Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about adult classes:
1. How are your classes structured?
2. Do you ever have structured classes?
3. How long is an adult class?
4. How long is a session? How long is my commitment?
5. Do I need to have previous art experience?
6. How much do your classes cost?
7. What about holidays and/or weather cancellations?
8. What if I miss a class? 

Questions about children’s classes:
1. At what age can my child attend The Artists Playground?
2. What if my child has an attention issue or is very active?
3. What will my child learn?
4. When will my child learn things like perspective, portraiture, etc.?
5. What supplies do they need to bring?
6. What should he/she wear?
7. What about class cancellations due to weather, etc.?
8. What if my child misses a class?

1. How are your classes structured?
It all depends on the student’s needs. We try to treat/teach each student individually within the class setting. Some come to us needing very little in the way of formal instruction. They simply want a supportive, creative atmosphere in which to work. Others are absolute neophytes; needing lots of guidance but most are somewhere in-between. They may have some art background and want to add to those, sometimes quite rusty, skills. In any event, we try to access, from what you say, where it is you want to go in relation to the skills you posses. Do you want to draw, paint? Do you want to work with charcoal, colored pencil, pastel, oil, watercolor, etc.? Do you want to produce one particular piece of artwork or do you want to develop your skills over time and become a competent artist?

2. Do you ever have structured classes?
Yes. From time-to-time we offer workshops and special classes. Pat Lutz has presented numerous special classes and workshops such as Painting from the Heart, Fast Painting, Composition, Using Color and Collage. These classes, which will be announced well in advance on this website and at the studio, are structured in that all of the participants learn the same techniques at the same time and pace. We also offer workshops from outside guest artists from time to time, such as Gerry Wilging who has conducted classes in areas such as Experimental Water Media and Bookbinding.

3. How long is an adult class?
Adult classes are 2½ hours long.
• Morning classes are held from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon.
• Evening classes are held from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Because classes are free-flowing;, it is not a problem if students arrive late.

4. How long is a session? How long is my commitment?
There is no set length of time for your art studies. Your goal may be to learn a particular skill, or to paint a picture you have always envisioned for yourself or someone else. So you may accomplish your goal in a month or two. However, most students are interested in a longer term art experience, either as an ongoing hobby or to lead to a career in art. In this case a course of study lasting six months, a year, or more is the rule rather than the exception. A few of our students have been at the Artists Playground for five years or more – not just as a place to learn but to be involved in a creative and supportive environment.

5. Do I need to have previous art experience?
No, absolutely not! As a matter of fact it could be an impediment if a student has developed habits in the past that aren’t the best and they have to let go of them in order to progress. But anything is possible if a student has what we consider the three most important requirements: motivation, patience and a willingness to learn.

6. How much do your classes cost?
Adult classes, as of September 1, 2008 are $25.00 per week, paid monthly. This can sometimes be confusing so let’s give a couple of examples.
Example #1: You are a Wednesday morning student and there are 4 Wednesdays in the month. Then you would pay $100.00 on the first Wednesday of the month.
Example #2: You are a Tuesday evening student and there are 3 Tuesdays in the month. Then you would pay $75.00 on the first Tuesday of the month.
Example #3: You are a Thursday evening student. There are 4 Thursdays in the month but 1 is a holiday that we are closed. You pay $75.00 the first Thursday.

7. What about holidays and/or weather cancellations?
The holidays we will be closed are listed on our calendar, which is on our Classes page of this web site. Of course, if your scheduled class falls on a holiday you are not expected to pay for it.

8. What if I miss a class?
Although most schools do not make allowances for making up missed classes, we try to accommodate our students as much as possible. students cannot save more than two (2) make-ups, and they need to be used within two (2) weeks of the missed classes!

1. At what age do you take children for art classes?

As a general rule a child should be at least six years old. However, we take each child on an individual basis. If you sincerely feel your child under six is able to remain focused for a full 1½ hours in class and not be disruptive or very needy then please drop by with your child and we will talk about it.

2. Do you take children who are ADD or hyperactive?

Sorry, we do not take children who need extra-ordinary care and/or attention. We teach art and that is what we are qualified to do. Children with issues that need attention other than art are, quite frankly, out of our comfort zone. As you probably are aware, teachers in the regular education system have some special training in these areas and even then children such as these may be assigned to teachers with even more advanced training. There is usually only one teacher for our classes and we have found through experience (yes, in twenty-five years we have certainly tried) that the end result is usually that the other children in class receive less than they deserve.

3. What will my child learn?

We do not have a ‘structured’ program for kids. Our goal is to help the children progress at their own pace. We try to be aware of when a child is ready to explore new areas and techniques, i.e. perspective drawing, portraiture, etc. That being said, there are certainly occasions when the child comes with the goal of learning a particular thing, maybe cartooning or using colored pencils. Then, of course, we will help them to realize their goals.

4. At what age will my child learn things like perspective, portraiture, etc.?

It all depends on your child. Some are ready at 8 or even younger, others, not until 12 or so. But until they are ready, we generally allow them to just create, explore and have fun expressing themselves in their own, unique way.

5. What supplies does my child need?

At first, just a drawing pad (about 11x14), or, if they have their own ‘art kit’, they can bring that. We have all the supplies and art materials your child would normally need at the studio. Otherwise, you can acquire supplies as your child explores and progresses or shows an interest in a particular area.

6. What about clothing for art class?

They should wear old clothes or a smock. We have a limited supply of aprons and old shirts. Even if your child is just drawing, the child next to him may be practicing the ‘flinging paint’ technique.

7. What about class cancellations due to weather, etc.?

When Newburyport schools close due to bad weather, we will cancel morning classes. A decision on whether to hold afternoon and/or evening classes will be made on a storm-by-storm basis, keeping in mind the forecast and existing driving conditions. Please check our web site (TheArtistsPlayground.com), or call me at home (978-462-8411). We will try to post a notice at least 1 hour before any scheduled class, informing you of whether we will cancel classes or not. Classes cancelled due to bad weather are not rescheduled, however students are welcome to make them up in other classes, room permitting.

8. What if my child misses a class?

When students miss classes they still must be paid for but they can be made up in another class (room permitting) & only while you are an active student. Students can hold onto only 2 make-ups at a time, unless they make special arrangements with me due to extenuating circumstances. There are anywhere from 20 to 30 people absent a week so we should be able to find a spot for you. Another word about make-ups: if you schedule a makeup for, lets say, Wednesday night, and cancel, your make-up goes to Make-up Heaven. In other words, you can’t make up make-ups!