BHS Art Electives for Incoming 9th Grader
Hello,
We are trying to decide between arts electives at BHS including Drawing, Ceramics, Creative Arts and Photography for my incoming 9th grader. Does anyone have anything to share via their children? I know there are probably numerous teachers in each subject (and much is related to that), but any input you may have would be very much appreciated!
Thanks,
Jess
Mar 12, 2018
Parent Replies
The arts program at Berkeley High is blessed with a lot of gifted teachers. It is definitely one of their strong suits, along with music and dance.
If I were you, I would choose a "hands-on" art the first year, and save photography for later. My kid took Digital Photography in 10th grade, and it was a nice elective to have in the midst of more challenging courses. Moreover, it takes longer to build physical art skills, and so the younger, the better.
It is impossible for me to recommend specific teachers, because whether or not your child will be assigned to a particular teacher will depend on various elements out of your control. Moreover, now that 9th-graders are not put into "schools," I have no idea what the criteria will be for filtering students into one "program" or another.
My current 9th grader is taking Drawing with Corey Rowland this year and has gotten a lot out of it. She's always been artistic and enjoys drawing but never found an art class that was a "fit" in the past. I've also been impressed with the teacher, the assignments and the general vibe of the classroom. Good luck!
Creative Arts is an amazing class, taught by Kimberley D'Adamo who is a wonderful artist. She is also a kind teacher who believes in supporting each individual's process for conceptualizing and creating artwork. I believe that there are only two sections of Creative Arts this year and she teaches them both. My daughter, a Sophomore, likes the class so much that she has signed up to take Ms. D'Adamo's IB Studio Art as a Junior. The art that the students produce (mostly Freshmen and Sophomores) is truly wonderful. Best of Luck at BHS!