Our Story
How We Got Here
Francis Lewis High School is one of the most culturally diverse schools in the city and has always been central leader in preparing its students for excellence beyond its glass doors. So it is only fitting that the Art and Design program takes its rightful place as one of the strongest non-specialized art programs in the city as well. The program is open to students who wish to pursue a career in art or fulfill the enjoyment of creativity amongst their peers before they settle into their perspective majors in college. No portfolio required.
Our Mission
At Francis Lewis High School, we understand the importance of support in an artist’s life. Our community serves as an educational branch and support system for all artists who visit our Art Classes by being a special place where their creative juices can flow freely. We’re dedicated to our artists, and we provide them with the appropriate training and tools they need to succeed. It’s our mission to ensure that the arts remain strong, and to offer classes to students of all levels - introducing newcomers to art and creativity, and refining the techniques of even the most veteran artists.
Our Artistic Values
Our Curriculum
All Levels, All Mediums
Required Art
Here at Francis Lewis every student is required to take at least one credit in art or in music. Our course serves as a foundation and appreciation for the arts as well an outlook on what the arts academy has to offer.
Intro to Art and Design
Technique is everything! In this class you will begin drawing from life, rendering ideas and color theory. Students will learn how to apply various mediums, watercolor techniques and develop a composition. There is no prerequisite for this class, however it is suggested that you not only have a desire and love for the arts, but some technical drawing skill as well.
Studio Design
Do you remember all those techniques you learned in your introduction class? Well get ready to take those skills to the next level. In this class you are encouraged to be more daring and experimental while discovering the type of artist you really are. Here we dabble more into acrylics, 3-D design and mixed media. You are encouraged to begin developing works for your portfolio and store ideas when we visit museums and galleries throughout the city.
Advanced Studio Design/ AP 2D Design
In this blended class you will develop a portfolio that speaks volumes about your personality and skill level. You will choose a sustained investigation to fulfill your AP requirements and submit your portfolio to be judged and scored. Students will develop websites, critique each others works, practice using various mediums and techniques and compete for scholarships and awards. The year will culminate with an exhibition of their best work at the Annual Arts Festival.
News & Updates
We’re Moving & Shaking
Francis Lewis visits Philadelphia
The Art and Design program took a class trip to visit Philadelphia this past spring! Our tour guide Donnell led us through the streets of downtown Philadelphia shining light on the initiative of the Mural Arts Program including one our favorites the Porch Light. There are four initiatives working toward transforming a community fractured by drug addiction, crime, and housing insecurity into a safe-haven of hope and enlightenment. Through the collaborative efforts with artists such as Sheperd Fairy and organizations like the City’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) Mural Arts has inspired us to look at the concerns of our community in order to infuse change. Please support them by going to https://www.muralarts.org/donate/.
365 days of drawing
Do you ever find yourself unmotivated to draw or create? Artists need to be inspired and challenged on a daily basis. According to one of my former students Tabbes, you should have a number of topics to choose from and make drawing a daily habit.
Few others that can be done (taken from conceptart.org) At LEAST 3 of them each day:
1. Page of gestures from Posemaniacs
2. A portrait from life
3. Full page of hands from life
4. Full page of figures from photo
5. Page of anatomy from book
6. Page of thumbnails
7. At least 1 digital color study
8. A painting from life
9. A fully rendered pencil sketch
10. Same but from imagination
11. 2 pages of doodles in my sketchbook
12. Study facial features from the mirror
Seniors Visit the Top of the Rock
On April 11th students from our Senior Portfolio class were elevated 70 stories above the cities skyline to catch an amazing 365 degree view of New York City and beyond. Students took their time sketching iconic buildings such as the Empire State Building and Freedom Tower, while gasping at the activities inside Central Park through the viewfinders. Each student walked away with a greater appreciation for the city in which they live and a unforgettable experience.
Studio Desgn visits MoMA
The theme of our trip to MoMA this year was"Narrative in Art". Students were immersed in the works of artists such as Frida Kahlo and Joey Terrill. The experience was amazing as we traveled by bus and train to and from our destination. Thank you MTA for going our way! And thank you Museum of Modern Art for the free passes to come back as well your professionalism and guidance.
Our largest installation yet
Our annual exhibition was a hit this year
Get in Touch
