“It is important to me that the students learn to respect themselves as developing artists and to be ok with mistakes and learn to be patient with themselves as they work on artistic skills.” ~ Katie Arnold, Visual Art Instructor at Geauga Lyric Theater Guild
Did you know that the Geauga Lyric Theater Guild offers art classes too? YES! You can immerse your children in the performing arts and then add art classes at the Art Center right across the street from theater. How convenient is that!
Most everyone in Chardon and most Geauga County residents are familiar with The Geauga Lyric Theater Guild (GLTG). Since 1954, when the Guild was formed, to 1997 when it moved into the historic Geauga Cinema, this theater offers classes and audition opportunities for ages six and up. Thousands of people each year watch the curtains open for performance after quality performance. They are constantly upgrading, as recently mentioned in this Fix Our Faces article.
Upgrading has also included expanding into other art forms.
Katie Arnold, an art graduate of Kent State University, is one of several visual art instructors at GLTG who has been a part of their art program since 2012, right after she finished her student teaching in the Chardon schools. “I like being part of a bigger art community, which is mostly theater, but the visual art is being built and nurtured here as well. There is always something exciting going on, and everyone who instructs or works at the theater is super passionate about the arts…it’s contagious!” says Katie. “I like the freedom as well as the flexibility to choose what classes to offer, and for the most part, the times and days I have available. With a new little baby, the flexibility is important.”
Most classes, which run from six to nine weeks with a few short two week workshops, are geared toward students ages 5-14. These are interspersed with a class for 5-9 year olds one session and then one for 10-14 year olds the next session. Team teaching a preschool art class and an adult class are hopefully in the future as well.
“I want the students that take my classes to experience a sense of accomplishment in something that they made,” shares Katie, “to learn how to self-critique, and learn a little about art history. I also very much value having fun with art by playing art games and providing engaging activities to motivate them during the class time,” she says.
One of her favorite parts of teaching is an art show at the close of a session. “The kids get to show off their work. This is a highlight for them, and I love teaching them how to interact with visitors and educate the guests about the artistic processes. The kids also particularly enjoy the punch and cookies!”
Parents are encouraged to fill out a class evaluation form at the close of each session. “I really appreciate the feedback I get from these because they overall express that their kids had a great time in the class,” says Katie. “They offer ideas and suggestions for future classes. Sometimes the kids even write their own comments in these! I have had many students take several of my classes, so the fact that they come back says a lot to me.”
New classes are introduced all the time, “…mostly because I get to learn new skills, too! I enjoy coming up with new lessons and digging into different media. I do have requests for drawing and painting or ceramics classes often, so I have repeated those,” Katie says.
Working in conjunction with the theater providing backgrounds, artwork, props, and the like is something that is in the works for next summer. “We (instructors and directors) have been talking about this, so stay tuned!”
Julie Douglass, Angela Miloro-Hansen, and Sarah Wyatt are a few of the others that Katie has worked with who have that passion she spoke about. “They have energy and experience and a drive for excellence. I guess they are “e” people!”
Katie is currently offering a 2-day Christmas Clay Ornament Workshop where kids can make and glaze an ornament for their tree or to give as a gift. “It’s a fun way to get introduced to what goes on at the Art Center,” says Katie. It’s open to kids ages 5-14 on December 7 and 14. To sign up, click HERE. You can register online or call the GLTG Art Center office to register at 440-285-7701.
Winter tends to be the indoor season. Why not make it a season of creative exploration by signing up for one of Katie’s classes? The clay ornament class is a perfect starting point! Merry Christmas could turn into a Merry Winter for your child!
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