Class Descriptions

Ignite your child's creativity and love for reading! In KID ART LIT, we bring vibrant picture books to life. Each session begins with the reading of an engaging, beautifully illustrated story, followed by a lively discussion where young artists can share their ideas and interpretations. Then, inspired by the book's themes, characters, or the unique style of the illustrator, children will dive into a hands-on art project. Students will explore a variety of art materials and techniques, allowing them to express their own imagination and create unique masterpieces. This class is a perfect blend of literacy, discussion, and hands-on art exploration for young creators! 

Dive into the wilds of the Animal Kingdom in this exciting course that blends a little  biology and creative art! Each week, students will explore a different animal, learning fascinating facts about its habitat, diet, and unique characteristics.  After learning about an animal, students will create a unique, hands-on art project inspired by its appearance or environment using a variety of art materials— such as paint, paper, and clay—to capture the texture of a polar bear's fur, the colors of a rainforest bird, or the shape of a deep-sea fish.  A perfect class for students who love animals and want to express their knowledge through exciting and colorful projects. 

Get ready for a delicious dive into creative expression! Hungry for Art is an exciting, hands-on course where every project is inspired by food. Students will move beyond traditional still life, using a wide range of media to study, depict, and design culinary-themed art. Students will learn techniques in drawing (illustrating food), painting (vibrant food portraits), sculpting (creating 3D models of favorite dishes), and construction (building imaginative food art).  This course is perfect for any student eager to combine their love of food with a passion for art in a fun, experimental environment. 

Embark on an epic artistic journey through America's natural wonders! In Road Trip National Parks, we will virtually "stop" at over 12 stunning National Parks across the United States. Students will explore the unique geology, wildlife, and history of each destination. Inspired by the majestic landscapes, they will complete a variety of art projects designed to capture the beauty and spirit of these protected treasures. This class combines geography, science, and hands-on art exploration, perfect for the nature lover and aspiring artist. 

Art is EPIC is an exciting, skill-based course designed to engage young artists in the fundamental language of visual creation. Students will explore concepts like Line, Shape, Color, Texture, and Value  as well as using concepts such as balance, contrast, and movement to create engaging compositions. Students will use a variety of media to see how these concepts work differently with pencils, paint, collage, and more. This course is perfect for students who want to move past general creativity and start learning the specific rules that make art work! 

1.0: PATHFINDERS

2.0: TRAILBLAZERS

Welcome to the vibrant world of Contemporary Art! This course moves beyond the art of the past to explore the artists working right now—in our neighborhoods, on our streets, and in global galleries. Students will discover that art is a living, breathing conversation about the world we inhabit today.

Our focus isn't just on learning "how" to draw or paint, but on "why" artists make the choices they do. By studying a diverse range of living artists, students will learn that art can be a tool for storytelling, activism, humor, and innovation.

Take a trip around the world! Young artists will learn about the unique and amazing world we live in through fun and engaging lessons. Students will explore a region of the world and learn important art elements and principles. 

A creative and engaging approach to art history! This course explores the most impactful art movements and masterpieces from around the world. Students will discover how art has evolved and reflected human history, from ancient civilizations to modern-day movements.  Students will travel through major artistic periods, including Ancient Egyptian Art, the Renaissance, Impressionism, and Pop Art.  For each period studied, students will complete a hands-on art project, experimenting with the materials and techniques specific to that age. This class is perfect for students interested in history, culture, and connecting the stories of the past with their own artistic expression. 

Unleash your inner architect and designer in this hands-on course, where you will transform a 2-story wood structure kit into a vibrant, personalized miniature world. This class offers four imaginative spaces for you to design, allowing you to create a dynamic building that functions as a home, a business, an apartment complex, or a unique combination of your own design.

The course is a comprehensive exploration of architectural modeling and interior design at a miniature scale. You will begin by learning the fundamentals of spatial planning and will practice drawing basic blueprints and floor plans to formalize your vision.

The main project involves constructing and meticulously finishing your 2-story model. Key skills and techniques you will master include:

• Miniature Fabrication: Designing and crafting mini furniture and accessories to scale for each room.

• Interior Finishing: Learning to select and apply decorative details like wallpaper, textiles, and flooring.

• Color & Texture: Practicing various painting and finishing techniques to apply paint to walls, trim, and exterior surfaces, bringing your structure to life.

• Precision Assembly: Developing fine motor skills through detailed cutting, gluing, and constructing the wooden model kit.

By the end of this course, you will have a tangible, detailed architectural model that showcases your creativity, technical precision, and understanding of design principles. 

Sketchbooks are the backbone of a student's middle school art experience.  This class is a process art class in which the student develops artistic behavior through their own practices. Students will receive mini lessons on techniques and supplies.  Students will then use their  sketchbooks for practice drawing, experimentation, and free choice art practices. 

Dive into the vibrant and fluid world of wet media! This hands-on high school art course, "Fresh Paint," is designed to build foundational skills and confidence using both watercolor and acrylic painting.

Through a variety of engaging projects, students will gain a deep understanding of essential painting fundamentals, including:

• Color Mastery: Learning the principles of color mixing to create rich palettes, subtle tones, and harmonious color schemes.

• Technical Skills: Mastering critical techniques such as smooth blending, layering, washes, and various brushwork to achieve different textures and effects.

This course emphasizes a fun, experimental approach, encouraging students to become more confident in painting by exploring and experimenting with different painting styles, from realism to abstraction. By the end of the semester, every student will have a portfolio of expressive paintings and the technical knowledge to continue their artistic journey. 

Designed for older students ready to build a serious foundation in visual art, Drawing Plus is a skill-building intensive focused on the fundamentals of drawing. Students will engage in focused practice to master core concepts, developing their eye and technique.

Course Highlights:

Drawing Fundamentals: Master the essentials of line, shape, light, and perspective necessary to translate 3D objects onto 2D surfaces.

Dry Media Practice: Build practical skills using a variety of dry media, including pencil, charcoal, and pastels, to explore texture, shading, and form.

Dedicated Practice: Skill growth is reinforced through structured learning, including worksheets and consistent sketchbook practices.

Process-Based Projects: Apply learned techniques to longer-term, process-based projects designed to challenge and expand students' abilities.

Watercolor Enhancement: Learn how to use controlled washes of watercolor paint to professionally embellish and enhance finished dry media compositions, adding depth and vibrant color.

This course is perfect for dedicated students looking to significantly advance their technical drawing ability and establish a strong portfolio of fundamental skills.

This course invites students to step off the page and into the third dimension. While creativity is the spark, craftsmanship is the fuel. In this studio-based environment, students will shift their focus from what they are making to how it is made, mastering the technical precision required to transform raw materials into eye catching artworks. 

We will explore the structural integrity, surface quality, and physical balance of objects. By the end of the course, students will not only have a portfolio of original works but will also possess a "maker’s eye"—the ability to critique their own technical execution and troubleshoot structural challenges