Toronto based Summer "Academy" ?

[Maxine Schacker]

I'm interested in knowing if Canadian students would be interested in a full immersion summer academy similar to the one offered by Ringling, which includes evening lectures, models available all the time....

To pay for non-stop instruction and models costs money, but tuition would not need to be as high as Ringling's. Quality and level of instruction would be equal to our full time diploma programs (look at the website for faculty and student galleries).

We have thought about trying to launch a program like this, but need feedback from you, the Canadian students, on level of interest.

Our idea is give students the skills we now teach in year one of all diploma programs so that they could apply for advanced standing into year 2 of our diploma programs. They would also, if they prefer, have the skills and portfolio to get into other schools without taking the foundation year.

[Maxine Schacker]

We currently run a one month drawing intensive in July. We would really like to compensate for the lack of traditional art training offered in most Ontario secondary schools. However, my intuition is that the level of intense training required, and the time commitment may make it difficult to launch. That's why I'm asking for your comments and suggestions.

We could- and would- do this in two summers with classes running for seven weeks.
We would try to offer as much scholarship assistance as we can afford.

If we did this as a one summer program, it would still be valuable, but wouldn't be able to cover (obviously) as much.

[Maxine Schacker]

i find it very interesting that we've had no replies! So many US high school students are getting pre-college top notch training, which makes it much, much easier for them to accomplish more in 4 years at college or university.

I don't know of one program in Canada equivalent to Ringling's! Why? If there were a population that wanted that training, it would materialize.

This isn't just a question for Max the Mutt. If you know of an immersion program at another Canadian school, please go right ahead and speak about it here.

[Jason Manley]

enough thread bumping. if you have more info just edit your post and put it in the main post.

please see the sticky thread for recruiters for further information.

[Maxine Schacker]

Jason this is not "hype" for Max the Mutt. We are as interested as you are in art education and raising standards. There is a real need (and room) for MANY excellent programs.

Right now, at least in Canada, very few students are learning the kind of basic skills they are learning if they study music or dance!

Everything is centered on "creativity."

We really need either a change in HS curriculum or intensive programs (like Ringlings).
I actually think the first option is the best, because it would be more democratic.

In fact, we were approached and did think about on-line training. I think we're too small a school to handle that well, and am truly happy that you, who have the resources, are doing it!

I have always felt that people have a right to education. Maybe that's coming in the future. Right now, we do everything we can to help our students, everything from scholarships that we take a loss on, to loans that can be paid back at prime! We don't make a dime on them. We don't sell books or make a profit on art supplies. our intentions are the best: to offer the best education we are capable of at the lowest tuition possible.

Perhaps I should have started a separate thread asking if anyone knows of pre-college intensive training in Canada, and if not, why not.

There are people in the world besides you and your friends who are motivated by a passion for art and the desire to pass on a skill base they value.

Of course I want Max the Mutt to succeed, but it has nothing to do with financial gain beyond earning a living. We have all invested years of our lives into developing a school we can be proud of. We've had few mis-steps, but most faculty (working professionals) have been with us for years. It is a community and is growing stronger every year.

It has seemed odd to me that you should cast me in the light you do. It would be more natural for us to be allies.

However, as much as I've enjoyed most of my experience on this site, and with thanks for the inspiration and information about resources I've gained here, you have made me feel totally unwelcome.

I wish you well, Jason and hope that during your lifetime, and I'm sure you're much younger than I am, you are able to transcend your anger.

[Zapp!]

I'm not Canadian, but I know I would be interested in something like this if I was. The only thing I might be worried about is that squashing a full years worth of stuff into one summer might be too much. At least with it spread out over a year there is time to practice and letthings sink in.

Another important thing for me would be how much it cost