The Visual Art Department of Pleasure Ridge Park High School strives to provide positive arts experiences through quality instruction to students of all levels of ability. By advocating lifelong learning in the arts, we hope to help expand our students' artistic experiences, skills, understanding and appreciation, which are essential to self-realization and engagement in school and community.
Students choosing the Visual and Performing Arts School of Study may major in Visual Art by participating in the traditional college prep program (Art 1 – Art 4) or they may major in Visual Art by participating in our 3D program. Visual Art Majors also have the opportunity to take electives in Graphic Arts, Web Design and Photography.
To enter the traditional art major program, incoming freshmen should submit the Early Placement application (which is located on our school’s website or which had been made available to middle schools) to Mrs. Wilhoit. Freshmen may enter the art major program the following year by participating in drawing auditions which are held in December. To enter the 3D art major program, students schedule the initial class, Basic Design. Once accepted into the programs, students must fulfill prerequisites for future classes and maintain a B average.
The Visual Art Program not only offers purposeful learning through positive arts instruction and experiences, and preparation for college and career; but the Visual Art Program serves to further a sense of community and belonging in one of the best high schools in the area.
Teacher Bios
Cheryl Wilhoit - Has a Bachelors of Science with a double major in Art and English from East Tennessee State University and a M.Ed. in Secondary Education from the University of Louisville. My family and I moved from Bristol, Virginia to Louisville in 1987. After having taught Art and English in Virginia for 7 years, I’ve been a Visual Art teacher in Jefferson County for the last 20 years. Throughout that time I’ve worked with children of all ages and abilities. My husband and I have a son and daughter who have begun their own families. Although our son is an Air Force pilot and has been stationed in many locations, we all consider Louisville home. Our daughter also teaches Art in Louisville. Some of my favorite things include special dates with my husband, shopping for our three grandbabies, painting and listening to bluegrass music.
Tammy Podbelsek - Is a South Louisville native. After graduating from Iroquois High School in 1985, I attended the University of Louisville where I received a BA and an MA in Art. I have taught art in JCPS for over 20 years, and at all grade levels. Ceramics have been a passion of mine throughout my life. My art degrees, as well as my classroom, both have an emphasis in clay. I am happily married and have two beautiful daughters, both of which attend JCPS. My oldest daughter is in high school and enjoys art and soccer. My youngest daughter is in elementary school and enjoys dancing and cooking. I enjoy spending time with my family, sculpting, traveling, and all types of music. A dream of mine is to open a ceramic studio and teach ceramics from my home.