Creative Growth in the Desert
What would you like to create? <<2 minute video of art projects
✓ Easy Project based Learning
✓ 3,000+ happy students.
✓ Tried + true methods
Decades of experience in project-based learning
The courses I teach are focused on building creative confidence, so there are few things I don’t do as a teacher…A two minute video of some of the art projects.
Critique
Art critiques may be effective for honing the craftsmanship of an object, but to GROW expression, which is what these courses are about…I focus on affirming attempts at making something new.
Competition
Grading people with harsh guidelines to determine who’s work is best. Why? My core goal as a teacher is to enCOURAGE experimentation. Competitive environments are one of the most common killers of creativity.
Observation
Even in a room full of people learning about art, one can maintain some privacy. I think of the classroom as a sanctuary space. In fact, in the Visual Thinking classes the last project is making an image of ideal door, or gateway to this imagined space.
EXPERIENCES
For 24 years I taught a course called Visual Thinking: art and innovation at a private university in Los Angeles. I spent literally hundreds of hours creating learning projects and experiences for more than 3000 students.
Project-based Learning
Art + Design are best learned by diving in; making images and objects.
Experiential Learning
Inspired by the classic book by John Dewey; Art as Experince.
Positive ‘vibes’
MAKING ART both individually and collaboratively is, I think, one of the great pleasures of life. As folk-rocker Ani DiFranco said, “I don’t know what art is, but I know its the main reason I get out of bed every morning.”
“I sort of stumbled into teaching in my late 20’s, and it turned out to fantastic way to work with creative people”
Michael Kieley
Art Educator & Studio Furniture Artist
Creative Growth Features:
✓ Personalized: 12 or fewer students
✓ Flexible: Master Courses or individual classes
✓ A positive space encouraging your expression
Creative Arts Education for ALL.
Classes in Design, Art Making, Contemporary Art History
Visual Tools
Learn true brainstorming, and mind mapping for planning and clarity.
$*
includes 4 lessons
Includes:
✓Learning True Brainstorming
✓Mind maps for clarity and expantion
✓Hand drawn & digital mapping
Collage Master Class
From foundation principles, to making amazing portraits, and expanding into 3d ‘found object’ making.
$*
includes 14 lessons
Includes:
✓Foundation composition principles
✓Photo collage crafting techniques
✓Assemblage (3d collage)
✓Text + Image Collage
Creative Myths
Explore inner concepts that may be blocking your creative flow
$*
mini course
Includes:
✓Myths or Truths?
✓Exploring different ideas about being an artist/musician/dancer, etc.
✓#3: either you are born creative or you aren’t.
*To Be Announced at our launch in mid January ’24.
Testimonials from Visual Thinking students…
It let me be creative in a way that wasn’t asking me to make perfect lines, but rather was asking me to create something relevant to how I was feeling. That was a new way of making art for me. -Camille W
I really loved this experiential approach to art. I connected it to way in which strong visual communication could make a positive impact, helping to solve some of most significant global problems. -Cody S.
My creativity expanded. I started thinking about things I normally wouldn’t have previously considered. -Aamir R
My creativity expanded. I started thinking about things I normally wouldn’t have previously considered. -Shannon O
Visual Thinking Students: 3000+
Fall 2018 Ai Weiwei exhibit at the Marciano Art Foundation
Is there a free trial available?
Yes, I will be offering free mini workshops at my home and studio, and other venues, from mid January to mid February in 2024.
How much to classes cost?
Pricing will be announce in mid January, 2024. Thanks to support from a non profit foundation, the cost of classes will be a fraction of what my university students paid in tuition for some of the same content.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can request a refund within 14 days of your purchase. Contact us and we will process your refund.
How do I pay for a class?
Course fees will be paid as a donation to my fiscal sponsor, Fractured Atlas. Links will be posted by mid January, ’24.
How do I change my personal info?
You can update name, email address and other personal information from the “Settings” section.
Can I get an invoice for my purchase?
Yes, you can. Please contact our customer support and provide your purchase number.
Any questions about the Creative Growth in the Desert education program?
Please send me a message using the contact form. I’ll reply ASAP.
Classes will be in person, at my home & studio in Morongo Valley, CA.
✓ Small classes allow for personal attention
✓ A desert garden setting with inspiring vistas.