Teen Project & Portfolio Development | Ages 14-18

Event Phone: 412-968-5858

Instructor:

Dylan Critchfield Sales

in collaboration with Cara Livorio

Details:

**Registration will be available starting on Wednesday, July 21. If this class is sold out, please email us at [email protected], and you will be placed on our waiting list. If spots open up, you will be the first to know!**

The purpose of this class is to mentor art students as they continue to develop their craft as well as create a general portfolio of artwork that is a thoughtful reflection of their interests. Basically, we will be helping to guide students technically and conceptually. Students are challenged to design 2-4 artworks during the 11 week class that focuses on a specific inspiration. They will have to think of more than one way to express what is in their head, and this is the beginning of developing a “series” of artworks that relate to one another. Students will decide on the best approach and material to use to express their inspiration. Many students create artwork on a whim, and there is little thought behind what they are doing besides the fact that they “like this or that.” Therefore, this class forces them to focus on what they want to express, and then they have to think of the best material and process to use based on their artistic interests and abilities. They can hone their skills, and they should not be afraid to try experiment with new techniques and processes.  This is a great exercise to keep students focused on creating artwork that has a common point of interest, and it also forces them to create a “finished” artwork.  This will help students build their portfolio, and it will change the way that they approach their art-making in general.

Materials

• First class: Everyone will have 10 minutes to consult with the instructor. In these 10 minutes, we will focus on:

1. 1. Show me your work: You bring digital or concrete examples of your past work.
   2. Discuss your Project and Goals: We will look at the project that you will be working on, and we will discuss your goals for developing your artwork. It would be ideal if you come to the first class with a proposal of what you would like to focus on during the class, ideas and techniques. (example: I want to paint multiple portraits of famous women in oil paint. I want to work on improving my abilities and confidence with oil painting and with portraiture. This idea is meaningful to me because…)
   3. During the rest of the class, students may draw or start to brainstorm/plan out their artwork.

• Each week:

1. 1. 1. 1. Students work on their individual artworks, and they work with the instructor during this process.
         2. Individual Critique: The instructor will provide critical feedback every week. If you are able to work on your artwork at home, the instructor will give you suggested exercises or suggestions for developing your artwork from home in between classes.
         3. Students may ask questions, and the instructor will be happy to provide advice about your general approach, techniques, etc.

• Supplies: Students are allowed to use their own materials, although they also have access to art supplies at Artissima. Students must provide their own substrate if their project is larger than 14″x18″.

• Missing a Class: If you miss a class, you may email the instructor to critique your progress during the week in which you will not attend the class. There will be no makeup classes offered on alternative weeks.

Materials

Course materials are included in the price of the class.

COVID-19 Information:

The safety of our students and of the community at large is our number one priority. Therefore, we have instituted the following procedures for our in-person classes at Artissima:

-Parents/guardians of the student will sign a Covid-19 Declaration Form, Release & Questionnaire.

-By signing the Declaration Form, parents/guardians agree to take the temperature of the student before coming to class. The student’s arrival at class indicates that the student’s temperature is below 100.4 F.

Artissima instructors are vaccinated. We will…

• Wash/Sanitize our hands before and after each session.
• Take his or her temperature before coming to class to ensure that it is below 100.4F.
• Instructors will cancel the class if they have any symptoms related to Covid-19.
• Clean/Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and the bathroom before and after class.
• Provide sanitizers at the entrance and automatic soap dispensers and automatic paper towels for the students to use to avoid contamination.
• All students will receive individual materials for each project. There will be no sharing of materials.

We are requesting that each of our students, please…

• Aprons: Bring aprons or wear clothing appropriate for a mess. Artissima Studio will not be providing aprons during this uncertain time.
• Take your Temperature: Parent/Guardian will take child’s temperature at home before entering the premises to ensure that it is below 100.4 F. If you arrive at class, it is assumed that you have taken your temperature.
• Face Masks: Masks will be required for the fall semester. We are following the Fox Chapel school district and CDC guidelines. 
• Hand Sanitizers: When entering and exiting the studio, use the hand sanitizer at the studio.
• Using the Bathroom & Sink: Only one student at a time washes his or her hands or goes to the bathroom. There will be no “lines” to use the sink or the bathroom. Students will be called one by one.
• Water: Carry his or her own bottle for drinking water (if necessary) and it will be placed at his or her seat.
• Personal Items: Do not bring any personal items unless there is a medical necessity. Any personal items cleared to stay in the studio must be kept in a plastic bag.
• Guests: No parents, guardians or other patrons are allowed to stay in the studio during the class.
• Drop Off: Students will enter the studio one at a time for drop off.
• Pick Up: One student can exit at a time for pick up. The parent should not enter the studio—please stand in front of the door, and the student will come out to meet you.

Students will be asked to agree to follow procedures outlined above each week to ensure the safety of all parties.

We will do our best to protect all students, and we feel confident that the students will have an enjoyable, didactic and creative experience even with the extra measures put in place to guarantee the safety of everyone.