Hello and Welcome!

The PHS Art Department is divided into 3 different levels: General Art, Studio Art, and AP Art History.  Typically, incoming freshmen must take the introductory course General Art as a prerequisite to advance into Studio Art or AP Art History.  Studio Art is reserved for those students who wish to progress in the art field with a heavier project-based curriculum.  AP Art History is a teacher admission only class and is geared for the college bound student wanting to gain early college credit while still in high school.  More information about each of these classes can be found below.

General Art  

Incoming freshmen as well as students wanting to fulfill a fine arts credit should first enroll in General Art. This is a single semester class and is also a prerequisite to be admitted into the Studio and AP classes.  This class provides students with basic concepts and understanding of the arts as it guides students through hands on lessons and activities attached to historical movements, artists and styles.  This class has a new textbook, "The Art Experience," which is a well rounded book that will help students achieve a successful outcome in class.  Additionally, this class requires a $10 art due which is used to purchase necessary supplies and is due upon enrollment into the class.  Please click HERE for more information about this class.

Studio Art

Students who have successfully completed any prior art class and wish to further excel in a hands-on art class should enroll in Studio Art.  This is a full-year class and can be used as a prerequisite to be admitted into AP Art History with teacher approval.  This is a skills based class that also provides students with comprehensive concepts and understanding of the arts as it guides students through different media starting with sketching and drawing and gradually progresses into more difficult media including 3D works.  Each skills based lesson is attached to historical movements, artists and styles.  Homework consists of keeping a sketchpad and providing ongoing practice assigned in class. Additionally, this class requires a $20 art due which is used to purchase necessary supplies and is due upon enrollment into the class. Please click HERE for more information about this class.

AP Art History

Students who have successfully completed any prior art class and wish to further excel in a history based, college level art class should enroll in AP Art History.  This is a full-year, teacher approval only class.  Although students may take this class as a high school elective, this AP class is designed to be used as a college credit  honored by many colleges through successful completion of an AP Art History Exam provided by the AP College Board at the end of the school year. This is a very challenging class that covers prehistoric art insights, rising civilizations such as the classical Greeks and Romans, to modern day art styles and movements. This class requires extensive reading and a dedication to the class as a whole.  You will be assigned a book that will be mandatory to take home EVERY day.  Homework consists of DAILY reading, as well as, occasional lesson assignments.  This class is slated to attend 2 museum visits during the year to attain knowledge outside the boundaries of a classroom or textbook. Although art dues are not required in this class,  you are required to bring a pen and a notebook as note taking skills will be your greatest asset in this class.  Please click HERE for more information about this class.

Many of the links above will assist you in becoming familiar with the PHS Art Program and assist you with valuable information necessary for a successful academic outcome .  If you need to contact me or would like more information please email me at: williamse@phs.poteau.k12.ok.us.  If you would like to schedule a time to visit with me, please contact the high school office at  918-647-7716.

Sincerely,

Edward Williams, PHS Art Instructor