artappreciation is designed to introduce students to the visual arts with an emphasis on Western civilization. Students are urged to: develop a vocabulary to describe art materials and processes as well as discuss individual artists and art movements with which they may be associated; gain an appreciation for the visual arts including the visual elements and principles of design in two- and three-dimensional media and recognize, moreover expand, their own aesthetic sensibilities; demonstrate an overall understanding of the historical and intercultural contexts in art; develop an informed personal reaction to the arts based upon critical analysis of various art forms (i.e., painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, new media, etc.); and critique a work of art by applying recognized theories and criteria and effectively communicate their position through varying forms of expression (written, verbal and visual).

Students are also given the opportunity to create one hands-on, studio art project. The images shown here are from a "self-portrait" project in which students were allowed to use photography, collage, painting, drawing or mixed-media.