Friends in Montpelier and surrounding areas, I'll be teaching an art class For 3rd grade to 5th graders at Wilder Arts starting in March.

This is the class for students ready to broaden their horizons and learn about the modern world of fine art. In this class, I'm bringing the contemporary art scene out of the galleries of Chelsea and San Francisco and into Montpelier. Students will be exposed to prominent, sometimes overlooked, contemporary artists, to learn about how and why they make art and why their work matters. Students will delve into the works of:

• Amy Sherald, who famously painted Michelle Obama's official portrait
• Jennifer Packer, who recently showed at the Whitney Museum in NYC
• Martin Puryear, Guggenheim Fellowship, Macarthur Foundation, and National Medal of Arts awards winner
• Julie Mehretu, Macarthur Award and American art awards winner

This group of diverse artists will be our window into sculpture, painting, portraiture, and abstract art. As part of the class, students will learn to paint on canvas and sketch at their own easel stations. Children will also get to learn wood sculpture and how to bend and mold wood to create art. Children will also get to use fine art materials, usually reserved for our adult classes.

Our hope is that by studying this diverse group of modern day artists, children will see that art is alive, exciting and happening right now, not just something centuries-old that belongs in museums. Roll up your sleeves, and let's make art!

This class will run for 12 weeks. Drop off is between 3-3:30pm. A walking school bus will be provided from Union Elementary School.

Fridays 3pm to 5pm | March 15, 2024 to June 14, 2024 (No class on Mar 22nd or Apr 26th)

Apr 28, 2024, 4 to 5:30 PM

Apr 29, 2024, 5:30 PM

May 5, 2024, 12 to 4 PM