Bard High School Early College DC (Bard DC) – Drawing 1

Apr 2026 · 2nd Semester

Classrooms are culturally problematic sites. They are exciting and ceremonial places when classes are in session, but their spatial condition is jarringly empty and at best transitory when the student showcase is absent. What does it mean to make art in a classroom? And what makes a space appropriate for classes? For the first quarter in this course, students will be invited to reflect on their previous learning experience, and will present on their quick sketches of and insights into various perceptions of classrooms. For the following quarter leading toward the midterm, students will choose their own materials and use observational drawing to formally depict the current classroom. The second half of the course will be devoted to individual or group projects on the design of an unconventional learning space for art classes. Besides traditional two-dimensional drawing media, photography, collage, and sculpture will also be introduced to assist students in realizing their ideal model. Collaboration among peers is strongly encouraged. Ultimately, students will walk away with a keen understanding of the spatial dynamics of an academic space. (No prior drawing experience is required.)