by Caroline Gabsewics
Staff Writer
This is only the beginning.
Starting Jan. 13, a handful of classes will be offered at the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, previously JMOMA. James Greene, director of education and Ali Fuderer, assistant director of education-school programs, said there is even more to come in the future.
“This is just a stepping stone,” said Greene. “It has been a while since we had in-depth studio courses.”
Classes are being held for adults and teens (15 and up) and for children ages 6-12 in the museum’s fifth floor Education Center studios. Greene is teaching the “Introduction to Silkscreen Printing” and “Introduction to Drawing”, and Fuderer is teaching “Introduction to Acrylic Painting.” Candace Briles, museum educator, is teaching the Mini MOCA Masters classes.
“Look for these classes to offer more unique things,” said Greene. “Everyone offers classes in ceramics, drawing, so we hope to offer a host of different courses like screen printmaking.”
Fuderer said it is a bonus to have a background in a certain area of art when you are an art educator.
“As an art educator, you can teach any subject,” she said. “But when you have a specific practice area, that is where you passion is. You hope to ignite that in other people.”
Both Fuderer and Greene started at MOCA Jacksonville this past summer. Since then, they have been working to improve the museum’s education department.
“Before the museum became JMOMA it was JAM, and one of the things many people remember were the classes and it is something that JMOMA had not really been able to do at the level they were at JAM,” said Greene. “Now we really want to dig in and offer a host of classes for children, teens and adults.”
The classes are open to anyone, whether students are serious artists who are looking to sharpen their skills or just beginning. Fuderer said the classes are great for high school and college students because they give them an opportunity to build portfolios.
Fuderer and Greene said the classes will run in intervals throughout the year and students can take the classes over again if they’d like.
“It will never be the same exact course because we are pulling from different themes and exhibits that are at the museum,” said Fuderer.
Greene added, “The classes are similar to college courses, but without grades.”
In addition to the courses, MOCA Jacksonville will still offer Bank of America Family Free Day from noon to 4 p.m. every Sunday
For more information or to enroll in any of the classes call 366-6911, ext. 204 or ext. 207. Forms can also be picked up at the front desk.
MOCA Studio Classes for ages 15 and up
• Introduction to Acrylic Painting
Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 17-March 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
$150 for members, $170 for non-members, $105 for Docents
• Introduction to Drawing
Thursdays, beginning Jan. 18-March 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
$120 for members, $150 for non-members, $84 for Docents
• Introduction to Silkscreen Printing
Saturdays, beginning Jan. 20-March 10, 11:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
Mini MOCA Masters for ages 6-12
• Session One: Drawing and Painting
Jan. 13-Feb. 24, 11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m. for ages 6-8 and 1:15-2:45 p.m. for ages 9-12
Tuition: $95
• Session Two: Wearable Art
March 10-April 21, 11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m. for ages 6-8 and 1:15-2:45 p.m. for 9-12 year-olds
Tuition: $95