CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

These in-depth lessons and workshops allow artists, both working professionals and serious amateurs, to build upon their existing skills and learn new ones. Lessons are ongoing and a student may begin and end their continuing education at any time. Workshops are held weekly for 2 hours, may last up to 6 weeks, and are offered throughout the year. Classes and workshops are taught by Cornerstone Academy instructors and carefully selected visiting instructors.

*If you are a professional artist who wishes to conduct a workshop or class at Cornerstone Academy, or an aspiring Artist with a specific programming request, please contact [email protected]!

Note: The art studio operates with no set hours and is available based on students' needs for work time. Please contact us to arrange a schedule that works for you. We are happy to accommodate as needed.

DRAWING FUNDAMENTALS

These lessons will begin by breaking down, in detail, the different elements of drawing and how they come together to create the illusion of form.

You will learn about the value scale and how to manipulate it to create different effects in your art. The various types of edges, lines, textures, and space.

You will then put all the principles and concepts into practice with step-by-step exercises. This course was designed for the beginner who has always wanted to learn how to draw anything accurately.

*Classes are offered at $50 per every 2 hour session

Figure Drawing with Charcoal Workshop

Drawing the figure with charcoal lends itself to painterly mass drawing and is easily and quickly corrected, making it a perfect channel to learn anatomical fundamentals in a way that prepares one for painting the figure. In this ongoing workshop, instructor Craig Hamilton will walk you through techniques for seeing, constructing and correcting the figure with a focus on gesture proportion, light and shadow. All sessions will be taught using a female or male live model.

*The Figure Drawing with Charcoal Workshop meets every Thursday from 6-8pm and costs $50 per every 2 hour session. (cost includes model fee)

Intro to Oil Painting

In these lessons students will learn the foundations of producing a piece of art with oil paint. Starting with learning the various types of canvas, oils, mediums, brushes and the oil paint itself. From there, the student will learn color theory, color mixing and brush handling. They will also learn various techniques such as glazing, scumbling and painting "alla prima" or wet-on-wet.

In the early stages of an artist's development, it is more important to concentrate on mastering the skills that will be needed to facilitate self-impression.

*Classes are offered at $50 per every two hour session. Supply list will be sent out upon enrollment.

CAAD for Kids

Here at Cornerstone Academy, young students will learn the fundamentals of drawing, color, composition and design all with age appropriate lessons.

*These classes are offered to children ages 8 to 11 at $25 per every 1 hour long session. Supply list will be sent out upon enrollment.

CAAD Advanced Classes

Advanced classes will be held to allow students to find their personal style, build their portfolio, and improve their talent. These classes are offered to middle and high school age teens who are considering the pathway to the creative work force. Rising juniors and seniors in high school are given the opportunity to intern at Cornerstone Academy to help build their resumé before college.

*Classes are offered at $50 per every two hour session.

*For information regarding the internship opportunity, please contact Beth Smith at [email protected]!

3D Art and Sculpture

Welcome to 3D Art & Sculpture!

In this introductory course, students will become familiar with and learn how to use the elements of visual design, a variety of materials, processes and techniques. Ceramics and sculpture are explored, as well as found materials, and materials in nature. Students should anticipate a studio-based art class which may include creative problem solving, production of artwork, critiques, self-evaluation, readings, some note taking, and overall evaluation of their work. Also introduced in the class are historical and contemporary trends in art, which are explored through visual examples.

Cassidy Mims is North Macon Local. She is s mom of two with her daughter, Stella, who is a senior at Howard High School and son, Seylore, who is a Sophomore at MDS. She loves spending time outdoors and in nature, renovating her home; circa 1901, as well as attending craft and music festivals. Cassidy has attended both Georgia Military College, as well as The University of Georgia. Specializing in sculpture, design, and studio art. She is known as an artist and woman of many trades, she has developed a reputation as one of the top craftspeople in Macon. Cassidy has been designing and creating high-quality furniture pieces, custom designs, and crafted sculpture work since 2000. She has had the pleasure and privilege of bringing ideas and design into reality for a wide assortment of clients. She has always enjoyed working to create collaborative art works and installations with other artists, and inspiring new artists as they journey their own path. Cassidy’s specialities include sculpture in wood, hand building clay works, jewelry, & textiles.

instructor: Cassidy Mims

Digital Art & Graphic Design

This course is perfect for students interested in digital media design and graphic design careers. Focusing on software like Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, and Adobe Illustrator, students will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools while learning essential design principles such as typography, color theory, composition, and branding.

In addition to technical skills, students will develop creative problem-solving abilities, learning to communicate ideas visually through effective design. The course prepares students for careers in graphic design, advertising, marketing, web design, and more, offering a strong portfolio and a solid understanding of the visual communication process.

Whether aiming for professional work or further studies in design, this course provides valuable skills that are highly sought after in today’s visual-centric world.

Testimonials

Ashley Snider, mom of CAAD for Kids student:

"We love Mrs. Beth! My daughter Evelyn's talent has flourished with her guidance."

Shilpi Bachhawat, mom of CAAD for Kids Student:

"Mrs. Beth has been an instrumental force in honing my daughters art skills, for which she showed interest at an early age. She takes the time to learn about each student as an individual, allowing them a safe space to express themselves and discover their interests. No person leaves her not feeling important and improved in some way. She focuses on the theory and history of art, while also allowing her students to take creative liberties to develop their own style, and even learn resilience when those liberties do not always turned out as planned. She has incorporated other instructors with skills in various artistic media into the curriculum and what she offers for her students to develop in all areas, and build connections with people who have experience and success in those areas. Her personality creates an open door where everyone feels included, heard, and seen. Beth is unique in that she also emphasizes in her teaching how art can be used as a business to allow them the opportunity to make careers out of something they are passionate about and to keep arts alive as a hobby and a skill no matter where their paths may take them. As a parent, I appreciate how flexible she is with children's schedules and how she tries to keep her classes as affordable as possible. My daughter loves being her student and has truly grown as an artist."

Amanda Juarez, mom of CAAD for Kids Student:

"There is no other place our daughter would rather be. Beth is great at allowing her to express herself while teaching her new techniques. Beth goes above and beyond to create such a warm sense of community, and make lessons both challenging and fun. No matter what, our girl loves attending and truly enjoys the creative atmosphere!"

Braxton Rowland, 2023 Summer Intern:

"Working alongside Beth Smith as an intern has given me the knowledge and confidence to build a stronger foundation in my field of study. She has provided me with connections and opportunities that have given me a head start to my peers. I am beyond grateful for the chance she gave me!"

Amy K. Heard, 2019 Summer Intern:

"Working with Beth provided me with invaluable art, business and organizational skills. Navigating the complexities of assisting a small business while receiving essential leadership and guidance despite my limited experience was a significant learning experience. The skills honed during this internship played a pivotal role in securing my current position where I manage and lead a private early childhood education center. Beth, an exceptional leader, teacher, and mentor, made my time with her tremendously beneficial for my resume and professional abilities. I highly recommend interning with her to college student and young professionals seeking to develop skills in business administration, sales, marketing, teaching, and leadership within a small business context."

Lauren Booth, 2016-2017 Summer Intern:

"I loved my summer internship with Beth Smith! She provided guidance and opportunities to learn that are vital to being a freelance artist or even just running a small business. Skills such as accounting for inventory and marketing yourself in an online presence and keeping loyal customers informed on the business. She is an amazing teacher and always helps her student and interns thrive!"