Arts Academy Nurtures Local Creativity

As 13-year-old Jasmine Smith sits at the pottery wheel, her eyes widen in amazement as her first ceramic bowl begins to take shape.

Shortly after, Smith proudly shows off her creation to her mother Candice Jackman, also hard at work at her own ceramic bowl.

“I’m having so much fun,” said Smith.  “I’ve never done pottery until now, and I really enjoy it. It’s also fun because I get to do this with my mom.”

For 10 years, Fine Arts Academy has been fostering local art and creativity for young budding artists. Last year, the academy began offering classes to adults.

It all began with teachers concerned with the future of art education. As local schools began to cut art programs, teachers turned to members at First Christian Church in hopes that an art program could be established.

“Art is important in the development of a child’s self-confidence,” said coordinator Lynn Hendricks. “Many children develop and communicate in different ways and teachers were concerned those children would struggle if they didn’t have that aspect of education.”

Since then, the church has offered year-round programs in nearly every kind of art discipline including pottery, mosaic, painting, fashion and digital photography.

The Fine Arts Academy, which starts registration for its new session this week, has been instrumental in the development of its students, especially those struggling with social development and autism, said Hendricks.

“Some students come to us and they don’t look at you, react or communicate,” said Hendricks. “Through art, especially clay, they have really grown socially and academically.”

Most classes have 3-10 students and focus on personal attention. Each class is about $80 and lasts 6 weeks.

The next session begins Oct. 25.

For more information visit http://glendorafaa.org/ or call 626-335-2156.