Currently, there is one class offered for 8th graders interested in visual art; we meet for the entire year. Students are challenged to create well-crafted and well-thought out art pieces with a variety of art media. Communication through visual symbols as well as through the written word is encouraged. In addition, students will develop realistic (observational) drawing skills, design skills, and knowledge of art history and criticism. Art projects may include an autobiographical (symbolic) still-life drawing, wire sculpture, clay pottery and/or sculpted clay faces, metal tooling (embossing), various paintings, printmaking, collage, plaster carving, and much more. Finally, 8th graders have the opportunity to attend the "Art of Asia" field trip to the Birmingham Museum of Art in the spring. Each 8th grade lesson seeks to meet the Alabama Visual Art Course of Study Level I standards. 8th grade students interested in pursuing a career in visual art are encouraged to (but not required to) submit portfolios to Shades Valley Art Academy, Jefferson County's magnet school. Currently, HMS has 47 alumni who have been accepted into the academy as well as 3 alumni who have been accepted to the Alabama School of Fine Arts. Mrs. Nichols is available to help any 8th grader build their art portfolios, but please notify her several weeks in advance of the due dates for either Shades Valley or A.S.F.A.
