|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Choice-Based Private Studio Art ClassE. Bridgewater, MA
Replication Details
Art teacher Cheryl McCabe learned that any room could be turned into a haven for artists. The physical environment needed only to provide a method for containing materials and a worktable and chairs. Beyond these simple requirements, the most important element was the instructor's belief that all who entered the classroom were already artists. This belief changed the instructor's role from creating artists to supporting artists, a shift in philosophy that involved a responsibility to respect the artist's needs and rights. As a facilitator, the instructor listened to each artist and worked towards providing information, materials, and a safe environment to freely express ideas and emotions in an authentic manner. In addition, the instructor used evaluation methods that helped create good problem-solving techniques based on the individuality of the student rather than the instructor's subjective critiques and conclusions.
Bookshelves, tables, chairs, easels, and any filing or storage system were not covered by fees but considered part of the expense of establishing a classroom. Material costs were built into the class fees. McCabe used a portion of the class fees each session to add materials, over time making available as many choices as possible. The first classes centered on drawing at a table with additional materials; she added other techniques and goals as finances made them possible. According to McCabe, "It was necessary to create objectives for the environment as well as for instruction." In contrast to the younger students, adults were given a materials list and generally made additional purchases. They might experiment with classroom materials first to identify their interests. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
