Fall 2008
Click here to download the Fall 2008 MCA Community Education Catalog(2.4 MB PDF file)
6 Saturdays / October 4 - November 15 (no class October 18) / 9 a.m. - 12 noon / Ages 5-16
Tuition: $195, includes supplies
Saturday School has been a beloved Memphis tradition for over 70 years. Many of our current students have parents or grandparents who attended the program as children.
Building a love of art for a lifetime begins here at MCA. We recognize that engagement with art nurtures creative thinking, provides an outlet for self-expression, strengthens self-confidence and helps develop an appreciation for other people and cultures.
Class sizes are small by design, to allow for individualized attention to each student’s unique skills and abilities. We offer gifted teachers, stimulating courses and excellent facilities. As the only independent, fully accredited professional art and design institution in Memphis, we are uniquely qualified to guide your children, nurturing in them a love for the arts and an appreciation for lifelong learning.
Ages 5-7 and 8-10
Art Adventures
This class nurtures children’s innate need to create by providing knowledge of the fundamental building blocks of art: shape, line, color, form and value. Students explore drawing, painting, and 3-dimensional media using problem-solving skills. Enjoyable and inventive activities enhance fine motor skills as well as concentration and visual awareness. Classes are grouped according to age with each child’s skill level in mind. Instructors touch on the basics and build on previous knowledge of the individual student, while fostering a fun and creative atmosphere for learning.
Ages 5-7 and 8-10 Under the Sea Sculptures
Children create 3-D sculptures in a journey under the sea while exploring various sculpture media and methods. Children will bring the ocean to life through fun, hands-on projects using everything from fabric to found objects. Fabric jellyfish, paper-maché puffer fish, submarine window dioramas, pinch pot sea creatures and puffy whales are some of the featured projects.
Ages 11-13
Sculpting with Clay
Discover the mesmerizing process of turning a lump of wet clay into a ceramic vessel. This class takes the beginner through all stages of pottery making and results in finished glaze-fired pieces. Instruction includes wedging clay, centering on the wheel, opening forms and trimming. The final stages include surface decoration, glazing and firing to produce a piece that will be enjoyed for years to come.
Ages 11-13 and 14-16
Drawing & Painting
Regardless of the medium, knowing the elements of good design is key to successful artwork. In this class, students explore design fundamentals while using the visual language of drawing and painting. A variety of materials are utilized to engage the students. Lessons are structured to build on each individual’s abilities and skills as they develop and enhance their body of work.
Ages 14-16
Darkroom Photography
This course of study teaches students how to shoot and process quality photos. Students are introduced to basic camera controls such as shutter speeds, aperture and ISO settings and how these functions affect the finished photo. Students also learn to process film, enlarge negatives and process prints. Students are introduced to the concept of the photograph as art and also learn more traditional techniques that archive a moment in time.
Fall 2008
Ages 16-18
For students serious about attending art school, this course provides an opportunity to develop and prepare a college-ready portfolio. Students are introduced to advanced drawing concepts and explore new materials. Working from observation, students are given projects that help prepare them for college-level drawing courses. This is a must-have course for students seeking art college acceptance or scholarships.
6 Saturdays/ October 4 – November 15 (no class October 18) / 1 – 4 p.m.
Tuition: $250, includes supplies
Full and partial scholarships are awarded for our Saturday School and Portfolio Development classes. The fall scholarship application deadline is September 12.
Scholarship awards must be accepted by recipient at least 10 working days prior to the first class session. Payment for any portion of tuition not covered by partial scholarships is due at the time the scholarship is accepted.
To apply for a scholarship send:
1. PORTFOLIO with 3 pieces of artwork that must include a portrait, still life and landscape (one of each) drawn or painted from life (not from photos or other works of art). Works should be submitted on standard, 8 1/2” x 11” paper and may be originals or color photocopies of originals. Up to 3 additional pieces (in the same format) may be submitted, but are not required.
2. LETTER OF INTEREST from the child explaining why s/he would benefit from attending Saturday School.
3. LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION from a teacher, youth leader, coach or spiritual leader.
4. REGISTRATION FORMS completed, including medical release form.
5. LARGE ENVELOPE self-addressed with correct return postage for returning portfolio.
Mail or drop off scholarship applications to:
Memphis College of Art
Community Education
1930 Poplar Ave.
Memphis, TN 38104