“To create one’s own world takes courage.” ~Georgia O’Keeffe
Art Courses: LSWA 140
LSWA art courses are designed for students of all skill levels and are particularly suited for non-art majors. Courses vary each year and have included drawing, painting, public art, filmmaking, photography, and paper engineering. These courses help students develop technical skills, visual literacy, and a greater understanding of creative processes. Students also frequently comment on the value of making art as part of a community and the sense of accomplishment they experience.
Art in Public Spaces
The LSWA course Art in Public Spaces (LSWA 140) creates opportunities for students to make art that engages the community beyond LSWA. One such project is the breathtaking mural commissioned by Palmer Commons, on the University of Michigan campus (featured in the video).
FestiFools
In 2007 LSWA Art Director Mark Tucker and students in his “Art in Public Spaces” course originated FestiFools, an outdoor community built public art event which has turned into a beloved annual Ann Arbor tradition. Over the years, hundreds of students in this course have designed and created giant outdoor artworks (aka Puppets) for FestiFools and its sister event FoolMoon. On the first weekend in April, the streets of downtown Ann Arbor are taken over by these marvelous human-made spectacles. FestiFools and FoolMoon attract hundreds of participants and spectators each year in the name of “Foolishness” -- providing unique ways of bringing people together to celebrate community and creativity.
Art Clubs and Studio
LSWA students also choose between many art themed clubs to participate in every week. Current club offerings include Drawing, Printmaking, and Photography & Visual Arts. Previous club offerings included Art & Tech, Bullet Journaling, Comic Book Creators, and New Mediums. LSWA students also have access to the art studio 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
