Our studio courses provide students with access to state-of-the-art technology and professional artistic resources, providing a hands-on learning experience, in real working studios. Students are encouraged to explore their world-perspective and share art created through the lens of their life experiences.
Studio Courses
Our first-class environment offers five courses giving students the opportunity to learn new skills and credits towards high school graduation. No past experience is necessary for any of our studios. In fact, most of our students have little to no background in art but develop these skills during their time at CATS.
In this dynamic multi-media environment, students collaborate in the planning, development, presentation and assessment of audio, photo and video production. Students learn and develop skills through various digital tools, such as Photoshop, Maya 3-D, Illustrator, Adobe Creative Suite and iMovie. We also have a 3D printer where students learn to design and print personal artworks.
An intensive study in various two-dimensional design techniques including drawing, painting, marker techniques, print-making and collage. This studio course focuses on techniques used in commercial art, including how the elements of art and the principles of design drive the work of designers and illustrators. Projects range from still life, self-portraits and sketching to abstract compositions, contemporary painting, and drawing. Students are also instructed on proper presentation and framing techniques.
Students taking this course are exposed to the wonder of clay construction, glass fusion and glass slumping (shaping glass over or into molds at high temperatures). After learning the basics of each medium, students move on to determine a focus for their thesis, concentrating their efforts in clay, glass or adopting a mixed media approach. Student artwork can be either functional or sculptural in nature. While the focus of this studio is clay and glass, students also learn to work with wood, wire, and other media for presentation and exhibition purposes.
The ceramics course immerses students in the production of ceramic vessels, tiles, and other functional and non-functional clay art forms. Students are introduced to the physics of clay and the chemistry of glaze while learning how to work with the materials. Students also explore the production of ceramic pieces across time and cultures.
The stained glass workshop teaches the art of cutting art glass into shapes and connecting those pieces by soldering them into a unified design. Students begin with simple geometric forms and work alongside the master artist, gradually creating more intricate designs as their expertise grows.