The Harlem School of the Arts
We are looking for good teachers for the following classes in visual arts. We need teachers in the following areas:
Theater Set Design
Introduction to Filmmaking
Photography (could ICP or George be helpful?)
Web Design
Contact:
Byron McCray at bmcray@hsanyc.org and CC Yvette Campbell ycampbell@hsanyc.org
The full curriculum is below:
Visual Arts
The Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) offers a wide variety of classes in the visual arts for
student’s ages four and up, fostering creativity and individual expression. The curriculum includes
classes in a full spectrum of mediums including digital art, drawing, filmmaking, painting, photography,
printmaking, and sculpture, taught by a faculty of world-class professional artists and guest lecturers.
Annually, the Visual Arts Department hosts an exhibition of the students’ work in the Gathering Space.
Beyond the curriculum, HSA seeks to cultivate an appreciation of the arts within the Harlem community
by presenting guest artists and faculty exhibitions open to the public.
AGES 4 – 7
Art Basics I
An introduction to collage, assemblage, printmaking, drawing, painting and 3-D art are explored in a
joyful, creative environment. Energy, curiosity and excitement of childhood are captured through visual
discovery. A student supplied, protective smock/apron/t-shirt is required.
Clay Creations I
Students will learn the basics of ceramics with an emphasis on individual creative use of clay to produce
colorful sculpture. Both the art and craft are explored as children create colorful objects such as treasure
boxes, personalized cups and other items. A student supplied, protective smock/apron/t-shirt is required
Drawing I
Children will engage in still life, landscape and portraiture as they learn the fundamentals of rendering,
values, line quality and composition using pencil, charcoal, and ink.
Ages 4 – 7
AGES 8 – 10
Art Basics II
This course provides introduction and continued exploration of enhanced techniques in drawing, painting,
collage, and 3-D art. Students develop observational skills in addition to challenging the imagination,
using acrylics, watercolors, pastels, and found objects. A student supplied, protective smock/apron/t-shirt
is required.
Drawing II
The class offers continued focus on drawing skills and visual perception using a wide range of techniques
and media. Exposure to various artists and art periods allows budding artists to produce realism and
abstract art. Students are equipped with a knowledge base to move forward into more advanced drawing,
painting, sculpture and photography.
African Art & Culture
Students explore the influential world of African Art through colors, patterns and shapes to produce
colorful masks, animal headdresses, and collaborative “quilts”. Various mediums are introduced to create
work that displays understanding of the African culture.
Clay Creations II
This course serves as introduction and intermediate level for the student who wishes to advance ceramics
and hand building skills. Students expand their technical understanding of clay materials, decoration,
glazing and firing, with emphasis on design and form. A student supplied, protective smock/apron/t-shirt
is required.
Intro to Photography
This class introduces students to the fundamentals of 35mm camera and analog darkroom techniques,
including processing black and white film. An exhibition of student work is displayed at the end of the
course, showcasing creative expressions.
AGES 9 – 12
Intermediate Drawing and Painting
For intermediate students who are interested in grow creatively through exploration of the visual
arts, this class focuses on still life, nature, and the human figure from a live model. Students will
work in pencil, charcoal, pastels, watercolor and acrylic paint.
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Craft Shop
This course will explore the world of do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, including t-shirt design, book-
making, silk-screening, sewing and a variety of other resourceful skills. Students will learn the
possibilities of turning crafts into marketable products by creating a collaborative line of items
and independent projects, affirming that “anything you can buy, I can make better.”
Fashion Illustration
Caters to students interested in building a foundation in the art of fashion. Through the study of the
fashion figure, learning to produce quick and sketchy drawing of a model known as a “croquis”, as well
as the history of style, students are inspired to creatively produce finished illustrations in color, using
mediums such as paint, threads, and patterned textiles.
Introduction to Filmmaking
Discover your inner filmmaker! Through the exciting world of digital video learn the theories and
techniques involved in the pre-production, production, and post-production processes while receiving
hands-on instruction with digital cameras. Students will write, direct, shoot and edit their own short films.
Manga Mania I
Manga are Japanese comic books, often made into Japanese cartoons, better known as Anime. This
course introduces young admirers to this style of art, made popular by Anime such as Pokemon,
DigiMon, and Naruto. Students learn basic techniques to understand and draw the unique figures, as well
as environment and character creation using pencils, charcoal, pen, and ink.
AGES 12 – 17
Advanced Drawing & Painting
This course emphasizes the mastery of foundational skills in drawing and painting for teens. Students are
inspired by the techniques of Masters such as Michelangelo, DaVinci, and Van Gogh to produce figure
drawings as well as portraits, still-life, and landscapes using charcoal, India ink, pencil, oils and acrylics.
Students are also assisted with developing a portfolio for college submission instruction. Prerequisite:
Intermediate Drawing and Painting. Required for HSA Prep students.
Advanced Photography
Students learn the correct usage of the 35mm camera, the fundamentals of photo-journalism, lighting and
photo editing software to produce a theme-based portfolio. A brief history of photography is also included
in the course. Prerequisite: Photography I. Required for HSA Prep students.
Advanced Sculpture
Students study the human figure and architecture to build forms in clay using sculpting
techniques, working with chisels, slabs and the pottery wheel. Essential sculpting, carving,
and glazing techniques will be covered as well as training in additive sculpture and principles of
working in three dimensions. Emphasis is placed on individual projects. Prerequisite: Clay Creations
II. Required for HSA Prep students.
Graphic Design
This course introduces students to the various techniques of computer art, through exposure to creative
software including Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Projects include magazine covers, posters, and
compositions that display comfort and skill in using the programs. Learn basic print and web design
techniques while being introduced to a variety of software programs including Photoshop, Illustrator,
Dreamweaver and Flash. Required for HSA Prep students.
History of Art
This course involves the teaching of art forms from Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas. Students
will learn the fundamentals of art theory and will be introduced to a variety of texts and concepts that are
pertinent to the study of art history. Students are required to write essays describing visits to museums
and gallery exhibitions. Required for HSA Prep students.
Illustration Concepts
Experience the complete process of storytelling through the art of illustration, from concept and sketch, to
the final draw and painting. Incorporating artist studio visits, guest lectures, and engaging in projects that
range from illustrating a children’s book to creating artwork that solves various conceptual issues. It is
recommended that students take a prior drawing or painting course.
Manga Mania II
An intermediate course for budding cartoonists and animation lovers of the popular Japanese comic-
book style used in cartoons such as Pokemon, DigiMon, and Naruto, students begin to incorporate color
as well as text onto images. The development of storylines progresses writing skills while expanding the
imagination to create a full-color short comic book.
Printmaking
In this class students have the opportunity to create positive and negative prints of their drawings and
print them with a cold press onto textured paper, fabric and other materials. Through printmaking students
comprehend how newspapers came about as well as the images that are silk-screened onto their hats, t-
shirts, fabrics and more.
Set Design
This advanced course teaches methods of approaching, developing, and completing set
designs through study of scenic history, research, styles, and techniques. By designing several
simple mock projects and collaboration with Dance and Theater Departments, students develop
and expand skills resonating with the artistic and technical demands of professional set
designing. Pre-requisites: Drawing & painting, and Graphic Design.
ADULT COURSES (18 +up)
Adult Computer Arts
This introductory course is for students with limited digital art experience. Students learn how to use a
Mac computer and explore creative software applications such as Photoshop and Illustrator. Students will
also learn how to transfer their 2D illustrations from hard copy to digital format and design flyers, posters,
calendars, menus, programs and other projects.
Adult Digital Photography
This course offers aspiring photographers to take their interest to the next level, training in digital
photography and graphic design techniques. Using Photoshop, students learn how to digitally enhance
and manipulate photographic images and create unique and innovative composites.
Adult Drawing & Painting
Have you ever dreamed of painting portraits, landscapes and still life? It’s never too late to start! Drawing
and painting fundamental skills are honed in charcoal, watercolor, acrylic and oil paints.
The Business of Art for Adults
Being a Visual Artist is only half of the journey. Whether you are emerging or experienced, this course is
design for the artist interested in taking their craft to the next plateau. Learn professional development,
effective marketing and self-promotion techniques, as well as other matters relevant to the
business of being a visual artist.
Adult Web Design
Get your business off the ground or create your own website. This course offers introduction to a variety
of software, basic concepts, and techniques related to design and development of websites. The course
will introduce the basics of HTML, the layout of web pages, working with images as well as links to
create professional standard websites.
HSA Prep Visual Arts Program
Ages 12 -17: Assessment Required for Participation
The HSA Prep Visual Arts Program is a pre-professional program designed for the young artist age 12-
17 who is interested in pursuing a career in the visual arts. The program provides rigorous training in the
fundamentals of studio and digital arts, including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, computer
art and web design. Students will also be well-versed in art history and theory. As students develop their
skills in each of these fields they will create a portfolio of work that meets the high standards of collegiate
art and academic programs, providing a solid foundation from which to become a professional artist.
Advanced Drawing & Painting
Advanced Photography
Advanced Sculpture
Graphic Design
Art History
