Honors Portfolio Course Requirements and Expectations
Mr. D. Miller
Grading percentages:
50% Studio Work
25% Academic Work
25% Sketchbook
Project Proposals:
These are to be submitted to the instructor for approval as students plan their studio explorations. The proposal should address time frames of approximately 3 to 5 weeks. They are to be revised as needed. When the student completes the proposed work they are to submit a new proposal for the next body of work.
The proposal will help the students learn to plan their creative endeavors, material needs and to be accountable for their time. The proposal will also be used by the instructor for assessment. The proposal is to be word-processed.
Proposal Format
Student name:
Date of submission:
- Project Description: (include nature of object(s), subject matter, quantity & sizes
- Purpose/Objective:
- Materials
- Time line (include completion date):
Community Connections Assignment (two per marking period)
It is very important for you to expand your awareness of the world around you. The Community Connections project will assist you in building or maintaining a wider perspective of our artistic environment. You are to visit and report on two art exhibits in our community during each 9-week period. The visits could be to any of the many museums and/or galleries in the greater Philadelphia area (or beyond). They could also be to any of the more local galleries found in our immediate community. The various newspapers in our area have art sections that list “happenings” and the First Friday events of each month are very rich with activities. The format for your reports will be based on the following: The artist’s name and location of the show should be in the upper left corner of the paper with the date in the upper right corner. Your name will go below the artist’s name. You will list several “bullet” points that stand out to you about the artists and their work. The “bullet” points are simply observations and do not need to be complete sentences. Keep them brief. Use your “bullet” points to help you write a couple of paragraphs about your reaction to the artist reviewed. You should go beyond simply stating whether you like the work or not. Make some observations relative to the work. Try to find the Artist Statement at the show and respond to it if possible. Your response can be based on any aspect of critical analysis (formal, contextual and intuitive). The Community Connections reports should be composed on a word processor of your choice using 12 – 14 point type. Try to keep the length to one page. The review should be longer than the “bullet” points. You are expected to have a minimum of ten lines. You may want to submit your review to the school, or local newspaper (without the “bullet” points) for possible publication.
Community Connections Format Requirements:
Must be typed/word processed
Artist Name or Group Show Name:
Date Visited:
Your Name:
Date Submitted:
Bullet list of things that you found remarkable:
Example:
- artist frequently used text as design element
- social commentary
- heavy texture
- relies heavily on bricolage
- artist statement describes ‘disassembling and reassmbling’
Body of paper should expand on the “thought bites” described in your bullet list.
Sketchbook (due at the end of the marking period)
You will be required to maintain a sketchbook throughout your Honors and Portfolio art experience. It will be much more than a collection of doodles. It counts for 25% of your overall grade and will be a substantial work of art in its’ own right. You may find that it will yield inspiration for other works or you may find that it contains work worthy of photographing for your slide portfolio. The size should be no smaller than 11″ X 14″. The optimum size is 14″ X 17″. You will find that your sketchbook will take a lot of beating so purchase a sturdy one. If you cannot purchase one please see me for assistance. Your assignment is to create a series of six mixed media compositions that incorporate image and text in each composition. The series will be thematic. Your compositions must utilize the available space. You are to use both sides of the binding for your work. Do not look at the left side as the back of another page. You may skip a page between compositions if you choose. Be careful not to close your book if the work is still wet with paint or glue, etc. I will check your progress periodically in addition to conducting a review at the end of the marking period. This is a homework assignment and you are expected to be experimental and content oriented. Make statements and take risks. Play and have fun!!
Guidelines:
- Six compositions (one equals both sides of the binding)
- Thematically related (all)
- Mixed media (all)
- Incorporate text as a design element (all)
Self-Assessment (due at the end of the marking period)
It is very important for students to holistically reflect on their learning, discovery and performance. You will word-process a one-page paper rationalizing the grade you expect to receive for the marking period. By holistic I refer to your overall participation, performance, punctuality, personal learning and self-discovery.
