Arts - Visual

Our Calligraphy course introduces students to the beauty, discipline, and expressive potential of the written word. Students explore traditional and contemporary lettering styles while developing fine motor control, precision, and artistic sensitivity. Through hands-on practice with tools such as dip pens and inks, they learn foundational strokes, spacing, composition, and layout design.

A highlight of the course is the creation of a fully handmade book. Each page features a unique theme and design, allowing students to combine lettering, illustration, and personal expression in a cohesive, meaningful final portfolio piece. Students also work on additional projects—such as illuminated quotes, weathergrams, and decorative envelopes—that bring calligraphy into both artistic and real-world contexts.

This course encourages patience, focus, and creativity, making it a rewarding experience for artists of all skill levels who want to connect art, language, and design in a timeless way.

Brandon Teris - bteris@sbunified.org

Ceramics is an art form using clay to construct 3D works of art. Some works will be sculptural and some will be functional. Students will use clay to make medium-sized objects. 

Ceramics is good for students who like working with their hands, are okay with wet/slimy textures, are good at cleaning up their area, and can focus on making for the class period. Ceramics students are self-motivated, work diligently each day, and have multiple projects going at one time at different stages.

The Ceramics 1 class is a hand-building class, where students learn how to manipulate clay by hand, with forms, as well as glazing techniques. 

Kat Ross - kross@sbunified.org

The digital art class invites students to explore creative visual storytelling, design, and color through a variety of guided projects. Learners develop skills in composition, color mixing, shading, and layout while experimenting with digital techniques and hands‑on exercises. Projects range from personal studies to imaginative pieces that build a cohesive portfolio and foster creative confidence.

Nicole Barr - nbarr@sbunified.org

Drawing & Painting 1: 

In this introductory course students will develop their skills in different methods, materials and critical thinking in the visual arts. They will learn how to apply the Elements of Art and Principles of Design to their own creative works of art as well as learn different techniques for drawing from observation; discovering how to truly see objects in new ways that will help to draw them accurately. A variety of media is explored, including graphite, colored pencil, charcoal, ink, watercolor, and mixed media and subject matters include still life, portraiture, and abstract design. Additionally, students will explore art history, art criticism, and careers in the arts. More importantly, they will get a chance to challenge themselves, be creative and have fun!

Julia Elliott - jelliott@sbunified.org

Drawing & Painting 2: 

Advanced Drawing and Painting is a studio-based course designed for students who have taken an Intro art class and are ready to expand their technical skills, creative voice, and artistic independence. Through in-depth study of drawing and painting techniques, students explore a wide range of media—including graphite, charcoal, ink, watercolor, and mixed media—while developing a strong understanding of composition, color theory, and visual storytelling. Emphasis is placed on developing a consistent creative process, from sketchbook ideation to final presentation. Art history and contemporary artist research are integrated to help students connect their work to broader artistic movements and cultural contexts. By the end of the course, students will produce a cohesive body of work suitable for portfolio development, competitions, and college applications. This course is ideal for motivated students seeking to refine their craftsmanship, deepen their conceptual thinking, and challenge themselves as emerging artists.

Julia Elliott - jelliott@sbunified.org

Jewelry 1 class introduces students to small metal work with projects like keychains, rings, earrings, bracelets, chains, and bangles. Jewelry 2 takes students who already have the foundational skills from Jewelry 1 and adds complexity and new technologies. Students in Jewelry 2 will have access to lost-wax casting, enameling, lapidary (stone) carving, 3D wax casting, and more. Jewelry students use metal to make small functional objects. Jewelry is good for students with fine motor skills, who enjoy working with their hands on small projects with fine details. Jewelry students must be comfortable working with fire, as students use soldering torches throughout the course. Jewelry students are self-motivated and work diligently each period.

Kat Ross - kross@sbunified.org

In this hands-on course, students will build upon skills and techniques taught in Intro to Drawing and Painting class to explore a traditional relief and intaglio techniques including linoleum carving, drypoint etching, mono printing, stenciling and screen printing. Through step-by-step instruction, students will learn how to design, carve, ink, and print their own original works of art. This course emphasizes both technical skill and creative expression, encouraging students to experiment with texture, layering, and color while learning about the history and contemporary uses of printmaking. Additionally, students will study historical and modern printmakers to understand how printmaking has been used across cultures for communication, storytelling, and artistic expression. Projects may include poster design, limited edition prints, wearable/ functional art, and mixed-media work. By the end of the course, students will create a portfolio of prints that demonstrate both technical growth and personal creativity, and will gain a deeper appreciation for the art and impact of printmaking.

Julia Elliott - jelliott@sbunified.org

Sculpture students will make 3D objects in a variety of materials. Students will get to try out ceramics (clay), soft sculpture (sewing/felting), paper maché (like piñatas), wood carving, and more!  Sculpture 1 includes projects using materials like paper mache, wood carving, plaster carving, and includes a large group project. Sculpture 2 includes advanced techniques and versions of Sculpture 1 materials, with the addition of metal, 3D scanning / printing, and mold-making. 

Sculpture is good for students who like to work with their hands. Students make medium to large projects, and sometimes work in groups. Sculpture students are open to learning new tools and are often focused on making projects for the majority of the period every day.

Kat Ross - kross@sbunified.org

Sculpture for animation students make 3D things that move, like puppets, characters, and backgrounds. Sculpture for animation students have great fine motor skills and like to make small sculptures with details. Students enjoy working with polymer clay, felt, paper, and other small materials. Most projects result in a video showcasing the sculptures in motion.

Kat Ross - kross@sbunified.org