons, Eric. “Why We Need the Arts More Than Ever,” School Arts, pg.11, Davis Publications.
ArtEd Guru: artedguru.com
Indiana Department of Education. “Course Titles and Descriptions,” doe.in.gov