Visual Arts

AVI20 deepens students’ understanding of visual arts by expanding their technical skills, conceptual thinking, and personal expression.

Students explore a wide range of materials and methods as they create, present, and analyze artwork.

The course also introduces students to

• Art history
• Critical analysis
• Career paths in the arts

encouraging them to think creatively and critically about visual culture and its role in society

Unit 1: Creating & Presenting
Students begin by developing technical skills and experimenting with artistic tools and techniques.
Lessons include:

• Generating Ideas
• Art Criticism Techniques
• The Creative Process
• Elements and Principles of Art
• Artistic Methods and Production
• Presenting Artworks to an Audience

Unit 2: Reflecting, Responding & Analyzing
Students interpret and evaluate artwork, connecting personal experience with historical and social context.
Lessons include:

• Art Analysis Techniques
• Introduction to Art History
• Functions and Purposes of Art
• Art and Society
• Skills Acquired Through Artistic Practice
• Career Paths in Visual Arts

Unit 3: Foundations
This unit focuses on the language and structure of art, helping students build deeper visual literacy.
Lessons include:

• Art Terminology
• Creative and Critical Analysis Processes
• Conventions and Styles in Art
• Copyright, Ownership, and Fair Use
• Safety Practices in the Studio

Unit 4: Final Exam and Culminating
Students apply all they have learned to complete and present a final project.
Lessons include:

• Final Project: Culminating assignment (worth 10% of course grade)
• Final Exam: Written assessment (worth 20% of course grade)

AVI20 assessments focus on creativity, technique, reflection, and application:

• 70% of the final grade is based on coursework, and assignments.
• 30% of the final grade is based on final evaluations:
  • 10% Culminating project (completed artwork and artist statement)
  • 20% Final written exam (art theory, history, and critique)

All evaluations follow Ontario curriculum expectations and help students express their creativity while understanding the broader meaning and purpose of visual art.