Now Accepting Submissions for the 2026 Art Showcase!
Here you can find information about the middle school art courses taught by Mr. Strader. Currently, this page includes frequently asked questions, course corrections policies, and links to specific course resources. Make sure to bookmark this page on your browser and stay tuned for further updates throughout the semester!
⇩ More info below ⇩
All Live Lessons will be held in Mr. Strader's Live Lesson room (CLASS). Please make sure that you are checking the right course below (7th and 8th). All dates will be placed on student planners and are subject to change.
🎨 Art 7 (Tuesdays @ 2:00 PM)
Feb 3 Evolution of Style
Feb 10 Heritage Sites
Feb 24 Golden Ratio
Mar 10 💵 Common Currency — PORTFOLIO
Mar 24 NO LL – Spring Break
Mar 31 🏢 Postmodern Façade — PORTFOLIO
Apr 7 TBD
Apr 21 TBD
May 5 ✂️ Mixed Media / Intersecting Art Forms — PORTFOLIO
🎨 Art 8 (Thursdays @ 2:00 PM)
Feb 5 🎨 Nontraditional Art — PORTFOLIO
Feb 12 What’s at Stake in Your Community?
Feb 19 TBD
Mar 5 🗿 Machu Picchu to Movies — QUIZ
Mar 19 🧰 Multiple Paths to Creativity — PORTFOLIO
Mar 26 NO LL – Spring Break
Apr 2 Art of Public Spaces
Apr 9 TBD
Apr 23 TBD
May 7 ✨ Art of Your Generation — PORTFOLIO
All Live Lessons will be held in Mr. Strader's Live Lesson room (CLASS). Please make sure that you are checking the right course below (7th and 8th). All dates will be placed on student planners and are subject to change.
🎨 Art 7 (Tuesdays @ 2:00 PM)
Feb 3 Evolution of Style
Feb 10 Heritage Sites
Feb 24 Golden Ratio
Mar 10 💵 Common Currency — PORTFOLIO
Mar 24 NO LL – Spring Break
Mar 31 🏢 Postmodern Façade — PORTFOLIO
Apr 7 TBD
Apr 21 TBD
May 5 ✂️ Mixed Media / Intersecting Art Forms — PORTFOLIO
🎨 Art 8 (Thursdays @ 2:00 PM)
Feb 5 🎨 Nontraditional Art — PORTFOLIO
Feb 12 What’s at Stake in Your Community?
Feb 19 TBD
Mar 5 🗿 Machu Picchu to Movies — QUIZ
Mar 19 🧰 Multiple Paths to Creativity — PORTFOLIO
Mar 26 NO LL – Spring Break
Apr 2 Art of Public Spaces
Apr 9 TBD
Apr 23 TBD
May 7 ✨ Art of Your Generation — PORTFOLIO
Art 7B Portfolios
💵 Common Currency — Rubric Link
🏢 Postmodern Façade — Rubric Link
✂️ Mixed Media Collage — Rubric Link
Art 8B Portfolios
🧵 Nontraditional Art — Rubric Link
💼 Multiple Paths to Creativity (Art Career) — Rubric Link
✨ Artist Self-Reflection Portfolio — Rubric Link
Art 7A Portfolios
🛣️ Emphasizing Perspective — Rubric Link
💬 The Storyteller Portfolio — Rubric Link
Art 8A Portfolios
You can use any of the options below depending on the device you have access to.
Windows PC or Chromebook
Open the Camera app on your device.
Hold your artwork flat and make sure it’s well lit.
Take the photo and save it to your device.
Upload the image where required.
All Devices
Take a clear photo of your artwork.
Transfer it to your computer:
USB cable (plug phone/camera into your computer), or
Cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.).
Download the image to your computer before submitting.
Windows PC, Chromebook, or School Scanner
Place your artwork on the scanner.
Scan and save the image as a JPG or PNG.
If using a Chromebook, upload the scan to Google Drive and access it from there.
Make sure the artwork is flat, centered, and well lit.
Avoid shadows, glare, or blurry images.
Double-check that the final file is clear before submitting.
Remember: Only send artwork to Mr. Strader via WebMail if you are
sharing work during a Live Lesson, or
submitting portfolio corrections.
All other artwork should be submitted through the appropriate drop box when it appears on your planner.
Start a WebMail message to Mr. Strader.
Find the “Add Attachments” option below the subject line.
Click Select attachment(s) and choose the photo of your artwork from your laptop or device.
If you don’t already have a photo saved, use a phone or webcam to take a picture first, then attach it (see How-To Submit Artwork above).
Portfolio Corrections
Any portfolio that has a 70% or lower can be resubmitted two weeks after the original grade date. Any other resubmissions that do not fit that criteria must be discussed with Mr. Strader.
Quizzes and Quick Checks
OCA understands that adjusting to the online learning environment can take time and that technical issues may occur. In the art course, quizzes and quick checks are graded as is and cannot be corrected unless there is a unique circumstance approved by both Mr. Strader and the Learning Coach. Corrections are not given for rushing or not reading directions. Instead of corrections, extra credit options are available below to help improve your score.
You can earn extra credit by completing optional art activities. These are graded using the Universal Extra Credit Rubric (worth up to 8 points). Projects should be no smaller than 8.5 in x 11 in.
Each extra credit activity = up to 8 quiz points earned back.
Extra credit can only replace lost points — it will never push your grade above 100%.
Quizzes make up 30% of your grade, so earning back lost quiz points through extra credit can significantly improve your overall average.
📧 Webmail your project to Mr. Strader once it is completed.
Art 7 A (SPRING) Extra Credit - COMING SOON
Art 8 A (SPRING) Extra Credit - COMING SOON
Are we required to create or purchase a sketchbook?
It's not necessary to buy one, but it's recommended to have a tool for organizing your ideas. Feel free to use whatever suits your preference!
What supplies do I need for this art course?
The school will send you an art kit either before school starts or shortly after the first day of school. Generally, you will need pencils, sketchbooks, colored pencils, markers, watercolors, and other basic art materials.
How will my work be graded?
Quizzes and quick checks will be graded as soon as you complete them. Portfolios will be graded with feedback provided within a week of submitting it to the portfolio's dropbox.
How can I get help if I'm struggling with an assignment?
If you're having trouble, you can reach out to Mr. Strader via WebMail or book a call.
Can I use digital tools for assignments?
Some assignments will require you attempt to use traditional materials, while others will allow for digital submissions. Check out the art making apps page for digital options.
Are there any art history components in the course?
Sections and Live Lessons will cover art history and introduce you to famous artists and their works. There will also be an emphasis on contemporary artists of different race, gender, and cultural backgrounds.
Can I work ahead if I finish assignments early?
We strongly recommend adhering to your planner's schedule and participating in Live Lessons as they are scheduled. This ensures you receive comprehensive guidance for completing your assignments accurately. Attempting to work ahead might lead to unnecessary confusion.
Will I receive feedback on my assignments?
Yes, Mr. Strader will provide a small amount feedback on your assignments to help you improve your skills and techniques. You can always request further feedback by booking a call or simply emailing Mr. Strader.
Can I collaborate with classmates on projects?
You are expected to complete your own portfolios, but there will be opportunities to collaborate with your classmates in Live Lesson.
Is there a final project or assessment for this course?
Throughout the semester, you will have three portfolios (unless one is dropped), which includes a final portfolio in the final unit. It's important to note that you won't need to resubmit previous work, and there won't be a final exam, test, or quiz.