The art program at Shaker High School continues the goal of assisting students to develop their appreciation for and understanding of the various art disciplines and the contributions of art in our society. The course offerings include a wide range of exciting full year and half year courses, many of which can be taken a second time on an advanced level if a student scores an 85 or higher. The department is proud to offer courses that are aligned within distinct strands of study: two dimensional studies, three dimensional studies, digital art studies and art history studies.

The foundation course for practically all electives is Studio Art, in which students develop their skills in a variety of media and hands-on applications, as well as learn art history, art criticism, and strategies for personal expression. A number of advanced level art courses may be taken for college level credit are area schools, and field trips to metropolitan museums of art are part of the advanced fine art courses.

Annually, students in the art program have opportunities to exhibit their work in a variety of locations including the department gallery and greater North Colonie community. The Teen Art Gallery at the William K Sanford Town Library is proud to regularly exhibit Shaker student work, as is the NYSUT and the Colonie Town Hall. Advanced high school students also participate each spring in the area’s Regional Juried Student Art Exhibit, hosted at local college galleries.

[top of page]