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Location & Contact Details

Office Hours

Monday – Friday
7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Address:

West Catholic High School
1801 Bristol Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Events Calendar

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Fine Arts

Program Goal: All students will experience the understanding, the appreciation and the creation of the Fine Arts in a Catholic/Christian setting for lifelong learning. Students will develop the following skills:

  • Expressing oneself creatively in various media in the visual and performing arts
  • Communicating with others through the language of the arts
  • Respecting the rights of others’ artistic expression
  • Critically evaluating the artistic works of self and others
  • Comprehending the arts in a historical and cultural context
  • Cultivating creative solutions to problems and opportunities
  • Learning to be a discerning artist while manifesting an open mind to the arts in everyday life

*All Fine Arts courses are elective courses; however, students must earn a minimum of 1 credit hour in either Computer Science courses, Engineering and Innovation courses, Fine Arts courses, Instrumental and Vocal Music, or Media Arts and Design courses (or a combination of these courses) prior to graduation.

Freshman Courses

Art I Drawing

Course Number:  A013
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  In this year-long class, basic drawing techniques are taught using various media.  These techniques are applied to a variety of subjects such as still life, portrait, profile, and figure drawing, perspective, and landscape drawing.  Art vocabulary and terminology are taught and the relationship of drawing to art history is incorporated.  Students are required to work in a sketchbook weekly.

Art Palette

Course Number:  A019
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  This semester-long hands-on art history coursed is designed to give students a positive experience in various aspects of the visual arts.  The students’ cultural discovery will be developed by exposure to any different art media, various periods, genres and significant artists.

Theatre I

Course Number:  MU023
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit (First Semester)
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description: Students will learn the basics of the theatre, including theatre vocabulary, movement, vocal interpretations, improvisation, theatre history and acting. This course is an introductory course to the world of theatre and requires a number of projects and performances designed to expose students to the various elements of theatre for a well-rounded understanding of the art form.

Theatre II

Course Number:  MU024
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit (Second Semester)
Prerequisite:  Theatre I or Director permission
Course Description: Building on things covered in Theater I, in this course students will learn the basics of different aspects of theatre, including understanding the cultural influence of theatre, the development of creative expression in ensemble/small-group/solo performances, directing, designing, and critiquing theatre. This course seeks to deepen students’ understanding of theatre production as a whole and requires a number of projects and performances designed to expose students to the various elements of theatre for a well-rounded understanding of the art form. This is primarily a performance-based class. A prerequisite of Theatre I OR director permission is required.

Sophomore Courses

Art I Drawing

Course Number:  A013
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  In this year-long class, basic drawing techniques are taught using various media.  These techniques are applied to a variety of subjects such as still life, portrait, profile, and figure drawing, perspective, and landscape drawing.  Art vocabulary and terminology are taught and the relationship of drawing to art history is incorporated.  Students are required to work in a sketchbook weekly.

Art II Design

Course Number:  A014
Open to grades:  10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Art I
Course Description:  In this year-long class, basic elements of design—line, shape, form, value, color and texture—are applied to solving problems in various areas, including graphic design, three-dimensional design and fine art. Various media may include tempera, wood, pastels, block printing, acrylic and watercolor painting, and computer graphics. Art history, vocabulary and critique methods are integrated into this course. Students are required to work in a sketchbook weekly.

Art Palette

Course Number:  A011
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  This semester-long hands-on art history coursed is designed to give students a positive experience in various aspects of the visual arts.  The students’ cultural discovery will be developed by exposure to any different art media, various periods, genres and significant artists.

Theatre I

Course Number:  MU023
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit (First Semester)
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description: Students will learn the basics of the theatre, including theatre vocabulary, movement, vocal interpretations, improvisation, theatre history and acting. This course is an introductory course to the world of theatre and requires a number of projects and performances designed to expose students to the various elements of theatre for a well-rounded understanding of the art form.

Theatre II

Course Number:  MU024
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit (Second Semester)
Prerequisite:  Theatre I or Director permission
Course Description: Building on things covered in Theater I, in this course students will learn the basics of different aspects of theatre, including understanding the cultural influence of theatre, the development of creative expression in ensemble/small-group/solo performances, directing, designing, and critiquing theatre. This course seeks to deepen students’ understanding of theatre production as a whole and requires a number of projects and performances designed to expose students to the various elements of theatre for a well-rounded understanding of the art form. This is primarily a performance-based class. A prerequisite of Theatre I OR director permission is required.

Junior Courses

Art I Drawing

Course Number:  A013
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  In this year-long class, basic drawing techniques are taught using various media.  These techniques are applied to a variety of subjects such as still life, portrait, profile, and figure drawing, perspective, and landscape drawing.  Art vocabulary and terminology are taught and the relationship of drawing to art history is incorporated.  Students are required to work in a sketchbook weekly.

Art II Design

Course Number:  A014
Open to grades:  10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Art I
Course Description:  In this year-long class, basic elements of design—line, shape, form, value, color and texture—are applied to solving problems in various areas, including graphic design, three-dimensional design and fine art. Various media may include tempera, wood, pastels, block printing, acrylic and watercolor painting, and computer graphics. Art history, vocabulary and critique methods are integrated into this course. Students are required to work in a sketchbook weekly.

Art III Studio Art

Course Number:  A015
Open to grades:  11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Art II
Course Description:  In this year-long class, students receive advanced instruction in different media and techniques. They will be involved in various projects, building on principles and elements of design learned in Art I and Art II. Various media are employed, such as charcoal, chalk, pastel, oil paint, silkscreen, watercolor, pottery, and pen and ink. Vocabulary and terminology are emphasized. Students are required to work in a sketchbook weekly and will keep a portfolio of their work.

Art Palette

Course Number:  A011
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  This semester-long hands-on art history coursed is designed to give students a positive experience in various aspects of the visual arts.  The students’ cultural discovery will be developed by exposure to any different art media, various periods, genres and significant artists. 

Theatre I

Course Number:  MU023
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit (First Semester)
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description: Students will learn the basics of the theatre, including theatre vocabulary, movement, vocal interpretations, improvisation, theatre history and acting. This course is an introductory course to the world of theatre and requires a number of projects and performances designed to expose students to the various elements of theatre for a well-rounded understanding of the art form.

Theatre II

Course Number:  MU024
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit (Second Semester)
Prerequisite:  Theatre I or Director permission
Course Description: Building on things covered in Theater I, in this course students will learn the basics of different aspects of theatre, including understanding the cultural influence of theatre, the development of creative expression in ensemble/small-group/solo performances, directing, designing, and critiquing theatre. This course seeks to deepen students’ understanding of theatre production as a whole and requires a number of projects and performances designed to expose students to the various elements of theatre for a well-rounded understanding of the art form. This is primarily a performance-based class. A prerequisite of Theatre I OR director permission is required.

Senior Courses

Art I Drawing

Course Number:  A013
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  In this year-long class, basic drawing techniques are taught using various media.  These techniques are applied to a variety of subjects such as still life, portrait, profile, and figure drawing, perspective, and landscape drawing.  Art vocabulary and terminology are taught and the relationship of drawing to art history is incorporated.  Students are required to work in a sketchbook weekly.

Art II Design

Course Number:  A014
Open to grades:  10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Art I
Course Description:  In this year-long class, basic elements of design—line, shape, form, value, color and texture—are applied to solving problems in various areas, including graphic design, three-dimensional design and fine art. Various media may include tempera, wood, pastels, block printing, acrylic and watercolor painting, and computer graphics. Art history, vocabulary and critique methods are integrated into this course. Students are required to work in a sketchbook weekly.

Art III Studio Art

Course Number:  A015
Open to grades:  11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Art II
Course Description:  In this year-long class, students receive advanced instruction in different media and techniques. They will be involved in various projects, building on principles and elements of design learned in Art I and Art II. Various media are employed, such as charcoal, chalk, pastel, oil paint, silkscreen, watercolor, pottery, and pen and ink. Vocabulary and terminology are emphasized. Students are required to work in a sketchbook weekly and will keep a portfolio of their work.

Art IV Portfolio Prep

Course Number:  A016
Open to grades:  12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Art III
Course Description:  This year-long class relates art to the individual’s own needs and experiences. The student has the opportunity to work independently and concentrate study in various areas of art, depending on the student’s interest and teacher approval. Students work independently but are expected to participate in group critiques. Each student will have a retrospective exhibit of his or her artwork at year-end. Significant artists throughout history are emphasized. Students are required to work in a sketchbook weekly and will prepare their own portfolio.

AP Art

Course Number:  A019
Open to grades:  12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Art II Studio Art with department approval
Course Description:  The AP art course is designed for students who are seriously interested in the practical experiences of art and wish to develop mastery in the concept, composition and execution of their ideas.  AP Art students will submit portfolios for evaluation at the end of the school year.  In building the portfolio, students experience a variety of concepts, techniques and approaches designed to help them demonstrate their abilities as well as their versatility with techniques, problem solving and ideation.  Students also develop a body of work for the concetration section of the portfolio that investigates an idea of personal interest to them.

Art Palette

Course Number:  A011
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  This semester-long hands-on art history coursed is designed to give students a positive experience in various aspects of the visual arts.  The students’ cultural discovery will be developed by exposure to any different art media, various periods, genres and significant artists.

Theatre I

Course Number:  MU023
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit (First Semester)
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description: Students will learn the basics of the theatre, including theatre vocabulary, movement, vocal interpretations, improvisation, theatre history and acting. This course is an introductory course to the world of theatre and requires a number of projects and performances designed to expose students to the various elements of theatre for a well-rounded understanding of the art form.

Theatre II

Course Number:  MU024
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit (Second Semester)
Prerequisite:  Theatre I or Director permission
Course Description: Building on things covered in Theater I, in this course students will learn the basics of different aspects of theatre, including understanding the cultural influence of theatre, the development of creative expression in ensemble/small-group/solo performances, directing, designing, and critiquing theatre. This course seeks to deepen students’ understanding of theatre production as a whole and requires a number of projects and performances designed to expose students to the various elements of theatre for a well-rounded understanding of the art form. This is primarily a performance-based class. A prerequisite of Theatre I OR director permission is required.