History
Entering our 10th year of classes, we have over 200 students in the school year. I began Firstlight because there was nothing for artists in the area that worked with their personal goals. Other children's programs, like dance and sports were long-term and focused on training, but not art. Instead, there were, and still are, short classes in one technique or classes that simply produce a work of art. By contrast, Firstlight's emphasis is on producing accomplished artists who find their own style and can realize their goals after they have left the classroom. When my mother took art classes, she always came home with nice paintings, but was not able to create her own. I felt like the teacher's goals were to impart his or her own technique and style, instead of to grow the artist. Her frustration with that experience drives my goal to empower artists.
Specialties
Personalized art instruction for enthusiastic kids, teens and adults. Long-term instruction and encouragement nurtures the artist and is student-focused. We have small class sizes of 12 or less, and working professionals instructing the students. Classes for 6 different age groups from age 4, up through adults. We alternate our lessons from foundational concepts, to specific techniques, and also artist's choice projects for creative expression. Most programs are short but ours are on-going, so the artist is encouraged to find their strengths and grow at their own pace. All classes may be joined at any time due to our special rotating curriculum. Call Dennas for availability and more details. Summer offerings include: 1) Camp-classes 2) Summer ART Buffet & 3) Special workshops