Crazy Excited

When we knew we were going to be moving into a new facility for next year, the first thing we knew we wanted to add was an art department. We started by brainstorming of what classes we wanted. We knew for sure that we wanted to encompass more than just children. After consulting with people in the art field, here are the classes we have settled on beginning next August:

 ·     Creativity 1 – This will be for 3-5 year olds. Every week or two, they will finish a new project. They will use a variety of materials and mediums to have exposure to a variety of art techniques. It will be a 45 minute class.

 ·     Creativity 2 – This will be for 6-8 year olds. It will follow the same pattern as Creativity 1, but will be more in depth and focus on more details.

 ·     Drawing 1, 2, and Adult – We are breaking the divisions by age group. Level 1 will be for students 9 through 12 years old. Level 2 will be for high school students. The adult class is for people from 18 to 99 years old. We know that the classes will have students of many different ability levels, but it will be a place the students can work at their own pace.

 ·     Painting 1, 2, and Adult – Painting will have the same age break up as drawing. Students will not need to bring their own paints as there will be a material fee to provide that. All works will be done in class. The class will focus on 3 or 4 pieces per semester.

 Next, the big question – who will be teaching it? If you have ever seen my stick figures, you know the answer would not be me! I have always said that I believe God provides the right people. I started interviewing and speaking to different artists and art teachers over a month ago. We interviewed many highly qualified individuals. After we would speak, I kept getting the same response – “I think it is an awesome thing you are doing but I’m not the right person for the job.” Well, that was easily weeding the field down! This past week, we met with Miss Jessee Yantis. Immediately, there was a connection. She had the same Christian values as us. Her personal art pieces were incredible. She knew how to work with a variety of materials and could share that knowledge with others. She was also comfortable teaching a large age range of students. Oh and an added bonus point, she is a crazy gifted guitar teacher too! I offered her the job on the spot. She took a few days to pray about it and I’m excited to say she will be joining us next year! Wahoo!

 These classes will be offered on Monday and Tuesday evenings next year. We have just started working on scheduling. My plan is to have our fall schedule and pricing ready by March. Returning students will be able to enroll beginning in April for any classes. In July, new students will be able to register. Of course, there will be limits to how many we take in a class, so plan on registering early. We are also trying to see if we can fit a few art classes in over the summer too!

 s anyone else just as amazed as me at how quick this all has unfolded? We realize that it is God moving this. So, we will just keep giving Him the credit and try our best to be His hands and feet! Please share this blog and help us start getting the word out in our community!