Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center is taking its art classes to the next level. Literally! This fall, the MACC will introduce a new curriculum that encourages students to develop their artistic skills in a step-by-step manner. Students will master the art of drawing, painting, sculpting and more in a series of classes progressing from Art 1 to Art 4. In each new level, students will build upon the skills they learned in the previous level.
Since the curriculum is new (REGISTRATION is now open), we thought it would be a good idea to consult with an expert. That would be Tonya Mirtes, the MACC’s long-time deputy director. Tonya oversees the MACC’s arts education program, and she was instrumental in developing the new curriculum. We asked her to guide us through the art department’s new approach to classes.
So, Tonya, what’s going on with the MACC’s new art curriculum?
Tonya Mirtes (TM): Over the past year, I’ve had a lot of parents tell me they wanted to see more progression in our art classes. Well, we listened. We are introducing a new curriculum this fall that allows students to develop their skills as they progress through different levels. Starting at age 5, students can enroll in Art 1. This is a two-year course where students will learn all the basics as they work with line, shape and color. Some 5-year-olds still need help with scissor and pencil skills, so they’ll get that, too. By the time they get to Art 3, they’re working in more of a studio environment. Art 4 is our advanced level, where kids are drawing, painting and even beginning to develop their own portfolios.
Do the new levels relate primarily to age or to skill level?
TM: Art 1 and Art 2 are definitely age related. Those are our beginning courses where we want to lay all the important foundations. In Art 3 and Art 4 the work is more advanced, so those classes are definitely geared more toward skill level. I should add, though, that kids can enter whatever class is most appropriate for them, both in terms of age and skills. You don’t have to take Art 1 to enter Art 2.
What will the students be creating in these different classes?
TM: One of the things that parents love the most – I hear about it all the time – is mixed media. They love mixed media because their kids get exposed to so many different techniques. They’ll work with watercolor one minute, and create with papier mâché and acrylic the next. So, kids will get to try their hands in mixed media in all of our classes, along with drawing, painting, clay and everything else.
Does the MACC offer specialty classes as well?
TM: Yes, we offer specialty classes in drawing, painting and clay. We also have a very popular class in digital art for beginners as well as intermediate and advanced students.
Do all classes last a full semester?
TM: Art 1 through Art 4 are all 16-week semester-based classes. That said, we have kids who come into our classes all semester long. I have people call me in September and ask whether their kid can get into a class that started in August. The answer is yes. Since we keep our class sizes small, our teachers can evaluate a kid coming in mid-semester. Naturally, we prorate the cost. Our specialty classes in drawing, painting, clay and digital, on the other hand, all last from six to eight weeks.
When does the fall semester begin?
TM: Our semester classes begin August 11 and they run through the middle of December.
How big are the classes?
TM: Our classes are all small, which allows our teachers to give each student a lot of individual attention. Classes generally are capped at 12. I’d say the average size is probably around eight.
Are there scholarships available?
TM: Yes, we always offer scholarships. Parent just need to call the office and we can arrange it. Our scholarships, by the way, generally cover half of tuition.
Do kids get to show their work at the end of the course?
TM: Yes, that’s something we take such pride in and look forward to. On the last day of class, whether it’s a 6-week, 8-week or semester-long course, we have what we call a parent reception. These are fun events that offer refreshments and showcase what the students have accomplished. I am also looking at the possibility of creating a new school-wide student art show featuring art from all of our classes.
Where do we go to register?
TM: People should go to our website at monthavenarts.org and click on CLASSES. That will take you our class page, where you’ll find all the details needed to register. Of course, parents can always call me with questions at (615) 822-0789.