Involvement in the arts is one of the central Putney experiences. The academic arts program, encompassing a diverse range of disciplines in the visual and performing arts, forms the core of the arts program. Students in visual art courses increase their awareness of the visual world, develop skills to creatively translate their ideas into visible form, and gain an understanding of the context and language of each discipline. Music courses introduce students to the art of music, from both an academic and an aesthetic viewpoint. Many students continue their work in the arts during Project Week to delve into their media in greater depth and concentration.
Advanced Ceramics
0.5 Credit
Students will learn to work with a variety of hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques with an emphasis on functional ceramics. Design elements of form, proportion and surface will be explored. Historical and contemporary ceramics will be investigated. Along with different construction methods, students are introduced to a variety of surface decoration possibilities, such as texturing, carving, and working with slips. There will be a focus on good craftsmanship and attention to detail. Innovation and experimentation are highly encouraged. Basic glaze chemistry and how a gas kiln is fired will be covered. In the winter trimester there will be a focus on electric/oxidation firing: We will take advantage of firing clay work in the electric kiln to achieve effects particular to that method of firing. The possibility for bright colors and a variety of detailed and layered decorative techniques will be explored. The electric kiln is located in the comfort of the ceramics studio for more ease of loading, firing and unloading rather than the outdoor gas/reduction kiln which is used in the fall and spring. In the spring trimester there is a section on collecting local clay, learning about the geology of it, making pots and pit-firing them. Prerequisite: Ceramics or permission of the instructor.
Advanced Drawing and Painting
0.5 Credit
This course is designed to allow motivated art students to develop their skills and interests in drawing and painting further. Students will expand their artistic understanding of drawing and painting through a deeper inquiry into foundational skills such as composition, mark-making, value, and color while exploring experimental approaches to artistic expression. Students will engage in a process of investigation and research into contemporary practices of drawing and painting aimed at allowing them to refine their ability to communicate complex ideas through visual language. This course aims to empower students as skilled practitioners of drawing and painting and as thoughtful and informed contributors to the evolving dialogue of contemporary art. This course will allow Seniors to focus on their work in drawing and painting in preparation for their college portfolios. Participation in the weekly evening figure drawing evening arts course is encouraged.
Prerequisite: Drawing , Painting, and permission of the instructor.
Advanced Fiber Arts
0.5 Credit
Students expand their knowledge of fiber arts through designing projects in their areas of interest. These can include weaving on four and eight-harness floor looms, exploring color through dyeing cellulose and animal fibers, papermaking, knitting by hand and machine, and clothing design and construction. Students maintain a journal that includes a record of projects, skills learned, inspiration and reflections. They will also research an area of interest and give a presentation to the class. A modest lab fee covers basic materials. Prerequisite: Fiber Arts and permission of the instructor.
Advanced Photography
0.5 Credit
Students in advanced level photography classes build upon the foundations learned in the Photography I through independently designed projects and focused portfolios. They have the opportunity to do in-depth exploration of a genre or learn new photographic techniques such as large format cameras,19th century processes, and digital photography. Students gain a deeper understanding of the power of image making and the development of the art form through research projects and presentations on photographers. Cameras are available for students to borrow and supplies are purchased through the school store. Prerequisite: Photography or permission of the instructor.
Advanced Sculpture
0.5 Credit
This course is designed for students who have a foundation in sculpture, tool use, and safety and are ready to delve into the realm of conceptual exploration. Building upon the fundamental skills acquired in Sculpture I, this advanced course shifts the focus from material-based techniques to conceptual development and expression. Students will engage in a series of projects that challenge them to think critically, experiment with various concepts, and push the boundaries of traditional sculpture. Class discussions, critiques, and research assignments will be integral components of the course, fostering a deeper understanding of contemporary sculptural practices and encouraging students to situate their work within broader artistic contexts.
Ceramics
0.5 Credit
Students will learn to work with a variety of hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques with an emphasis on functional ceramics. Design elements of form, proportion and surface will be explored. Historical and contemporary ceramics will be investigated. Along with different construction methods, students are introduced to a variety of surface decoration possibilities, such as texturing, carving, and working with slips. There will be a focus on good craftsmanship and attention to detail. Innovation and experimentation are highly encouraged. Basic glaze chemistry and how a gas kiln is fired will be covered. In the winter trimester there will be a focus on electric/oxidation firing: We will take advantage of firing clay work in the electric kiln to achieve effects particular to that method of firing. The possibility for bright colors and a variety of detailed and layered decorative techniques will be explored. The electric kiln is located in the comfort of the ceramics studio for more ease of loading, firing and unloading rather than the outdoor gas/reduction kiln which is used in the fall and spring. In the spring trimester there is a section on collecting local clay, learning about the geology of it, making pots and pit-firing them.
Concepts in Sound
0.5 Credit
Concepts in Sound explores music from a non-traditional perspective with particular emphasis on the avante-garde of the 20th century. The musical establishment of the common practice era was challenged by composers such as Edgard Varese, John Cage, Cornelius Cardew, Steve Reich and many others. The class will explore how their work is put together, challenged the notion of a musical establishment and sought to reinvent the art form itself from the ground up. The structure of the class is project-oriented with a focus on student composition and performance but students will also regularly listen to musical works and read well-known writings from composers and respond through writing, reflection and discussion. Musical pieces and compositional ideas will be contextualized with pertinent history and philosophy to deepen appreciation and to give meaning to works studied. Students will listen and respond to musical examples through writing and discussion.
Design Build
0.5 Credit
Throughout this course, students will learn to articulate real-world challenges, envision innovative solutions, develop comprehensive plans, acquire the skills necessary for execution, and ultimately bring their designs to life by creating tangible objects that address identified needs. The course is divided into two main components: the design phase and the build phase. During the initial part of the course, students will delve into the design process, where they will explore various design principles, techniques, and methodologies. Through hands-on activities, research, and collaborative projects, students will learn to identify and analyze problems, generate multiple design concepts, refine their ideas through feedback and iteration, and develop detailed plans for implementation. In the second part of the course, students will transition from design to construction as they bring their visions to fruition. They will have the opportunity to work with a variety of materials, including wood, and metal, as they translate their design plans into physical objects. Students will learn essential craftsmanship skills, safe tool operation, and construction techniques relevant to their chosen projects. Students will regularly critique and discuss each other’s work in order to share experiences, identify successful elements in their work, and support each other’s efforts as skills are built. Gaining control of the medium takes time and things don’t always go as planned. Deviations from the plan will be explored during class critiques. Students will use and research historic case studies to inspire design. Students will maintain a journal that includes records of projects and design, processes, skills learned, inspirations, and reflections.
Digital Filmmaking
0.5 Credit
Students explore the use of digital filmmaking as a means of self-expression and as an art form through both narrative and documentary styles. Students examine the elements of storytelling, composition, cinematography, lighting, sound recording, and editing as they create short films throughout the course. Through viewing a wide variety of filmmakers and film types students build foundational and historical knowledge of the medium.
Digital Imaging
0.5 Credit
This innovative class expands on the foundation set by our current Photography course, which primarily focuses on analog techniques, by introducing contemporary practices rooted in digital photography, Adobe Photoshop, digital compositing, and image generation. Bridging the gap between traditional and modern methods, students will explore essential questions such as the role of truth in photography and the influence of A.I. in digital image construction. This course offers both an academic exploration of the history and theories of digital imaging and hands-on experience in current digital photography practices. From mastering basic image capture skills and post-production in Adobe Photoshop to engaging critically with complex ideas in digital imaging, students will develop practical, expressive, and intellectually robust skills. By the end of the course, students will have created a personal portfolio showcasing their proficiency in digital imaging.
Drawing
0.5 Credit
In this course, students develop their ability to perceive the world around them and skillfully translate their perceptions to paper. Students will become fluent in expression of the basic elements of visual experience: light, gesture, edge, mass, texture, and space. Subjects will include the human head, the figure, still life, landscape and interior in a variety of wet and dry media. Participants will be encouraged to explore personally significant themes by maintaining a sketchbook of images from daily life. Images of notable artists will be studied in class. Students will regularly critique and discuss each other’s work in order to share experiences, identify successful elements in their drawings, and support each other's’ efforts.
Experimental Performance
0.5 Credit
Experimental Theater, Dance, and Performance Art will be studied and created in this collaborative class open to actors, dancers, directors, visual artists, and new-comers. We will look at the history of avant-garde performance, do deep dives into important experimental performers, and create both group and individual performance pieces. This class will culminate in an evening of performances shared with the school.
Fiber Arts
0.5 Credit
Through individual projects, students learn about a wide range of techniques as they create textiles and explore structure, function, color and design. The primary focus is weaving. Spinning, knitting, dyeing, sewing, and quilting will also be covered. A component of the class is collaborative dialogue among students about design choices and approaches. Students maintain a journal that includes a record of projects, skills learned, inspiration and reflections. A modest lab fee covers basic materials.
Guitar Intensive
0.5 Credits
This course is designed as an opportunity for guitarists to hone their technique, develop fretboard knowledge and apply skills in a performance setting. Topics will be tailored to student ability and may include chord shapes, scale patterns, notational fluency, improvisation, ensemble dynamics and musicianship. In addition to technical study, the class will apply skills through repertoire and ensemble playing. Guitar Intensive will be offered for academic credit but will be scheduled outside of normal class blocks and combined with students from Evening Arts guitar ensemble. Prerequisite: facility on the guitar, permission of the instructor.
History and Language of Art
0.5 Credit
The goal of this class is to give students bearings that will help them be able to look carefully at art. Through study of Western art from the late medieval period to the 20th century, students learn to see art clearly and relate what they see to its cultural context, with the aim of fostering a lifelong pleasure in looking at art. The class will study works in reproduction and in visits to major museums. Students will also study techniques and materials through hands-on experience of silverpoint drawing, fresco, and oil painting, including the manufacture of selected media from raw materials. Students will write critiques of paintings and will execute schematic copies of works of art to reveal their compositional elements. The course culminates in presentation of individual research projects. Meets senior humanities credit; does not fulfill the arts requirement.
Independent Topics in Music
0.5 Credit
This course is designed for musicians who would benefit from a focused and individualized setting in which to develop their skills. The curriculum for the course will be developed by the student in collaboration with the course instructor. Students will work independently toward their project goal and will share work with other students engaged in Music Independent work on a regular ongoing basis. The course will culminate in a presentation or performance. Course proposal and permission by instructor required.
Jazz Intensive
0.5 Credit
This course is designed as an opportunity for students to deepen their knowledge of jazz and improvisation. Students will learn to understand and navigate common jazz chord progressions, develop a jazz vocabulary, explore chord-scale compatibility, build familiarity with chord symbols, sensitize themselves to idiomatic jazz language and grow ensemble dynamics and musical communication. Historical figures and eras will be covered and students will learn to hear and understand the stylistic differences among the many subgenres of jazz. Jazz Intensive will be offered for academic credit but will be scheduled outside of normal class blocks and combined with students from Evening Arts jazz ensemble. Prerequisite: facility on a given instrument, permission of the instructor.
Musical Theater
0.5 Credit
In this class we will focus on performing songs from musicals as well as learning musical theater history from “Showboat” to Sondheim to “Hamilton.” Students will work on solo, duet, and group musical numbers throughout the trimester. Unlike a voice lesson, this will give them the opportunity to work on character, acting, and staging in a variety of musical theater genres. We will explore the role of musical theater in American history, important composers, and social issues that have been dealt with in musicals. Those who are newer to musical theater will have an opportunity to perform and learn in a safe and supportive environment.
Music Composition
0.5 Credit
Students will develop an understanding of line, form and the basic tools of composition. They will engage in the work of composing and develop a process for creating complete musical pieces through regular compositional exercises, examination of repertoire and personal practice. Students will complete two large compositional projects, one for a solo instrument and another for an ensemble. Attention will be given to developing musical ideas, building musical structure, crafting a polished score and writing an artist statement for each work. Students will share work regularly and engage in discussion as part of an ongoing process. Finished pieces will be performed and recorded for student reflection. Prerequisites for this course may include any one of the following: Music Theory or any intro level music course, familiarity with musical notation, music lessons, or permission of the instructor.
Music Foundations
0.5 Credit
Music Foundations is designed to give students an opportunity to develop musicianship through a hands-on exploration of music. This class will provide the essential knowledge of notation for pitch and rhythm so students can successfully perform, improvise and compose. The class will explore music from a variety of cultures, learning about the significance, history and aesthetic of different musical traditions. Students will exercise skills on the keyboard or given instrument as well as various percussion instruments. This course is open to all students, no experience in music is required.
Music Theory
0.5 Credit
Music Theory is intended for students with a basic foundation of musicianship to develop their understanding of how music is put together and gain fluency in the language of musical description. Students will apply concepts on the keyboard and/or their instrument. Topics covered will include intervals, scales, chords, diatonic patterns, modulation and progressions, culminating in part writing. This course may be taken repeatedly at higher levels. More advanced students will focus on form and analysis and design a program of study that is tailored to their interest, producing an analysis based portfolio piece.
Painting
0.5 Credit
This course will focus on developing the expressive and structural elements of painting. Students come to understand and control color through the expressive application of acrylic, oil, and watercolor paint. Subjects include the figure, head, still life, landscape, and interior, as well as invented sources and images of personal significance to each student. The works of acknowledged masters and other relevant precedents are studied, both in reproduction and in a visit to a major museum collection. In frequent class discussions, students share experiences, identify successful elements of design, composition, materials and color, and provide mutual encouragement. Participants create a cohesive body of work related to a specific theme. Prerequisite: Drawing.
Photography
0.5 Credit
Through shooting with traditional film cameras, and learning how to develop and print in a darkroom, students in our photography class learn the basic science of the photographic process and discover the power of the single black and white photographic image. Our class explores photography as a visual language and the use of design elements such as line, light, and motion to build strong compositions. Students delve into a variety of photographic genres throughout the class including portraiture, narratives, experimental and alternative darkroom techniques. Journals and critiques help students develop language and the ability to assess both their own work and that of others. Cameras are available for students to borrow and supplies are purchased through the school store.
Printmaking
0.5 Credit
This course will guide the creation of interpretative and expressive artwork in intaglio (etching, drypoint, and aquatint) and relief (linoleum cut and letterpress) and will assist in the discovery and exploration of themes and images of personal significance. We will study the work of notable printmakers through actual prints and reproductions of their work. The class will engage in frequent discussions about the work of all participants (critiques), with an aim to sharing experiences, defining successful elements of each print, reviewing technical approaches, and encouraging individual efforts. Prerequisite: Drawing or permission of instructor.
(Offered in alternating years)
Recording and Production
0.5 Credit
Students will learn the art and science of audio engineering and production. Basic acoustics, signal flow, microphone placement, and the tools of mixing will be explored in depth. Students will learn to hear the production techniques and stylistic differences common to a variety of genres through regular listening, reflection and discussion. The class will equip students with the requisite skills to create meaningful recordings and offer an opportunity to creatively apply these skills through individualized projects. Previous experience with music will be very helpful but is not required.
Sculpture
0.5 Credit
This course guides students in exploring the skills and techniques of sculpture using various materials and approaches. Students will learn the processes of modeling, carving, and welding using clay, wax, plaster, wood, stone, and metal. Drawings and three-dimensional models will be used to create designs for sculpture. Students will be expected to complete sculptures in various media. Understanding the history and integrity of the material is emphasized as students create their work. Realism, abstraction, and symbolism are explored as ways of translating ideas into sculptural form. Reading and written work, presentations, discussions, field trips, and critiques integrate the work of other sculptors with the students’ studio work. No prerequisite.
Studio Art Intensive
0.5 Credit
The Studio Art Intensive is an advanced art course designed for highly motivated and independent art students to explore their creative voice and artistic concepts deeply through various approaches and media. The course will explore the intersection between idea and meaning, concept, context and form. Throughout this course, students will engage in studio-based projects encouraging experimentation with diverse artistic forms, materials, and techniques. From traditional mediums such as painting, drawing, and sculpture to contemporary and multimedia approaches, participants can push the boundaries of their artistic expression and build a cohesive body of work. In addition to independently designed projects, students will be introduced to historical and contemporary artists. Emphasis will be placed on critical analysis as students study and evaluate the work of other artists, learning to contextualize their practice within broader artistic traditions. Students will maintain a process journal, providing a space for thoughtful exploration, experimentation, and self-discovery. Process and critical investigation will be as important as the final works created. A component of this class is the continuous communication and collaboration with others in the class, regardless of medium. This course will allow Juniors and Seniors to work on their portfolio pieces.
Prerequisite: At least 1 introductory art course and permission of the instructor.
World Music
0.5 Credit
This course offers an introduction to music literature, theory, performance, and composition. Music from various cultures and historical periods is examined to increase student awareness of musical languages and practices. This will include African Drumming, Kalimba and Gamelan, Western Classical music and Jazz. We will explore texture, musical form, simple melody and harmony manipulation. Students will receive instruction on musical instruments and also compose original compositions. No previous experience in music is required.