arts
The Arts are thriving at St. Mary!
At St. Mary, you can explore your artistic talents by joining any of our two award winning choirs, the Thunder Dance Team or the join the jazz/pit band; maybe even audition for one of our amazing drama productions. The talent from year to year within our walls never disappoints. |
courses
instrumental music
AMU1O1 - Instrumental Music
visual artsAVI1O1 - Visual Arts
Rhythm and movement: DanceClick here to see description under Physical Education Courses.
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dramatic artsADA1O1 - Dramatic Arts
vocal music
AMV1O1 - Vocal Music
The Visual Arts Program develops the student’s problem-solving skills and creative ability using a wide range of media. Students are introduced to as many facets of art as possible, while maintaining a regard for individual student’s aptitudes and interests.
The program is divided into a variety of units studied by all students: Drawing Using media such as pencil, coloured pencil and oil pastel, students do drawing exercises, still life drawings, life drawing from models, tonal studies, perspective studies and analytical drawings to study the elements and principles of design. Students keep a sketchbook of drawings used in the design of other art work. Painting Students learn about colour theory and apply this knowledge in their work. Landscape, life studies (directly from life models), still life and a study of the techniques of watercolour allow students to explore their skills in colour. As students enter the senior years, they begin to develop a personal style and learn how materials work with ideas to create the desired expressive qualities. Printmaking Working with the technique of relief or lino printing, students do intensive printmaking units in both Gr. 9 and 10. Starting from ideas drawn in their sketchbooks, students are taught the entire printmaking process from the creation of the plate to the final print. A special printmaking studio is available for student use. Ceramics Specialized courses in ceramics each year expose students to the techniques of working with clay. Beginning with coils and slabs, students create projects to demonstrate their handbuilding skills. The first project involves ceramic masks for wall hanging. Techniques are further refined as students also learn to work on the potter’s wheel to create decorative utilitarian pieces. Students learn to create functional, abstracted and stylized pieces. Art Shows and Presentations In the course of their art studies at St. Mary, Visual Arts students are given the opportunity to display their work in a variety of venues. Outside the school, St. Mary students have been very involved in creating art work for the greater Cobourg community. Murals in elementary schools, police station and at the YMCA/YWCA allow students to create art work designed for specific spaces. The creation of special posters for community fundraising events and Remembrance Day competions lets our students contribute something special. |