Visual Arts

Meet the Teachers

KnabbTeacher email: Emily Knabb
I teach thematic art units that encompass four main disciplines of study: Art Aesthetics, Art Making, Art History, and Art Criticism. Students experience each of the four art disciplines, both independently and collaboratively, while integrating the elements and principles of art and design in their work. Although students practice art skills through observational drawing, systematic project planning, sketching, and sculpting- students also investigate personal and meaningful art topics that are created into original works of art.  Students self-reflect on their work and participate in class art critiques that discuss tools, techniques, themes, and meaning.

My teaching reflects the belief that our differences make us stronger, whereas our ability to overcome our creative weaknesses pave way for positive growth and understanding.  Studying art is a practice, and art class is the place where students execute their art practice. In addition to learning art tools and techniques, students are learning how to work collaboratively, develop precision and craftsmanship, balance time management, and practice resilience as well as perseverance. It is the development of these character traits, and so much more, that elevates the study of art from a fun past time to a necessary 21st century skill for our students. 

I write curriculum and teach the following art courses: Intro to Art, Drawing & Painting, Mixed Media, Sculpture, Art II Honors, Art III Honors
 
Fun Facts:
My art medium is watercolor painting.
I am an avid Bikram yoga practitioner.
I am a certified dance teacher and children's yoga instructor.
I am interested in health through nutrient density and mind/body practices.
I find nature artistic and peaceful.
On my free time you can find me walking into town, at the farmer's market, on a hike in nature, or kayaking on the lake.

LeeTeacher Email: Beth Lees
Art and teaching are my two greatest passions. I have my undergraduate degree with a B.S. in Art Education from Kutztown University. I have my Master's Degree from Saint Joseph's University in Administration with a concentration in Supervisory and Curriculum. I recently completed my Master's plus “Graduate Certificate in the Arts” from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. I have been able to further my education in the arts in ceramics, painting, and technology.

I currently teach Ceramics, Ceramics II, AP Studio Art, and Mural Arts H. I am able to run an incredible Ceramics program offered every other day for a full school year. Our students are able to use our pottery wheels, slab roller, pug mill, extruder, and kiln! Annually we give back to the community when we donate bowls to the community based Empty Bowls program!

The mission of the Mural Arts Program at the High School is to reach the lives of all people on a public platform. Our students are able to design and develop site-specific, large-scale images that engage our community on varying cultural and diverse subjects. This program has painted dynamic murals for the High School Main Lobby, English Wing, and ROTC. Our High School has recently done a redesign with brand new signage. Our mural arts class will be able to participate in this redesign when they paint 4 historical prints installed in the History, Science, Arts, and Main Hallway in the school.

Our incredibly talented AP Studio art students will be in numerous art shows and events throughout the year! Stay tuned! Ceramics I, Ceramics II, AP Studio Art, Mural Arts H

ShoemakerTeacher Email: Laura Shoemaker
I love both making and teaching art. I have a B.S. degree in Art Education from Kutztown University, with a concentration in digital photography. I focus heavily in digital photo for my personal artwork, and love incorporating it into my teaching every day. Using technology as a tool and art medium provides students so many opportunities to create and share their work in new ways. 

I currently teach Digital Photography I, Digital Photography II, Graphics I, and Graphics II. These classes are offered every other day for the duration of the school year. Students enrolled in Photography and Graphics classes will become familiar with using Nikon DSLR cameras and manipulating programs in the Adobe Suite to create and enhance their imagery. Students will learn technical skills using their cameras and software and will use those skills to construct conceptual works.

Teaching students to capture and preserve moments in time is something truly special and is extremely rewarding for me as a teacher. I believe that practicing photography and graphic design enables people to build a visual literacy and helps us to analyze what we encounter in the world around us.

Fun facts about me:
I love to cook! I try making new recipes all the time, and would love to make a cookbook some day.
I enjoy being outdoors and love warm weather.
I love to recycle and refurbish furniture and redecorate my home.

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Student Work

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Course Descriptions

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