Visual Arts
Mrs. Jean Aguilar began her career at St. Mary’s in 1997 as the Visual Arts instructor and Fine Arts Department Chair. A proud graduate of Saint Mary’s Class of 1977, Jean’s lifelong passion for art has been a driving force in her career. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art from Long Beach State University. In addition to teaching, she is an active working artist.
Art Courses Offered:
All courses—Design Exploration, Art 1-2, Art 3-4, and AP Art and Design—are UC/CSU approved to fulfill the Fine Arts requirement for Saint Mary’s graduation and college entrance.
Design Exploration - This course explores 2D and 3D art in contemporary and folk traditions. Students experiment with various mediums, including ceramics, painting, printmaking, and papier-mâché. The course also covers art history and introduces students to contemporary artists.
Art 1-2 - Students learn foundational skills in drawing and painting. The course emphasizes the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. Mediums such as graphite, acrylics, pastels, watercolor, and colored pencil are used to create both realistic and abstract works. Color theory and art history are also incorporated.
Art 3-4 - A continuation of Art 1-2, this course is designed for motivated students eager to deepen their exploration of various mediums—including drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking. Students are encouraged to develop their personal artistic style and explore potential career paths in art. Prerequisite: Strong drawing skills and prior experience in drawing and painting are recommended.
AP Art and Design (2D, 3D, Drawing) - This is the most advanced course, tailored for serious students with college-level skills who plan to pursue visual arts further. The course involves significant outside-of-class work to develop a portfolio for submission to the College Board for AP scoring in early May. Portfolio submission is mandatory, and instructor approval is required for enrollment.