This open studio course is designed for middle and high school students who are ready to take creative ownership of their work. With the support of experienced instructors, students will design and develop independent art projects that reflect their interests, ideas, and personal vision.

Especially for middle schoolers and high schoolers: On Tuesday evenings, guided lessons in acrylic painting will be offered as an option. On Thursday evenings, guided lessons in drawing will be offered as an option. Students can choose to work on their own projects, too.

Whether refining skills in a favorite medium or exploring new techniques, students will be encouraged to challenge themselves, think critically, and express their unique point of view through art, while also reflecting on their artistic process.

In this class, students will:

• Build on their existing artistic foundation

• Choose their own materials, subject matter, and direction

• Receive individualized coaching and technical support

• Explore and refine their personal artistic style

• Develop project-planning, creative problem-solving, and reflective thinking skills

This course fosters a studio-like environment where students experience the freedom and responsibility of being self-directed artists within a supportive community.

What to expect:
Parents can expect to see highly individualized, often deeply personal work that shows growing artistic maturity, thoughtfulness, and experimentation. Artwork may range from refined and realistic to abstract and conceptual—reflecting both the student’s personal voice and their development as independent creative thinkers.