Summer 2023 Art Academy
Why are FAM workshops extra special?
The Museum is a unique environment where children can be inspired and exposed to world-class artwork and antiquities, not just images in a book or posters on a wall. The Fresno Art Museum is over 70 years old, and we have been told by many that classes at the Museum were a big part of their growing up in Fresno, creating long-lasting and wonderful memories. Our goal is to continue that legacy by offering classes to engage children and foster a love for the arts, learning, and discovery.
Our workshops are taught by working professional artists who bring their special talents and knowledge to every session they teach. All of our teaching artists have had training and experience in working with children, and all strive to transfer their own love of the arts to each of their students in a lively, engaging, and exciting way.
• Children must be between the ages of 8 and 17 to participate in these workshops.
• All classes are taught in English only.
• Weekly sessions run five days per week. Partial weeks pay full week tuition (i.e., not pro-rated for days attending). Full day sessions are from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Morning sessions run from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm; afternoon sessions from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm.
• Students who stay for the full day must bring lunch. The Museum provides light snacks only. Lunchtime is supervised, in the gated Sculpture Garden or in the classroom.
• FAM visual art classes are taught by FAM’s staff of teaching artists and special guest artists.
SCHEDULE OF WORKSHOPS:
WEEK 1 (June 12 to 16)
Stop-Motion Animation (AM)
Learn all about animation. Work as part of a team or on your own to create stories and animated short films using drawing, painting, and 3-D objects and stop-motion animation techniques.
Print It! (PM)
Students will learn the art of design and use a variety of printmaking techniques, from simple stamping, silk screen, monoprints, collagraph printing (from collage), and printing on a press. Students will have an opportunity to create a wall hanging.
WEEK 2 (June 19 to 23)
Build It! (AM)
Be inspired by the architectural work of Arthur Dyson! Students will learn about composition and the principles of design. They will design in two dimensions and build their ideas in a three-dimensional form using cardboard, paint, and found objects. Let your imagination go wild! And expect a visit from Mr. Dyson himself!
Comic Book Design (PM)
Learn secrets of comic book design and story creation with comic book writer and artist Nicolas Garza. In addition to working with Torrid and CK Comics, Nick has worked as a graphic designer. He has long been a lover of the comic book genre and is excited to again teach this workshop at FAM.
WEEK 3 (July 31 to August 4)
Stop-Motion Animation Repeat (AM)
See Week 1 for details. Also, be inspired by our new exhibition featuring the art of Mary Blair, a former Disney animation artist.
Wild Things! (PM)
Be inspired by Maurice Sendak’s “wild things.” Create monsters and “wild things” in a variety of media in two and three-dimensions. Write a story about your “wild things” and create a monster mask to scare your family and friends.
WEEK 4 (August 7 to 11)
Fun with Mixed Media (AM)
Delve into a variety of media in two and three dimensions from assemblage to collage with a combination of fiber, paper, paint, discarded elements, and found and natural materials. Students will draw inspiration from a variety of artists like Louise Bourgeois, Keith Haring, Yoyoi Kusama, Louise Nevelson, Kehinde Wiley, and others
Capture It! (PM)
Learn about composition, perspective, light and shadow, depth, optical illusion, and generally how to compose and edit successful photographs. Be inspired by the work of photographer Martha Casanave. All students must have a smartphone capable of taking pictures or other digital camera.
One WEEK /HALF DAY: $225 (Museum members*) | $250 (Non-Museum members) One WEEK FULL DAY: $395 (Museum members*) | $425 (Non-Museum members)
Most art materials included. Students may be asked to bring some found items from home for some projects. Digital camera OR cell phone with camera is required for Capture It!
* Family level members (starting at $75/year) and above receive the member discount for students living in the member’s household.
Policies: No refunds, unless classes are canceled by the Museum. The Museum may substitute instructors or classes, if necessary. All fees must be paid in advance. The Museum will not tolerate bullying, disruptive, violent, or otherwise inappropriate behavior and retains the right to send any child who exhibits such behavior home, without refund.
Questions, or to request a paper registration form and pay by check or cash, please email susan@fresnoartmuseum.org
During the summer of 2014, students created Dominion Dance with SHINE!'s tony sanders and FAM art instructor Jaydee Pirtle. Students wrote, created props and costumes (some adapted from left-behind Trashique® costumes), and performed. Click here to see the result.
See some of the student animation videos from summer 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2019 ArtAcademy
Our student muralists from the summer of 2017, taught by guest artist and educator Erik Gonzalez from the Urbanists Collective.