Two Visual Art Classes Available to Youth 8-18 from Acton Artist/Teacher Donna Dawson

ACTON/GROTON, MA: Visual Artist and Acton resident Donna Dawson is passionate about teaching. “I love sharing my knowledge with students, exploring and experimenting with various mediums (together) in a collaborative atmosphere,” she says… and what she will be doing starting on September 30, 2015 when she begins her two classes with regional youth arts organization ArtsNashoba. For more information about these classes and/or other arts opportunities through ArtsNashoba, visit www.artsnashoba.org or call (978/842-1255)

The first class, beginning September 30th and running Wednesdays through November 18, 2015 is “Drawing What You See.” Look around... what do you see? Trees might be triangular. Is that lamp post a candy cane? “Drawing What You See” is a class about recognizing shapes in a variety of everyday objects and learning how to render them as you see them. There will be a number of exercises to work through to help students gain an understanding of how forms come to life by showing the illusion of depth. In other words - drawing from observation!

The second class, “Painting the Abstract” runs Thursdays, October 1st through November 19th. In the class, the question is asked… What is “art?” A painting? A drawing? A sculpture? A tapestry? The ultimate answer…YES! And sometimes all at the same time!! Says Dawson, “What inspires me the most is the journey thru process - I don’t always have an end product in mind per se, but I am always searching for that ‘thing’ that gives my work meaning. It could be anything from a new material or brushstroke, texture or the way colors dance together. I can be inspired by almost anything- I love that all of my senses come alive when I make art.” In “Painting the Abstract, students will experiment with a variety of elements, tools and methods to create abstracted works of art!

Dawson explains, “Arts in education is important for a myriad of reasons, but some of the most essential skills that students gain (for life) via art are critical thinking skills - how to problem solve, and on a deeper level understand that problems can have more than one solution. Art provides an opportunity to collaborate with others and learn from multiple perspectives. Art gives students a voice when words are not enough- they’re able to express their thoughts and feelings visually. Reflection broadens students’ view of their life, their community and the world around them.”

A graduate of Mass. College of Art and Design, Dawson specializes in painting and mixed media. Her work is in private collections throughout New England as well as in Denmark. In addition to her work with ArtsNashoba, Donna is approaching 20 years teaching at with Middlesex School Summer Arts Department, where she offers popular courses in illustration, watercolor and printmaking.

“I wish to give my students the tools needed to make the type of art that they envision. Along with technical knowledge (the how to’s) and working with a variety of materials - my biggest aspiration is for students is to incorporate an artistic mindset - that is to give them the courage to make mistakes, learn to experiment, seek newness and a belief that you can do anything.”

Each of these classes welcomes students ages 8 to 18, and both will be held from 4:00pm to 5:00pm at Union Congregational Church, 218 Main Street in Groton. Tuition for each is just $120, and all art supplies are included. At the end of these classes, students will have the opportunity to have their works included as part of gallery exhibits at local businesses and/or ArtsNashoba’s ArtNight at the SpringHill Suites in Devens in April, 2016! For more information about these classes and/or other arts opportunities through ArtsNashoba, visit www.artsnashoba.org or call (978/842-1255)