SCAD-Atlanta Staff Members Enjoy Community Education Program
Among the more than 250 students enrolled in the Atlanta College of Art Community Education Program at SCAD-Atlanta is a talented and enthusiastic group of SCAD-Atlanta staff members. The program, which offers more than 50 studio art classes, workshops and gallery crawls each quarter, particularly appeals to the college’s staff, almost half of whom have backgrounds in the fine and performing arts.According to many SCAD-Atlanta staff members, their passion for the arts was a key factor in their decision to join the SCAD team. Painters and poets, illustrators and graphic designers, art historians and graduates of programs in apparel design and fashion merchandising fill the ranks of SCAD-Atlanta’s staff, as do pianists, a cellist, a violinist, an opera singer, a lead guitarist in a band and a self-proclaimed Elvis impersonator. The ACA Community Education Program of SCAD provides them with the opportunity to explore new ways of developing their artistic interests.
Sojourner Marable Grimmett, assistant director of recruitment for SCAD-Atlanta, is participating in the Atlanta College of Art Community Education Program at the SCAD-Atlanta.Sojourner Marable Grimmett, assistant director of recruitment for SCAD-Atlanta, said the program has allowed her to incorporate her poetry into collages that depict her personal and cultural histories."I've always been inspired by artists such as Benny Andrews, Kara Walker and Romare Bearden, so I decided to give the collage/assemblage class a shot," said Grimmett. "My instructor, Joy Patty, is a wonderful and inspirational teacher. Being in her class has encouraged me to continue writing poetry and incorporate my poems into my collages. This experience also has sparked me to move forward with my writing and, ultimately, to become published."According to SCAD-Atlanta admission review manager Lara Berry, the program provides a way to submerse herself in a learning environment. She started her color theory course without much knowledge of the topic and is emerging with a body of information and a new outlook on color."I wanted the opportunity to grow more artistically and creatively as it relates to color," said Berry. "After seeing the projects my husband [David Berry, B.F.A., animation, 2005] did in his color theory class at SCAD, I wanted to learn more about it, so I enrolled in the color theory workshop."The opportunity to pursue a personal interest also appealed to Diana Gamzon, coordinator of events and conferencing."I really appreciate the fact that SCAD encourages us to explore our personal interests and gain new skills, and the art therapy class I’m taking now is also a great stress reliever," she said.Hlee Vang, assistant to the vice president for SCAD-Atlanta, and Jenny Wang, catalog librarian, also had compelling reasons for enrolling in the program.
Vang, who is participating in the advertising copywriting course, said it allows her to continue her quest to be a lifelong learner, meet new people and have fun doing something that piques her interest."I think it's a great way for us to further our professional development, and it's free!" said Wang, who decided to take a digital photography class after purchasing her first digital camera.
The non-credit, open enrollment program is offered on a complimentary basis to faculty, staff and degree-program students. Classes usually are held for three hours once a week, with workshops and gallery crawls scheduled on Saturday mornings or afternoons. Most classes are held in the evenings and on weekends, so staff members reported the program is not only conveniently located at the SCAD-Atlanta facility, but also fits neatly into their work schedules. Classes are offered in an array of artistic disciplines and at all skill levels.
Adult classes provide instruction in drawing and painting in a variety of media, including sculpture, glass blowing, interior design, furniture design, woodworking, creative writing, calligraphy, medical illustration, fashion design, Adobe PhotoShop and Adobe Illustrator CS. Saturday classes for teens include art appreciation, drawing, painting and other studio art disciplines, fashion design and portfolio development. These courses are designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of budding artists, many of whom have their sights set on attending an art college.Registration for winter quarter begins Dec. 4, with classes starting the week of Jan. 8, 2007, and running for 10 consecutive weeks. Holiday gift certificates also are available. To request a catalog, purchase a gift certificate or learn more about the ACA Community Education Program of SCAD, e-mail ljones@scad.edu or call 404.253.6814.
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