Welcome to the Hampden Academy Visual Arts Program!


Hampden Academy’s Visual Arts program is a comprehensive, sequential, and developmentally appropriate program that focuses on student knowledge and skills related to creative expression, cultural heritage, and criticism & aesthetics. The art program offers a variety of performance based opportunities for students of all skill levels and varying interests. Focusing on creative problem solving, It is our goal to facilitate learning opportunities that engage students to be life-long lovers and students of art. Our classes are taught by highly qualified teachers who partner with state and community professionals to bring the best arts curriculum to our school.


Two Dimensional Art

Art 1 This class is an introductory class is open to 9,10,11, and 12th and covers the basics of two dimensional design in Art. Students will be introduced to the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design through studio work involving a range of media, materials, techniques, and processes. Work is focused on originality and creative problem solving, through which students will develop individual interests and strengths.


Art 2 This class is a continued exploration open to 9,10,11, and 12th, of the basics of two dimensional design in Art. Students will continue to explore the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design through studio work involving a range of media, materials, techniques, and processes. Work is focused on originality and creative problem solving, through which students will further develop individual interests and strengths with a focus on individual problem finding and student choice


Drawing & Painting This advanced course is open to 10, 11, and 12th and provides an opportunity for students with a basic background in art to develop their drawing and painting skills. Students will explore various drawing techniques and media, with specific attention to line, value, perspective, and composition.


Advanced 2D Art: 1, 2, 3 are semester long courses open to 10, 11, and 12th which are designed to be self- paced and individualized programs for the advanced art student looking to focus in two dimensional art. 


Advanced Placement 2D Studio Art A.P. 2D Studio Art is a full-year college-level course open to 11 & 12th graders. A portfolio is submitted to the CEEB Education Testing Service of New Jersey for assessment upon completion of this course. College credit may be obtained by students scoring a 3 or higher on the AP Exam. This course is intended for highly motivated students who are seriously interested in the study of art. 


Three Dimensional Art


Sculpture 1 is open to 9,10,11, and 12th as an introductory course into the art of three dimensions. This course introduces students to the tools, materials, and processes of the artist and an introduction to the history of three dimensional art. A variety of mediums (clay, plaster, paper mache, wire, found objects, etc.) will be used to explore form. 


Sculpture 2 is open to 9,10,11, and 12th as a follow up and extension to Sculpture 1. Students will continue to expand their skills and understanding of the art of three dimensions through artist research, skill acquisition, 


Advanced 3D Art: 1, 2, 3 are semester long courses open to 10, 11, and 12th which are designed to be self- paced and individualized programs for the advanced art student looking to focus in three dimensional art. 


Fashion as an Artform is open to 9, 10, 11, 12th and focuses on how to apply the elements and principles of design to create a personal and interesting look that expresses their own fashion sense. Completion of a small sewing project, tie-dye and other fabric surface designs projects, and recycle clothing into a new design. 


Digital Communications


Digital Communications is open to 11 and 12th students who are looking to learn how to use a Digital SLR camera, create digital photographs, create and manipulate work in Photoshop, and create movies in iMovie.


Advanced Digital Communications is open to students who have taken Digital Communications and are looking to expand their knowledge and skills with Digital Photography, Photoshop, and extended their knowledge of movie creation using iMovie.