Take an Artistic Journey through Time: Workshops in learning Styles & Techniques through Art History

Explore styles and techniques from prehistoric to contemporary artists...monthly workshops take each student through hands-on exploration in 8 individual periods of art history. Using examples and images exhibited at the St. Louis Art Museum to instruct, inspire and create, each workshop will include historical study of the era and/or artists, techniques used in creating the images, as well as implementation of these styles to create a finished product in each session. The workshops will culminate in a visit to the St. Louis Museum of Art for a docented tour to visit highlights from each period studied, including the actual images using during instruction. All education and creativity will be housed within Kijsa's light-filled Lowertown Art Studio the second Monday of  each month.
Workshops are oriented for 6-10 grade

September 12, 2011
Session 1: Greek/Roman
Become an art archaeologist...we will 'unearth' and learn the intricate techniques of black & red-figure ware.  The museum inventory provides many examples to study including an especially fine vase by The Berlin Painter. Using historical imagery and mythological figures, design and create plans for your own figure-ware product. Now will you choose a krater or amphora?

October 10, 2011
Session 2: Egyptian/Coptic
How were the papyri created? Who were the Copts? How beautifully can one house a mummy? Explore the art of Egypt through study of a beautifully decorated mummy case, scroll writing and tapestry design. Create imagery through script, papyrus inscription, and tapestry motif. Be sure to roll your scroll before leaving this class!

November 14, 2011
Session 3: Pre-Colombian/ Native American
Inspiration is all around you...that has been true since prehistoric times in Central and North America. Using ancient techniques of observation, learn how to design with elements of nature. See how to simplify and abstract our modern surroundings and animals  through study of sculpture and vessels from Mexico & New Mexico. Create a vessel by abstracting natural elements though clay.

December 12, 2011
Session 4: Asian Art/ Japanese
Discover the beauty of lacquer ware and screen illustration. The simplistic styling and natural elements of Asian art combine with storytelling in objects both large and small. How does calligraphy become essential to the design concept? Tell your individual story by creating your own lacquer ware box.

January 9, 2012
Session 5: Renaissance/Mannerism
A period of resurgence in realism and technique. Learn how a contemporary of the old masters told stories while creating his own masterpieces.
Learn an old masters technique using modern materials.

February 13, 2012
Session 6: Impressionism
What is the importance of this style labeled a favorite by many? Who are the founders...what did they do, and who did they 'hang out' with? The play of light is so important in their technique...learn how to implement movement and light play with pastels.

March 12, 2012
Session 7: Cubism/Expressionism
"I could do that with my eyes closed" is the comment often overheard, yet discover why this movement is much more complex than it seems. Learn originating techniques of abstraction, rediscovery of subject, and linear construction. Create your own cubist self portrait.

April 9, 2012
Session 8: Contemporary
Simplistic reexamination of the complex...sounds easy...but is it? Learn assemblage, collage & negative/positive editing. Create an individual assembly that works together as a whole in a collaborative effort as a class.

May 7, 2012
Journey to St. Louis Art Museum to see what we have seen, explore what we have explored, as well as highlights, current traveling exhibitions, and a museum educational scavenger hunt.



There are two identical sessions each day:
Morning: 9-11:30am
Evening- 6-8:30pm

To provide excellent individual instruction and attention to all students, class size is limited to 10 per workshop
Each class may be individually purchased for $28.00 or all eight for $196.00, all materials provided.
Priority is given to students enrolling for all 8 sessions.
There is not a charge for the St. Louis trip, though each student is required to provide own transportation and any additional costs incurred that day (Entrance to the museum is free) Special docented tour and educational materials provided that day for workshop students and parents only.

Kijsa Housman holds her Bachelor of Fine Arts/painting from Baylor University and completed her Masters coursework in Art History at Vanderbilt University. In addition to completing large scale murals for government commissions, theatrical sets and scenic design for PBS, she has applied her brush to residential murals and decorative arts as a practicing professional artist for almost two decades. Having been featured in several national magazines, she has painted for clients across the country. She currently applies her classical training in painting to works on canvas in her own studio and gallery in Paducah, Kentucky. She can also be found homeschooling her oldest daughter, playing ball with her middle son, and constantly on the run after her 1 year old, all while enjoying (almost) every minute!

For an enrollment form: 
please email  kijsa@comcast.net, or contact 270-331-2787
Kijsa P. Housman Studios
444 North 8th Street
Paducah, KY 42001