The program continues to evolve to meet the needs of the community according to Deb Housh, curator of education and exhibitions.
“We’ve expanded the age demographic of our adult art classes to include teen learners,” she said. “Educational institutions such as community colleges invite high school students into adult instruction through flex credit and other special programs. The museum is keeping with this trend and we’ve formalized our invitation to teens by setting all of our adult classes for ages 15 and up.”
Housh said if teens younger than 15 are committed to art they can request an entry into an adult class, which will be done on a case-by-case basis.
“This age group tends to bring new perspectives and an adventurous spirit to the creative learning environment,” said Housh.
Drawing and Mixed Media Expression is a new offering for the novice student age 15 to adult who wants to sample new techniques and processes in a variety of media, or for intermediate to advanced students who want to broaden their experiences.
Housh said toddler and preschool classes continue as well. Some have an emphasis on gallery visits and responsive art making.
For example, the Art Inspirations class for 7 to 11 year olds will focus on works of art in the museum’s current “Painting Ohio’s Prairies: A Year in the Life” exhibition. Art and Movement, for 6 to 10 year olds, will appeal to those who need to release creative energy bottled up during the winter months.
Art Achievers, for ages 8 to 13, is aimed at the most interested young art students for advanced art experiences. Housh said homeschoolers are welcome in all of youth art classes.
Classes include:
15 and up
- Watercolor Studies, Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30-4 p.m.; Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to noon, Jan. 28 through March 19. Cost: $125 (plus cost of supplies)
- Drawing and Mixed Media Expression, Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m. Jan. 28 through March 18. Cost $120 (supplies included)
- Stained Glass Shines! (limit of eight participants), Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m. Jan. 28 through March 18. Cost: $140 (supplies included)
- Hatha Yoga for Healthy Living (limit 10), Thursdays, 6-7 p.m. Jan. 29 through March 19. Cost $60 (bring your own mat)
Youth classes
- Toddler Art With You!, ages 20-36 months with an adult partner (limit six), Thursdays, 11-11:30 a.m., Jan. 29 through March 19. Cost: $60 (supplies included)
- Art Inspirations: Ohio Prairies, ages 7-11 (limit 10), Thursdays, 5:30-7 p.m. Jan. 29 through March 19. Cost: $95 (supplies included)
- Preschool Art Explorers, ages 3-5 (limit eight), Saturdays, 11 a.m. to noon, Jan. 31 through March 21. Cost: $70 (supplies included)
- Art and Movement, ages 6-10 (limit 10) Saturdays, 12:30-2 p.m. Jan. 31 through March 21. Cost: $95 (supplies included)
- Art Achievers : New Projects!, ages 8-13 (limit 10), Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. to noon Jan. 31 through March 21. Cost: $95 (supplies included).
For more information, go to the www.springfieldart.museum, click on the Learn tab and a schedule is available under the courses listing. Museum members' can receive a discount on classes.
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