Courses

Are you intimidated by art?

  • Do you spend more time reading a painting’s description then actually looking at the painting? Did you ever wonder how to judge quality in art?

  • Have you ever wondered what to think about when you look at a painting? 

  • The Violette de Mazia Foundation suggests that before you can begin to understand the meaning of art, you must first learn the language of art.

While this answer may sound simple, learning the language is as challenging as learning any new language. It requires discipline and concentrated effort.

Based on the objective method of aesthetic appreciation developed by John Dewey, Dr. Albert Barnes, and Violette de Mazia (1899 – 1988), our courses use this approach to objectively look at works of art, as well as the world around us. The course focus is on painting and sculpture but also includes the disciplines of music, dance and poetry.

Courses are ongoing and are appropriate for all who are interested in furthering their aesthetic knowledge through creative thinking. Students successfully completing Part One: Informed Perception; Part Two: The Traditions; and one Part III: Seminar class will be eligible for a certificate of completion. Forty-two Act 48 credit hours are provided through the sponsorship of the Philadelphia Arts in Education Partnership and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts upon completion of our Part I and Part II courses. 

Please click here for information on Financial Assistance.
 

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