"It's on the strength of observation and reflection that one finds a way. So we must dig and delve unceasingly."

Claude Monet 

Always among the highest expression of every culture, the arts teach us much about every historical period through its literature, visual arts, music, dance, and drama. Today it is recognized that to be truly well educated one must not only learn to appreciate the arts, but must have rich opportunities to actively participate in creative work. The arts are languages that most people speak, cutting through individual differences in culture, educational background, and ability. They can bring every subject to life and turn abstractions into concrete reality. Learning through the arts often results in greater academic achievement and higher test scores

A major aspect of our mission here at OCAF is arts education. Our dynamic community of practice is where visual arts teachers, students, and artists come together around a shared belief in the power of the arts in developing human potential. We face an immense challenge to prepare all students, both young and old for the 21st century with rigorous and relevant art education.  

Please look over the classes and workshops offered on the drop down menu above. Before you can enroll in a class or workshop you must complete the Adult Registration Form .

School St. Studios: Instructors

 

Maria Dondero, Clay Arts

Maria Dondero is a potter and teacher living in Athens, Georgia. She received her MFA from UGA in May 2008 and splits her time between making her own work and teaching it. She makes functional wheel thrown pottery with terra cotta clay, white slip and a variety of surface techniques. The pots have a loose, immediate feeling to them that add texture and interest to the food or drink they compliment.

 

Dr. Wally Eberhard

Dr. Wally Eberhard, is a journalist and retired professor from the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and mass Communication.  Eberhard was a newspaper and magazine writer and editor before becoming an educator.  He continues to publish articles and columns, and teach nonfiction writing courses.

 

 

Monica Jones, Youth Clay Arts

Monica is a 2003 graduate in ceramics from the University of Georgia. She is a working artist, owning her own business; Jones Handmade Goods in Maxeys, GA. Working with children and clay come naturally to her. She has worked both as a nanny and pre-school teacher.

 

Gail Karwoski, Writing for Children

Gail is an accomplished writer with multiple published works and numerous awards and accomplishments. Thirteen years experience in public school teaching in high school, middle school, and elementary school, Clarke and Oconee Counties, GA. Subjects taught: Gifted classes, English, Reading, Creative Writing, Drama, Social Studies.

 

Audrone Kirschner, Floral Arrangement

A graduate of Pratt Institute. if you’ve been to an OCAF event and seen a floral arrangement, chances are very good it was Audrone who was responsible.

 

Otto Lange, Traditional Old Master Painting

Otto has a BFA from the University of Georgia in Drawing and Painting. He is represented by the Miller Gallery, Cincinnati, OH and Judy Saslow Gallery, Chicago, IL.

Quotes from Otto’s online bio:  

I don't really like the title "artist" due to the fact that everything can be considered art ( if it needs a whole lot of talk...it probably needs a little more work). I guess this would be my painter-drawer-occasional sculptor-statement. I work within a self-imposed set of parameters with respect to craftsmanship, chemistry, and my interpretation of aesthetic beauty. Lame? Yeah, I think it's the use of the word "beauty".

 

Bartholomew Lynch, Life Drawing and Foundations/Color

Bart has his MFA from the University of Georgia and BFA from University of Arizona. He’s been teaching at UGA since 2005. He’s been in numerous one man and group shows and has contributed to several publications.

 

Caroline Maddox, The Art of Yoga

A 2007  graduate of UGA with degrees in Art History and Studio Art, Caroline recently returned to the Athens area.  While away from this area she received her Masters’ degree in Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art in New York and worked at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.  She has practiced Yoga for eight years and is certified in Sivananda yoga.

 

Leah Mantini, Drawing and Oil Painting

Originally from Spartanburg, South Carolina, Leah Mantini graduated from

Sewanee, The University of the South, majoring in Studio Arts. She furthered her education in fine arts at the Art League School in Alexandria, Va., concentrating on portrait painting and figure drawing.  After marrying her college sweetheart in 2007, Leah moved to Athens and began sharing her passion for painting and drawing by teaching locally.

 

Walker Montgomery, Photography and Lighting

Walker has been a photographer in and around the Athens area for many years and has established a good reputation with a wide range of clients such as University of Georgia to Regional Doctors and international potters.

 

Peggy Pitts, Bookmaking

Peggy has a M.F.A. from the University of Georgia.  She has taught middle school art and has been a studio potter for over 30 years.

 

Dave Smiley, Bookmaking

Dave received his BSEd from UGA and MVA from Georgia State University.  He is a retired DeKalb County art instructor.

 

Dan Wilson, Bagpipes

Dan has played bagpipes in Buffalo, N. Y., Roanoke Va., and was Pipe Major in Abingdon, Virginia, Highlands Pipe and Drum.  He has played the small pipes with the Athens Town and Gown players and other special events in the Athens area.