Students at Shadow Ridge High School have the opportunity to earn college credit through dual credit and explore their artistic side while getting ahead. Shadow Ridge recently introduced Art 101/102, dual credit art courses that focuses on creativity and personal growth. For the students who have said, “I’m not good at art,” this course will challenge that mindset.
Art 101 teacher, Andrea Brackney stated, “Every college major requires students to take an art/humanities credit as part of their basic course load. I am hoping that students at Shadow will consider taking this course to fulfill this credit at a cheaper price than any university would offer.”
Art 101 allows students to fulfill a college requirement all while building confidence and having fun. This course is also helpful for students who are wanting to get ahead in college, or save money. Unlike other art classes that can focus on technical skills, Art 101 is about growth over perfection.
“Grading for this dual credit class is based on personal growth,” Brackney explained, “As long as you are willing to be adventurous in your art choices, try new things, and do the best you can, you will be successful.”
While some classes can feel intimidating for those with less experience, this course is intentionally designed to support every student as best as possible. The class welcomes a mix of artistic backgrounds, and everyone is encouraged to support one another.
Brackney continues, “I have all different skill levels in this course, from students who have taken pretty much every course offered here at Shadow, to students for whom this is the first high school art class they have ever taken.”
One of the most unique things about Art 101 is how much student input shapes the class. Instead of walking into a course full of pre made projects and set expectations, students are asked to help design the rubrics and brainstorm assignments with Mrs.Brackney.
“We build rubrics together and decide what is important about a well-done piece of artwork,” She says, “This includes pushing yourself outside of the artistic box.”
While some assignments may align with familiar techniques or styles, the class intentionally avoids repeating what has already been covered in Shadow’s other art classes. The class evolves throughout the semester based on students’ interests and feedback.
“I hope my students will find a close community of students who just want to have fun and create,” Brackney says, “Experience is not necessary, it is a safer place to try something new. This course takes the pressure off of being surrounded by a lot of college-level artists.”
