The Worcester Art Museum’s summer Studio Art program begins Monday, July 10, with a packed schedule of classes and workshops for adults, teens and youth. To build on this summer’s theme of creative exploration, WAM has designed several new classes that introduce the creative and the curious to new techniques and ideas.

In keeping with the theme of creative exploration, summer classes for youth and teens integrate STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — with a variety of arts and media. New youth classes begin each Monday for five weeks, starting July 10. The last week of summer art classes starts August 7. Busy parents may opt for extended day programming for their children this summer, as well.

As always, WAM’s Studio Art programs emphasize skill building and creative expression in a supportive environment. A wide range of courses for all ages, skill levels and interests covers a lot of exciting territory. Students can experiment with charcoal drawing techniques, after making their own charcoal; they can develop characters and tell stories using cartoons; they can put into practice the basics of photojournalism and film theory. But let’s not forget that it’s summer. The warmer weather and extended periods of good light lend themselves to creative outdoor pursuits like an outdoor painting workshop and sculpting for the garden. In many cases, WAM’s Studio Art classes include special access visits to the Museum’s galleries.

Registration is straightforward. Students may register online at worcesterart.org/classes. Those looking for more information or for answers to questions may call 508-793-4333 or email transaction@worcesterart.org. The catalog may be viewed online at worcesterart.org. To obtain a printed copy of the catalog, call the Museum at 508-793-4333.

Adult classes

Wondering what to do with those newly acquired colored pencils and accompanying coloring books? Novice adult artists may select from eight New Beginnings classes ranging from Colored Pencil Techniques to Outdoor Painting to Digital SLR Photography. Sharpen your pencils! These beginner classes kick off throughout July and early August.

Not every summer offering is hands-on. WAM’s art history lecture series, The Roots of Modernism, begins July 12 and runs for five weeks. WAM’s summer Teacher Institute — From Greeks to Geeks, from July 10 to July 14 — explores how science and technology have influenced artistic expression throughout the millennia. Participants will have opportunities to make art and bring new ideas back to their classrooms.

Several faculty members offer classes that encourage students to let go and give their imaginations free rein, such as Creative Drawing Exploration, A Week of Drawing the Figure and How to Photograph Almost Anything.

Youth classes 

WAM offers five weeks of classes for youth and teens. Students aged 5 to 13 may enroll in as many as five one-week sessions, and they may sign up for one or two classes per session. Classes are held daily for a week. The first weekly session starts July 10 and the last session starts August 7. Classes run from 10 a.m. to noon and from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. with morning, half-hour lunch and afternoon extended day options.

Art Together classes, for WAM’s youngest students ages 3 to 5, run daily from 10 a.m. to noon. These young artists, each accompanied by an adult, explore the galleries as they tap their imaginations about everything from the nighttime world to winged creatures to tropical flora and fauna. 

Students ages 5 to 13 have lots of options, too. They can make their own puzzles, create black-and-white illustrations, delve into mythology, incorporate math into their art projects, sculpt with paper or clay, learn about nature’s tessellations and get started with computer animation. Ping Pong Prints? There’s a class for that!

Extended Days

WAM’s extended hours for young students run from 8:30 to 10 a.m., 12 to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 to 5 p.m. Extended day options are available all five weeks.

Teen classes

WAM Studio Art classes for teenagers run from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. These more advanced classes are longer and more challenging. Teens may select one of two weekly offerings for the first four weeks of summer arts classes. On week five, all students are invited to sign up for a single Drawing and Painting Portfolio Builder. Among the classes teens can register for are Photojournalism, Drawing and Painting Intensive, Screen-printing Hacks, Visual Stories: Basic Film Theory, Fantasy Illustration, and more.

With 51 centuries of art in the collections and on exhibit in galleries adjacent to the art studios, the Worcester Art Museum offers unparalleled hands-on experiences for students. Those interested may sign up for summer session classes and workshops now. For more information, view the summer catalog at http://www.worcesterart.org/education/pdf/2017-Classes-Summer-2-Brochure-Worcester-Art-Museum.pdf.

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