The Acorn Art School and Gallery is an open art studio that offers courses for all ages. It is owned and operated by Deborah Highberger; her husband, Jack; and their daughter, Alexi. For the past 16 year the Highbergers have been helping people develop their art skills and assisting them with college portfolios and scholarship programs. The Acorn Gallery has assisted students in receiving $4 million in scholarships. Several of its students have received full scholarships to Boston University.
The after-school program is geared toward children ages 5 - 11. This course teaches the basics of drawing and painting. In a highly supportive environment, the students learn to recognize light, perspective, color and techniques that provide a solid art foundation. Classes are $65 a month.
The next level course is the preportfolio, which is offered to seventh and eighth graders. This course can last up to two years, and is mandatory for anyone wishing to participate in the portfolio course. Students will learn more-advanced techniques, such as measurements and rations of 2D and 3D, drawing from real life, color assignments and the six light concepts. The tuition for this course is also $65 a month.
The purpose of the portfolio class is to create a body of work that completes a professional portfolio. Through conception and analytics of art, the student will be prepared for the high demands and expectations of art school. This course will also prepare adults looking for an art-based career. Guest speakers are invited on occasions. The charge for this course is $125 a month. There is also a week-long intensive figure drawing program.
There are also adult art classes, which are open to all adults who wish to have fun or get serious with art. These courses are less intensive, allowing the adult freedom to learn at his or her own pace in a relaxing environment. During the summer classes are held five days a week for three hours a day and are $25 a class.
The Acorn Gallery offers a Plain Aire Summer Camp. This week-long program for grades 3 and up teaches on-location art at the Salem Willows. Transportation, materials and snacks are provided.