More About Our Mission
Today most art education centers around creative and experimental excercises with little or no reference to the technical process of creation. When this happens a problem often occurs: Students lack the skills necessary to fulfill their creative vision.
American painter Eric Fischl (1948- ) commented on this very pointe: "Part of the problem is that artists of my generation were not educated. We were not given the equipment because it was generally believed to be irrelevant. Drawing, eye-hand coordination, art history - really fundamental stuff was considered unnecessary."
At The Art Academy we take this challenge seriously. We’ve structured our programs to advance technical skills balanced with creative exercises designed to promote an in-depth understanding of the essential principles of art.
American painter Eric Fischl (1948- ) commented on this very pointe: "Part of the problem is that artists of my generation were not educated. We were not given the equipment because it was generally believed to be irrelevant. Drawing, eye-hand coordination, art history - really fundamental stuff was considered unnecessary."
At The Art Academy we take this challenge seriously. We’ve structured our programs to advance technical skills balanced with creative exercises designed to promote an in-depth understanding of the essential principles of art.
As students progress throughout our programs they are continually challenged with new assignments that take them to higher levels of understanding. We offer courses in Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter quarters so students can progress quickly throughout the year.
We follow a master/apprentice approach to teaching that mimics the way great artists have learned their craft throughout history- study and copy the artists that came before, and then apply this knowledge to their own work. Instructors take the lead in demonstrating proper methods and principles to ensure the student understands fully the task at hand.
Each instructor works with a small group of students, and in keeping the student/teacher ratio extremely low (approximately 3-5 students per teacher), all students receive one-on-one attention as they progress.
Students work at an individual level and pace, always practicing the fundamental principals of drawing while expanding their knowledge and accomplishment in color, painting, and design. Students also develop a personal aesthetic and taste as they are exposed to vast resources and images of great drawings, paintings, and illustrations. At The Art Academy all classes are sequential; each one builds upon the last to ensure steady growth.
The Art Academy is nondenominational and nondiscriminatory. Our teachers work to encourage a positive atmosphere where students can enjoy learning in a non-competitive environment. In our extensive children’s program simple classroom rules assure a safe, fun workplace; while our adult classes foster camaraderie amongst like-minded individuals working to develop craftsmanship and creativity.
We know how busy both children and adults are these days so we do not require work outside of class. Instead, we simply ask that all of our students try their best during each class session. At the Art Academy we stress practice and effort over talent.
We're confident that many of the inquiries you may have regarding our school will be answered by perusing our website. If you still have questions feel free to call us at 651-699-1573. Our answering machine is checked often.
Thank you for your interest.
Thank you for your interest.
“Study the past, live in the present, work toward the future."
-George Fredrick Watts
1817-1904
1817-1904
Michelle Franz works with a student individually to improve her drawing.