Youth Program - Advanced Course
Once students have a sound grasp of the drawing and painting principles of the Basics program, they are eligible to move on to more advanced study. At this stage the curriculum becomes further customized to the needs and interests of individuals. A series of Special Topics classes is available to students at this stage, each offering an opportunity to focus on a particular aspect of studio practice. For example, a student with a particular affinity for portraiture may choose to focus on developing his/her portrait drawing and painting skills, or become more familiar with contemporary and historical portrait artists. Projects at this level are quite varied. Each is designed to offer new challenges and to further the individual student’s artistic development.
The purpose of arts education is not to produce more artists, though that is a byproduct. The real purpose of arts education is to create complete human beings capable of leading successful and productive lives in a free society.
— Dana Gioia, NEA Chairman, from his commencement address at Stanford University, June 2007.
Vitruvian Student Megan Koval.