Art for Everybody

by Sarah Teach

The wise monk Thomas Merton once said “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” Creating something is a freeing experience, whether or not you consider yourself an artist.  And whether you’re vacationing, summering, or you live here year-round, you can benefit greatly from the inclusive mix of classes and workshops offered this summer by the Artists Association of Nantucket.

There are programs geared towards adults, some for teens, others for kids, and still more that are family-oriented.  Dates, times, and course set-up vary, and you can choose your preference.  That way, even if you’re only on Nantucket for a short time, you can still squeeze your artistic endeavors into that time frame.  There are a number of themed art camp weeks available for kids; scheduling is available at www.NantucketArts.org.  Artistic opportunities include a colorful variety of media, from figure drawing to various forms of painting to printmaking to jewelry making to clay art to digital photography, and beyond!

The following list of courses is not exhaustive because we simply do not have room to list all the opportunities that are available!  In addition to their many classes and workshops, the AAN frequently offers unique exhibits and fun opening receptions.  Visit the AAN’s website at www.NantucketArts.org for a complete listing of their summer offerings.

Adult Art Programs
(Teens ages 15+ may join in adult classes.)

Those interested in clay will enjoy the multi-level classes that focus on clay art aspects ranging from wheelthrowing to handbuilding to sculpture. These courses are challenging but fun (and great for adventurous souls who love to get messy)! Instructor Cory Shepherd introduces beginners to the basics, while intermediate and advanced students will continue building their skills and developing ideas. “Beginning Ceramics” is the ideal avenue through which a novice can begin his or her journey into creating homemade ceramics. “Cultural Traditions in Ceramics” is a unique blend of art history and modern innovation. But it is not as classroom-oriented as it sounds: you still get to dig your hands into some clay and go home with your very own new ceramic pieces!

Some more of the most practical products of art are those of “Printmaking.”  John Carruthers will lead a class in this open-ended and never-exhausted media! Make your own fabric patterns using any and every design you can conjure! 

Teen Art Programs

“Teen Drawing” Join the amazing artist and teacher John Carruthers and learn how to unlock the secrets of perspective, realistic shading, character, and expression. Drawing helps develop an artistic vision that carries over into any media.

“Clay Wheelthrowing & Handbuilding” is led by Lori Garrabrant and is split up into two groups based on age: 10-13 and 14-18.

Those ages 10-14 who are interested in the modern, digitalized world of photography are sure to enjoy the “Intro to Digital Photo” workshop led by Marianne Kelley.

Kids’ Art Programs

“Parent & Child painting” is a great opportunity for parents and kids ages 6+ to create lifelong memories as they benefit from each other’s individual artistic ideas. Explore basic watercolor and sketching techniques in an amazing plein air setting with instructor Jared Johnson.

Kids who love animals will enjoy the “Animals & Art” workshop, which is a collaborative effort with the Maria Mitchell Association. Wildlife and art come together through guided discovery paired with in-depth art projects. For ages 7-9. Take a walk on the wild side!

For those who are a little less outdoorsy but no less creative, there is a fun jewelry-making class taught by Finnie Trimpi! Using handmade glass beads from all over the world, kids can make their own “Beaded Jewelry”! Ages 6-8 and 9-14 are taught separately.

AAN provides young artists with the same respect and resources as older ones.  Jared Johnson’s “Plein Air Painting” is a unique opportunity for ages 9-14 to capture striking views of the harbor! Focus will not only be upon the completion of paintings, but also the development of each student's artistic voice as they express personal interpretations of our island while learning basic watercolor and sketching techniques.

Kids aren’t left out of the world of clay...“Clay Handbuilding and Sculpture” is led by Lena Civitarese and is split up into age groups: 6-8 and 9-12.

Registration is required for all AAN summer programs; tuition and fees apply to most. For costs, dates, and details about any of these programs, visit www.NantucketArts.org.