The following article was submitted by Rahr-West Art Museum Staff for the Art Forward Column.
New and exciting changes are happening within the Rahr West Art Museum’s Art Education department! New art instructor Sonia Vasquez is delighted to share updates to classes this coming spring.
Vasquez is a fine artist, art instructor, and activist based in Manitowoc, WI. She explores many different mediums, but primarily focuses on traditional oil painting. Representation is a large characteristic of her work. She finds it important to be inclusive of the diverse stories within lived experiences.
Sonia Vasquez, Self Portrait, Graphite
The Rahr West Art Museum made an impact in her life growing up as a young artist and she is excited to play a part in the museum’s contributions to the community.
With her background in traditional techniques, Vasquez brings in the long-practiced art of figure drawing and painting from live models. In these sessions, artists will have the opportunity to bring in their painting and drawing materials and work directly from the model. Model sessions will switch off each month between clothed and nude (18+), so that artists of all ages are able to participate. Clothed sessions will include themes such as circus and historical clothing for a fun addition to the set. Classes will be on the last Tuesday each month from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. The instructor will be present to answer questions and assist as needed, but classes will be mostly self-guided. $10.00 for members, $20.00 for non-members per session.
Are you interested in being a model for the Figure Drawing and Painting classes? Please contact Sonia Vasquez at svasquez@manitowoc.org for more information on this paid opportunity!
Mary S. West, Male Portrait and Two Studies of Hands, 1891. Gift of Mrs. John D. West
Alongside the addition of Figure Drawing and Painting, Vasquez would like to continue providing more opportunities for adult and experienced artists. The Artist’s Critique series started this past year and will continue into spring. Attendees don’t need to be experienced to join. The class offers a way for artists to bring in and discuss their work with each other – something they don’t always have access to after leaving an academic setting. Artist’s Critique series will be every second Monday of the month from 6:30 – 8:30pm. Free and open to all ages. Huge thank you to those who donated to the Figure Drawing and Painting class. All support is greatly appreciated!
Vasquez and art instructor Michelle Heraly-Bonde will be offering more in-depth classes this Spring that discuss art history, life and work of artists, processes, and a deeper look into the Rahr West Art Museum’s collection and exhibitions. Most month-long classes (Youth and Teen) will focus on one subject per month, allowing more time for exploration.
In addition, there is an exciting addition of Teen Art classes for ages 13 – 17. Seeing an opportunity in classes offered to this age range, Vasquez wanted to open a session geared towards teens who want more art in their lives. Teen classes will be the first four Wednesdays of the month from 4 – 5pm.
Youth (Homeschool and Afterschool), Preschool Palette, and Wacky Weekends will largely remain as-is with the expectation of Preschool Palette’s time changing to 10:30 – 11:30am every third Tuesday.
Look for updates on educational programming on the Rahr-West Facebook page or at rahrwestartmuseum.org.
