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Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center



Our Classes

Digital Animation Fundamentals: Beginner Class

$176

with Derris Dabbs

Calendar Current session started Mar 12, 2024 at 4:30 pm, runs for 8 weeks

Embark on a thrilling journey into the dynamic world of animation with our "Digital Animation Fundamentals" Beginner Class. Tailored for aspiring animators aged 9 and above, this course provides a hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of digital animation, guiding students through the exciting process of bringing characters and stories to life on the screen.

Course Highlights:

Introduction to Animation Software: Dive into the digital animation landscape with an introduction to industry-standard software. Learn the basics of navigation, timeline management, and essential tools to kickstart your animation journey.

Understanding Keyframes: Master the fundamental concept of keyframes—the building blocks of animation. Learn how to set key poses to create smooth and fluid motion in your digital creations.

Character Design for Animation: Explore the art of character design with a focus on animation principles. Understand how to create characters that are visually appealing and easily adaptable to various movements and expressions.

Animating Expressive Characters: Delve into the nuances of character animation. From facial expressions to body language, learn how to infuse life and personality into your characters, making them relatable and engaging.

Introduction to Timing and Spacing: Uncover the secrets of timing and spacing in animation. Gain insights into the pacing of movements, creating a sense of weight, and establishing realistic motion in your digital projects.

Storyboarding Basics: Develop essential storytelling skills through the art of storyboarding. Learn how to plan and visualize your animation sequences, ensuring a cohesive and compelling narrative in your projects.

Principles of Squash and Stretch: Explore the foundational principle of squash and stretch to add flexibility and elasticity to your animated characters. Understand how this technique contributes to the overall visual appeal of your animations.

Introduction to 2D Animation Techniques: Gain hands-on experience with 2D animation techniques. From frame-by-frame animation to tweening, learn different approaches to creating captivating motion in your digital artwork.

Animating Simple Scenes: Apply your newfound skills to create simple animated scenes. Learn how to synchronize movements, refine timing, and bring your creative ideas to life through engaging animations.

Showcase Your Animated Creations: Conclude the class with a showcase where you can proudly present your animated creations to your parents and showcase the progress you've made throughout the course.

Join us for the "Digital Animation Fundamentals" Beginner Class, where the magic of animation comes to life through hands-on learning, expert guidance, and a supportive community of fellow aspiring animators.

Member discount: 10 percent

Cartooning Adventures: A Journey into the World of Cartoons

$168

with Gina Kelley

Calendar Current session started Mar 14, 2024 at 4:30 pm, runs for 8 weeks

Embark on a delightful exploration of the art of cartooning with our "Cartooning Adventures" class for ages 9 - 13. Designed for artists of all levels, this eight-week course is a hands-on experience where participants will learn the fundamentals of creating engaging and expressive cartoon characters and narratives.

Course Highlights:

  • Cartooning Fundamentals
  • Character Design Magic
  • Expressive Facial Features
  • Dynamic Poses and Movement
  • Cartoon Animals and Creatures
  • Backgrounds and Environments
  • Comic Strip Storytelling

Join us on this lighthearted and imaginative journey as we explore the whimsical world of Cartooning Adventures. Whether you're a budding artist or simply eager to bring your doodles to life, this class offers a fun and supportive environment to hone your cartooning skills and discover the joy of creating characters and stories that leap off the page!

Member Discount: 10 percent

Animation Mastery: Advanced Techniques and Creative Innovation

$176

with Derris Dabbs

Calendar Current session started Mar 14, 2024 at 6:30 pm, runs for 8 weeks

Have you ever wondered how your favorite animated movies and TV shows are made? Interested in learning how to make your 2D art come to life? Step into the forefront of digital animation with our 8-week advanced-level course tailored for experienced animators and digital artists ages 9 and up seeking to elevate their craft to new heights. Participants will immerse themselves in cutting-edge techniques and digital tools, exploring the dynamic intersection of technology and artistic expression.

*This class is intended for individuals with a basic understanding of digital drawing tools and techniques. Participants should have completed an introductory digital drawing course or have equivalent experience.

Course Objectives:

  • Storyboarding and Scene Composition
  • Keyframe Animation
  • Frame-by-frame Animation
  • Script Writing for Animation
  • Draftsmenship in Digital Art
  • Dynamic Figure Drawing
  • Facial Expressions
  • Anatomy in Stylization

Animation Mastery is a dynamic and collaborative space where experienced digital animators come together to explore the cutting edge of animation technology. Join us for an exhilarating journey where you'll push the boundaries of creativity and emerge as a master of digital animation, ready to shape the future of animated storytelling.

iPads and Apple Pencils are provided by the MACC, but you are welcome to bring your own.  

This class will be repeated every 8 weeks with all NEW projects and skill building. 

Please note classes will not be held during Spring Break, March 18th - 22nd.

Member Discount: 10 percent

Art Fusion: Mixed Media Marvels - Tuesdays

$189

with Dr. Priscilla Eichler

Calendar Current session started Mar 26, 2024 at 4:30 pm, runs for 9 weeks

Embark on a colorful journey of creativity and self-expression with our mixed media art class. This dynamic class for ages 5 – 9 is designed to introduce young artists to the exciting world of mixed media, where they can explore, experiment, and bring their imaginations to life through a variety of artistic techniques and materials.

Kids will explore a vibrant palette of paints, pastels, and more as they learn to layer and blend, creating stunning backgrounds for their mixed media masterpieces.  Engage tiny hands in a tactile experience with a variety of textures. From smooth papers to textured fabrics, children will discover the sensory delight of different materials, adding depth and touchable elements to their creations.

Students will also learn the joy of drawing with various tools and techniques. From crayons to markers, children will develop their fine motor skills while expressing their creativity on paper and canvas.  Engage in themed projects that encourage creative thinking and imagination. From fantasy landscapes to whimsical creatures, each project provides an opportunity for self-expression and exploration.

Students will pursue the following learning objectives:

  • Will explore Line.        
  • Will explore color (color wheel)        
  • Will explore shapes (organic and inorganic)        
  • Will explore texture.        
  • Will explore forms.        
  • Will explore emphasis, pattern, and balance.        
  • Will explore concepts (could include, but not limited to landscape, portraits, creatures, still life and historical landmarks).        
  • Will explore realistic and abstract ideas. 

Art Fusion Kids is a space where kids can let their imaginations run wild, experiment with various materials, and celebrate the unique artist within. Join us for a colorful and imaginative journey that will leave your child inspired and excited about the world of mixed media art!

Member discount: 10 percent

Please note classes will not be held during Spring Break, March 18th - 22nd. 

Expressive Arts Fusion: Acrylic, Oil and Sculpture Class

$189

with Brooke Hammond

Calendar Current session started Mar 27, 2024 at 6:30 pm, runs for 9 weeks

Embark on a multifaceted artistic journey with our "Expressive Arts Fusion" class for ages 9 and up, where the world of acrylic and oil painting seamlessly intertwines with the tactile beauty of sculpture. Designed for art enthusiasts of all levels, this class invites you to explore the rich diversity of expression through paint and form, unlocking your creativity in both two- and three-dimensional realms.

Course Highlights:

Acrylic Painting Adventures: Immerse yourself in the versatile world of acrylics. From vibrant landscapes to abstract expressions, learn techniques such as layering, blending, and texture creation to bring your visions to life on canvas.

Oil Painting Mastery: Delve into the timeless art of oil painting. Discover the rich, luminous quality of oil colors as you explore classical and contemporary painting techniques. From color mixing to brushwork, develop the skills to craft captivating oil masterpieces.

Found Object Sculpture: Embrace sustainability and creativity simultaneously by incorporating recycled materials into your sculptures. Learn to transform everyday objects into unique and compelling works of art, promoting eco-conscious creativity.

Composition and Design: Understand the principles of composition and design that apply across painting and sculpture. Learn how to create visually compelling arrangements, whether on a canvas or in the three-dimensional space of your sculptural work.

Mixed Media Fusion: Combine painting and sculpture in unique mixed media projects. Experiment with the integration of both two- and three-dimensional elements in your artworks.

Gallery Showcase: Celebrate the culmination of your artistic exploration in a gallery-style showcase. Share your expressive masterpieces with classmates, friends, and family, creating a space to appreciate the diversity and beauty of your collective creations.

"Expressive Arts Fusion" is an immersive experience where the realms of painting and sculpture converge, allowing you to push the boundaries of your creativity. Join us for a transformative artistic journey that brings together the best of both worlds!

Class will not be held the week of Spring Break, March 18 - 22nd. 

Member discount: 10 percent

Artventure Explorers: Multimedia Magic - Thursday

$168

with Gina Kelley

Calendar Current session started Mar 28, 2024 at 6:30 pm, runs for 8 weeks

In this hands-on and dynamic 8-week class for stuents ages 5 - 8, children will explore the world of mixed media artistry, combining various materials, colors, and techniques to create their own masterpieces.

Throughout the course, our experienced and passionate art instructors will guide your child through a series of captivating projects combining painting, drawing, collage, sculpture, clay and more.  Projects may include such themes as animals, books and pop culture, just to name a few.

Whether your child is a seasoned creator or trying art for the first time, this class fosters a love for artistic expression in a fun and supportive atmosphere.  Additionally, small class sizes ensure that each child receives personalized attention and guidance from the instructor.

Students will pursue the following learning objectives during this semester-long course:

  • Explore Line.
  • Explore color (color wheel)
  • Explore shapes (organic and inorganic)
  • Explore texture.
  • Explore forms.
  • Explore emphasis, pattern, and balance.
  • Explore concepts (could include, but not limited to landscape, portraits, creatures, still life and historical landmarks).

Please note classes will not be held during Spring Break, March 28 - 22nd.

Member discount: 10 percent

Draw, Dream, Create: Expressive Drawing Class - Ages 9 and up

$168

with Mariah Leggett

Calendar Current session started Apr 3, 2024 at 6:30 pm, runs for 8 weeks

Unlock your child's artistic potential and ignite their passion for drawing with our engaging and enriching drawing class designed for ages 9 and up! Draw, Dream, Create! is a dynamic and fun-filled 8-week course that aims to nurture young artists while providing a solid foundation in the world of drawing.

Course Highlights:

  • Exploration of Various Techniques: Our drawing class offers a diverse range of drawing techniques, including pencil sketching, ink drawing, charcoal art, and pastel work. Participants will get hands-on experience with each medium to discover their personal preferences and strengths.
  • Inspiring Themes and Subjects: Each class will explore different themes and subjects, allowing students to experiment with various styles and approaches. Whether it's drawing life like animals, creating imaginative fantasy scenes, or capturing the beauty of nature, there's something for every budding artist.
  • Guidance from Experienced Instructors: Our instructor is passionate about art and skilled in teaching young artists. She provides individualized attention and constructive feedback to help students improve their skills and build confidence.
  • Developing Creative Expression: Beyond technical skills, this class emphasizes the importance of self-expression and creativity. Students will have the freedom to express their thoughts and emotions through their artwork while developing their unique artistic voice.

By achieving these learning objectives, students will not only enhance their artistic abilities but also develop valuable life skills such as creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. They will gain the confidence to experiment, innovate, and express themselves!

Member discount10 percent

Mini Monet's: Mixed Media Class

$147

with Mariah Leggett

Calendar Current session started Apr 8, 2024 at 4:30 pm, runs for 7 weeks

Embark on a creative journey with our mixed media art class, where imagination knows no bounds! Young artists ages 5 – 8 will learn to express themselves through a multitude of textures, colors, and form all while unleashing their creativity and developing their artistic skills in a supportive and fun environment.

Children will discover the joy of combining different mediums such as acrylic, watercolor, papers, fabrics, found objects, and more.  Projects may include such themes as animals, books and pop culture, just to name a few.

This class emphasizes self-expression, enabling children to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and ideas through their artwork.  Group activities and collaborative projects will encourage teamwork and the exchange of ideas, fostering a sense of community among young artists.

Students will pursue the following learning objectives during this 19 week course:

  • Explore Line.
  • Explore color (color wheel)
  • Explore shapes (organic and inorganic)
  • Explore texture.
  • Explore forms.
  • Explore emphasis, pattern, and balance.
  • Explore concepts (could include, but not limited to landscape, portraits, creatures, still life and historical landmarks).
  • Explore realistic and abstract ideas.

*Please note classes will not be held during Spring Break, March 18 – 22nd.

Member discount: 10 percent





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