Category: Art

Our Creative Discoveries Art Camps for young children are the perfect place for your child to explore storytelling through visual art and to work on projects not typically covered in school classrooms.

The original week of camp is scheduled for June 25-29, taught by Art Education Graduate student Rebeca Chung. Due to the popularity of the program, we have since added a new section for July 23-27, which will be taught by Art Education Graduate student Mary Dolmat!

 

 

“Creative Discoveries is a great arts program where students create art in thoughtful and meaningful ways,” said Ms. Chung. “My focus will be on material exploration, providing art projects that are not typically introduced in the public schools.”

“We will be focusing on storytelling and character development in my camp,” stated Ms. Dolmat. “My students will learn to use art as a tool express themselves. There will definitely be printmaking, collage, and bookbinding involved!”

 

 

The camps will take place on the Mason Fairfax campus in the School of Art university classrooms. With a Lead Teacher, a  Teaching Assistant, and a building supervisor, along with extended Academy staff, children will be well guided, monitored and supervised. Since it is a full day camp (9am-4pm), along with a standard lunch break and snack time, students will be provided with exercises and games to help break up the more focused classroom time.

“I am always learning as I teach my students, and I am inspired by my students as well,” reflected Ms. Chung.
“I’m very excited to be able to share all the different art making processes and mediums in my program,” said Ms. Dolmat.

 

 

The camp week will finish with a student art exhibit and classroom presentation for family and friends. Let your young child experience the wonder of art and learn new ways to express themselves and their creativity.

 

GET DETAILS & REGISTER TODAY!

 

Students enrolled in our Saturday art classes presented a final show of art works on the last day of class on April 28th in the School of Art on campus. Around 40 students between the ages of 4 to 18 from 3 classes participated in the event.

 

 

The art instructors invited family and friends into the classroom to review the concepts and methods taught during the semester and to showcase some of the students’ completed projects. Dr. Justin Sutters, the Mason School of Art professor who coordinates the Academy’s art class curriculum, was also on hand to give an overview of the program and answer any questions parents might have.

 

 

After certificates were handed out, everyone joined Academy staff in the lobby for light refreshments. Thanks to all who participated in the event, and we look forward to our next session of art classes in the Fall.

 

SEE SUMMER ART PROGRAMS FOR KIDS AND TEENS

 

 

Our summer Photography Studios for teens are back with a vengeance, with an Intro to Traditional Photography, two weeks of Intro to Digital Photography, and a brand new JumpstART Advanced Photography program. Students will learn skills and techniques used by professional photographers to “up their game” and have a ton of fun!

Taught by photographers and Mason School of Art alum Jason Wellington and Arthur Reinaltt, the one-week programs will take place in the Art & Design Building on the Mason Fairfax campus, where students will have the opportunity to work in Mason’s professional darkroom and lighting studio. Program dates are:

• Intro to Digital Photography Studio     June 25-29, 2018
• Intro to Traditional Photography Studio     July 9-13, 2018
• Intro to Digital Photography Studio     July 16-20, 2018
• JumpstART Advanced Photography Studio     July 23-27, 2018

 

 

“When I was introduced to photography back in 2007, it really changed my direction of life forever. I fell in love with a media of art that not only become a passion, but it became a career,” explained Mr. Reinaltt, who has also taught art classes for children and teens with the Mason Community Arts Academy for several years. “Exposure is everything [no pun intended?], so take the opportunity to develop your creativity through an introduction to photography!”

Students will get experience directing and creating scenes for photography shoots, making light boxes from recycled materials, working with props/ costumes, photo developing and editing, and more. There may also be guest artist discussions from other professionals in the field, and possible internship opportunities.

 

 

“In this world of social media, one simple desire can become a career,” stated Mr. Reinaltt. “With apps like Instagram and Facebook, you can be well known and even develop your own photography brand. Your child will gain an insight into photography outside of just pushing a button and throwing a filter. I want this to be a way for anyone to be able to make a career out of photography, even if it means starting off with some free professional photos for local shops using their home made light box.” [laughs]

The new Advanced Photography program directed by Mr. Wellington is intended as a “next step” for those who have taken the Intro courses already or have a certain level of previous experience, and the curriculum will build on skills and concepts learned in both the Digital and Traditional methods. Those who are considering a possible future career in Photography are strongly encouraged to join!

 

GET DETAILS AND REGISTER TODAY!

 

 

At this summer’s STEAM Art Camp for ages 9-12, students will get the chance to play the role of storyteller, photographer, mover, editor, set designer, leader, and collaborator, as they work in teams to create amazing stop-motion animation films!

With the overwhelming success of last year’s inaugural program, we have expanded this summer’s STEAM Studio to two weekly options, July 9-13 and July 16-20, in which students can participate in either weeks or both. This program highlights the confluence of Art with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) subjects – hence “STEAM”.

 

 

“Creating a stop-motion animation film which tells a story is an extremely open-ended and complex STEAM problem to solve,” explains instructor Carlyn Trbovich, who is completing her Masters in Art Education at Mason’s School of Art. “Like in most real-life work scenarios, the students will be relying on one another in their group to solve it. I always stress to my art students that ‘making’ is not a solitary activity. Teamwork makes the dream work!”

Program activities include:

• Creative planning
• Making a zine storyboard
• Creating sets and set pieces
• Setting lights and photographing scenes
• Compiling and editing photos using animation software
• Solving open-ended STEAM problems
• Completing your own stop motion animation short film

 

 

“As a teacher I know how important it is to collaborate,” said Ms. Trbovich. “This camp will give your child a chance to make new friends and find ways to compromise together in achieving their goals. All of these things will set them up for success in any future technology, design, or art class. Best of all, they will have a finished product at the end of the week that they can be proud to share with their friends and family.”

Students will be asked to bring their own smart phone, tablet or iPad to take pictures with. Otherwise, all other materials (including lighting and materials for sets) will be provided. Family and friends will be invited into the classroom on Friday afternoon for a special viewing of the completed animation films.

 

GET DETAILS AND REGISTER TODAY!