The new Art Education Center at Arts at Canal Place is currently offering classes taught by members and non-members during the months of July and August and planning classes for the fall months.

Sample classes: Basketweaving, Calligraphy, Drawing, Art for Children, Fun with Art for Adults, Pastels, Mixed Media, "The Artist's Way", and Creative Paper Techniques.

Registration information is available by calling the Arts at Canal Place at 301-777-8199 or visiting the website at artsatcanalplace.com.

Background history:

When the member artists first opened the Arts at Canal Place Coop in May of 2003, our mission statement included as part of that mission to be a mentor to artists in the local/regional area and to this end classes were begun in our loft space.  Because of the configuration of that loft, its narrowness and the subsequent use of the space for a Featured Artist Program, teaching in the space became impractical.  Still the membership had a desire to be a source of art education for the community.  When the space in the Shops at Canal Place next to the gallery became vacant, a group of the coop members proposed the idea that we use this space as an Education Center.  After approaching the Arts at Canal Place Authorities, we were graciously given permission to use that space temporarily.  As the planning began other ideas came forward from other members and the excitement began to build.  Now, after only three months, we are offering eleven different subjects taught by members and non-members during the months of July and August and are planning others for the fall months.  A book shelf filled with books on art and related subjects is available as a resource center for artists.  In addition there is a set-up with lighting for artists to take photos of their artwork and a station with a professional quality mat cutter for the matting artwork.  It is exciting to see a long term dream begin to be realized.