Art
At Montera, visual art is available as an elective all three years.
Beginning Art & Design
The 6th grade visual arts program is an exploratory and a participatory classroom-based hands-on learning experience with a variety of materials. Students learn in an open class where there is inquiry and collaboration of ideas of the project-based lessons. There are typically three projects per marking period. Projects vary annually and satisfy California Standards, including artistic perception; creative expression; historical and cultural context; aesthetics; connections, relationships, and application. Many lessons coincide with Montera's culture and support school-wide initiatives, such as: Montera Pride, Anti-Bullying Initiatives, Green Week, S.T.E.A.M., & more. Montera art gallery exhibitions and receptions are held at the end of each term to celebrate accomplishments of the Talented Toro Artists. Semester Course.
Intermediate Art & Design
Passing grade B- or higher in Beginning Art & Design. This is an intermediate course for the study of visual arts media through illustration techniques in drawing, photography, painting, graphic design and three-dimensional constructions. It is a combined studio and art history course which places emphasis upon reinforcing and building on material covered within Basic Art & Design instruction. Students will increase proficiency of expression in various media and understanding of historical themes, social themes and artistic movements. Students will begin portfolio building for Advanced Art and High School. Suggested $35.00 shop donation and personal art kit
Advanced Art
By portfolio only. The advanced visual arts program is offered to 7th & 8th graders who exhibit a high interest and/or talent in art. There will be units in computer graphics and design. Students will be required to document their art in digital files for HS portfolio preparation. It is a participatory classroom-based hands-on learning experience with a variety of materials. Students learn in an open class where there is inquiry and collaboration of ideas of the project-based lessons. There are typically three projects per marking period. Many lessons coincide with Montera's culture and support school-wide initiatives. Suggested $35.00 shop donation and personal art kit.
Students taking art had a virtual art show this fall. Browse their work in the slideshow below!
Ceramics
In this ceramics-intensive art class, students will discover a multitude of hand-building techniques in clay. We will create works using pinch, slab, and coil methods, and experiment with different types of glazes and glazing techniques. The course will culminate in an exciting final project that will showcase your mastery of hand-building skills. This course is an advanced art course. Prerequisites are an A or B in Art I and recommendation from your art teacher.
Social Justice Art (one semester, paired with Intro to Drama)
Social Justice Within Art - Visual art that aims to raise critical consciousness, build community, and motivate individuals to promote social change. It explores the importance of Social Justice within Art by recording history, challenging perspectives, identifying the issues and how it can be used to change our society. Students will create two- three- dimensionals designs, photography, and digital designs.
Media Arts
In this course, we will analyze the media we consume every day and understand how media is used to inform, influence, and -- sometimes -- manipulate consumers. We will also create our own media content, such as podcasts, animations, music videos, documentaries, and commercials. Students will learn skills such as storyboarding, scriptwriting, audio and video editing, product photography, editing images, and so much more!
