If Art 9 was your creative spark, then Art 10 is your full-on artistic ignition. This course invites students to take everything they've learned about the elements of art and design and start pushing boundaries, developing personal voice, and thinking like real artists.

Art 10 is designed for high school sophomores (or motivated upperclassmen) who already have a foundation in the visual arts and want to expand their technical skills and creative thinking. At LightStars Academy, this course builds on basic knowledge and introduces more advanced tools, materials, and conceptual frameworks. Students engage in more complex assignments that blend imagination, intentional design, and critical reflection.

Throughout the semester, students explore a wide variety of techniques and media—drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, digital illustration, and sculpture. Each unit challenges students to think beyond technique and focus on meaningful creation. Art becomes a tool for storytelling, commentary, and personal discovery.

In this course, students will:

• Learn to plan and execute multi-step projects
• Refine their ability to critique artwork (their own and others’)
• Explore contemporary artists and art movements
• Apply techniques like shading, layering, composition, and color blending with increasing precision
• Create a cohesive final portfolio that showcases growth and style

Projects often begin with a question: What story are you telling? or How can art challenge the status quo? From there, students research topics or artists that inspire them, sketch concepts, and receive feedback throughout the creation process. This structure helps students practice design thinking, while also improving visual problem-solving skills.

Art 10 incorporates a wide cultural lens. Students examine how art functions globally—across communities, cultures, and generations. Units may include studies of protest art, global textile patterns, or symbolism in Indigenous sculpture. Students are encouraged to draw from both world history and their personal backgrounds to enrich their work.

Assessment is not based on “talent,” but on growth, risk-taking, technique development, and creative decision-making. LightStars Academy is a trauma-informed, inclusive space where students are supported to express themselves authentically. Our asynchronous platform offers flexibility for students to work at their own pace, with weekly instructor feedback and optional virtual studio sessions for community connection.

At the end of the course, students walk away with a strong portfolio and the confidence to apply for advanced visual arts programs, school exhibitions, or creative scholarships. Whether students want to pursue art professionally or simply enjoy the freedom of visual storytelling, Art 10 helps them sharpen their vision and bring their ideas to life.

From concept to creation, Art 10 gives students the tools and support to grow into independent, confident artists.