Department of Fine Arts

Saturday Studio:
Art Classes for High School Students

Have you ever looked at a drawing or a painting and wished you could do that? Learning to draw and paint can be incredibly satisfying and the skills gained can become a life-long asset. Young people, especially high school students, can be amazingly adept at learning these skills, and as they learn perspective, proportion, theory and techniques their abilities can expand rapidly.

This spring the IPFW Community Arts Academy is offering two exciting Saturday Studio classes for high school students. This is an excellent opportunity for students nearing graduation to experience the energy and focus of a college-level studio class. All classes take place on the IPFW campus and are taught by IPFW fine arts professors.

Classes like this can be life changing for the students involved. This is an amazing opportunity to learn in an encouraging and inspiring atmosphere in the company of other students who share their interest and passion for art.

The first class being offered is Saturday Studio: Drawing (Drafting and Perspective) for High School Students, a four-week course from Feb. 9 – March 2, 2013, with IPFW Associate Professor of Drawing and Printmaking Christopher Ganz. Each session lasts three hours. During the class students will be taught the fundamentals of perspective and drafting from observation. Students will gain awareness of how to accurately capture both depth and form using only line. Principles of composition, which are useful in all art media, also will be taught.

“Students enrolled in this class are going to come away with a very strong foundation for all future work,” said Ganz. “This is a great way to prepare for university art classes. It’s very close to what is taught in a college program.”

The second class being offered is Saturday Studio: Oil Painting for High School Students, a six-week course from Mar. 9 – April 20, 2013, with IPFW Professor of Drawing and Painting John Hrehov. Each session lasts three hours. During the class students will be exposed to materials for and methods of oil painting and will generate at least one piece that they can use in their portfolio when they apply to art schools or university art programs.

“They’ll be looking at historical work plus they’ll see some of my work close up. The class is very similar to my beginning oil painting class here at IPFW,” explained Hrehov. “Not only will they learn to work with oils, I'm happy also to advise students who may be interested in applying to colleges or art programs on their portfolios if they bring in their work for review.”

CAA also is offering two classes that will allow students K-8 to explore two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) design through the examination of works by the masters and by creating their own masterpieces. Art Education major Morgan McClarnon will be instructing both classes. Exploring the World in 2D Art includes drawing, painting, printmaking and scratch art. Students enrolled in Exploring the World in 3D Art will explore the use of paper maché, weaving with yarn and other mediums. Both classes are designed for students with a variety of skill levels and will be adapted according to age level.

The IPFW Community Arts Academy (CAA) has been providing instruction in the arts to children of all ages and adults for decades with the goal of meeting students at their present skill level and helping them expand their skills and knowledge.  All classes take place on the campus of IPFW with highly qualified instructors.  Check it out.