Fine Arts Department
The Discovery Prep School Arts Program
The Discovery Prep School Arts Program provides a nurturing and supportive environment where students explore their interests and passions. We believe that art is uniquely capable of furthering student success and providing life-long skills in creative thinking, problem solving, adaptability, and commitment. Students are encouraged to develop their artistic skills through a variety of hands-on opportunities in the disciplines of Visual, Performing, and Culinary Arts.
Discovery’s Middle School Arts Program strives to inspire students to take creative risks to help build self-confidence through the exploration of Visual, Performing, and Culinary Arts. Each discipline offers students opportunities to work collaboratively and feel comfortable trying new ideas and accepting new challenges. Our arts educators provide supportive learning environments and curriculum content geared towards helping students build and practice skills while learning to take pride in doing something at their very best.
This beginning Drama course is designed to inspire students to take creative risks with a focus on building confidence and cultivating creativity. Through a series of engaging exercises, improvisation games, and scene work, students will learn the foundational skills of acting, including voice projection, physicality, and character development. This fun and upbeat class strives to help students discover the joy of storytelling in a supportive learning environment.
In this beginner photography class, students will explore visual storytelling and creative expression while building a solid foundation in the art of capturing images. Through a combination of hands-on practice, interactive discussions, and creative assignments, students will learn the essentials of composition, lighting, camera settings, and basic digital photo editing skills. Students will also study and discuss current and historic works of art and practice giving constructive feedback. This course strives to provide students an inspiring and supportive environment to explore the limitless possibilities of photography and unlock their creative potential behind the lens. A digital camera/DSLR camera is encouraged, but a phone may be used.
Studio Art is a hands-on art foundation class. Emphasis is placed on understanding the Elements of Art Principles of Design, and color theory. Students will explore a variety of artists, art processes, and materials such as drawing, painting, printmaking, and three-dimensional design. Student artwork will reflect aesthetics and cultural and historical contexts. Willingness to get involved in the creative process is a more important requirement than the student’s talent or previous experience.
Beginning Culinary focuses on cooking fundamentals, becoming familiar with cooking equipment, and kitchen protocol. Culinary Arts emphasizes a sense of responsibility, timing, and urgency in a cooking environment. Students will explore creativity and self encouragement.
Discovery’s Upper School Arts Program offers a variety of advanced arts education opportunities in the Visual, Performing, and Culinary Arts. Each program nurtures and celebrates self-expression and personal growth. While some students are honing their skills to pursue a career in the arts, others are enjoying exploring new ways of thinking and discovering their artistic strengths. Our arts educators strive to provide individual and collaborative curriculum to help students grow and develop a lasting love and appreciation of the arts.
The Performance course provides a balanced performing arts program that focuses on theatrical studies leading to the formal presentation of a rehearsed production. The class emphasizes the practice of performance opportunities in acting, music, dance, directing, stage design, costuming, and producing. Each student will play a role in the final production whether it be a play, musical, showcase, or concert.
Photography emphasizes the process involved in generating photographs as an individual and as group work inside and outside the classroom. The end goal is to produce a personal portfolio of images creating a coherent body of work based upon a theme, concept, or selected subject matter. Students will assess and evaluate the creative work of their peers through both written and verbal critiques. The class will discuss topics geared towards finding an individual voice through imagery, refining work, and methods of presenting photography. This course will also explore the history of photography with projects geared towards recreations of photography processes and bodies of work. Some form of camera is mandatory for this course. A digital camera/DSLR camera is encouraged, but a phone may be used.
Studio Art is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of different techniques and mediums used in art. Students are encouraged to experiment with various materials and explore different styles. The class focuses on developing critical thinking skills and encourages students to think deeply about their art and its meaning. Students are also expected to engage in critiques and discussions with their peers, in order to refine their work and develop a greater understanding of the creative process. Throughout the course, students are given the freedom to develop their own style and hone their skills in a supportive and challenging environment. The goal of the class is to develop their ability to communicate and express themselves through their artwork.
In this year-long course, students will learn art theory, principles of design, typography, and color theory. All projects will be created in the Adobe Creative suite using Photoshop, Indesign, and Illustrator. Students will create a wide variety of digital design projects, from movie posters to self-portraits, and even typefaces. With access to various software programs and online tools, students can explore their creativity and develop their design skills.
Discover the extraordinary world of culinary arts at Discovery Prep Schools. Our Advanced Culinary Arts program offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines advanced techniques, farm-to-table philosophy, menu planning, culinary entrepreneurship, industry experiences, and state-of-the-art facilities. Immerse yourself in a dynamic learning environment where creativity and innovation thrive. From mastering cutting-edge cooking techniques to honing your business acumen, our program prepares you for a successful career in the culinary industry. Join us today and embark on a culinary journey that will redefine your passion for food.
Students are given the opportunity to exhibit their work in Discovery’s emerging annual Arts Cafe. This event is a public show open to our surrounding community and includes a Gallery Walk containing a wide variety of visual art pieces, a Tasting Experience featuring student culinary creations, and a Live Performance showcasing music, theatre and dance.
The Discovery Labs provides opportunities to be a part of an after-school Arts quest. This 6 week rotating arts series features courses in Visual, Performing, and Culinary Arts. The Discovery Lab students also receive the opportunity to have their art showcased in Discovery’s annual Art Cafe. Open to all students grade 6th-12th, including current Discovery Prep School students.
