This 9-week course provides students with a visual arts foundation. It gives students the opportunity to learn the language of the arts in terms of the elements of art (line, shape, color, texture, space, value and form) and principles of design (balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm and unity). Students will understand the role of the arts in civilizations past and present as they study the function of art and how it shapes and reflects history, society and everyday life. Students are encouraged to develop a unique and individual means of self-expression as they explore various media, processes and techniques. Areas of concentration may include drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking and mixed media. Each student will be expected to keep a portfolio of their work throughout the quarter to be returned to them on the last day of class.