What is The Dancing Cat Art Achool?
The Dancing Cat Art School is an online art school created by Rhode Island School of Design graduates and husband and wife team Jamie and Tom. Our goal has always been to provide a core understanding and basis for what makes a work of art strong and visually engaging. From this foundation the goal is self discovery and uncovering ones artistic voice, in otherwords what makes you and your art unique! (Find out more)
Who can enroll for courses?
Any artist regardless of previous experience. All that's required is an open mind, ample time and a willingness to explore new ideas in your work!
What do I need to enroll?
You will need a computer with internet connection and a digital camera and/or scanner to upload images of your work. You will have continual access to all course material and our online classroom setting.
How are courses structured?
Assignments are posted every Monday and expected to be completed by the following Sunday for review. Students are encouraged to post works in progress throughout the week and provide peer feedback and support. We hope to create a supportive environment amongst a community of artists that will provide critical feedback to help you grow, gaining insight and feedback you won't find anywhere else!
How many students are in each class?
Class size varies depending on the number of students who enroll! All classes will be conducted regardless of enrollment. We've taught courses with as many as 20+ students and as few as 1, all with success!
Why should I take this course?
Seize the opportunity to explore new possibilities in your art! Overcome fears about making new work, dive in and play! All courses are structured to get you thinking creatively and are deisgned with exploration in mind. Be prepared to challenege preconceptions and find new confidence in decision making about your art.
What if I can't finish an assigment or course?
All courses require full commitment. There are no refunds once you enroll so it is up to you to stay active and involved. *If you're traveling and miss an assignment you can always make it up when you return! If you can't make a course you signed up for in advance all funds will be held and applied to any future courses.
How are courses developed?
Much thought, time and prepartion goes into each course! Courses are designed to build upon what we learn each week, beginning with a solid core foundation of visual understanding from which each student can grow. Understanding what makes a work of art strong and enaging is at the center of all explroration and from there experimentation, discovery and growth!
Can I show my work in the student gallery?
Yes! All Dancing Cat Art School Alumni are invited to share work they made while in class once the course has finished (and a link will be added connecting to your website/shop.) The student gallery is a great chance to showcase your work, share with friends and family, gain more exposure, and see what other students are up to!
Still have questions? Feel free to contact us at hmstrjam@gmail.com
Find out what past students are saying about our courses and view the work of Dancing Cat Art School Alumni
*The Dancing Cat Art School is an online art school created by Rhode Island School of Design graduates and husband and wife team Jamie and Tom. After living between Martha's Vineyard and NYC for several years we found ourselves artistically isolated and in need of a community in which we could share and express our art. Tom read about Etsy in an article in the NY Times and we decided to open an online shop to sell our fine art and prints. The Dancing Cat was born in December 2009, our first sale in time for Christmas.
It was from there our online art community grew and in 2010 we decided to expand our love of art and art making by creating online art courses, with weekly assignments aimed at creative thinking and examining new practice. This led to a collaboration with blogger and illustrator Amy Ng of Pikaland, creating what later became known as Pikaland Bootcamp, with courses ranging from overcoming ones fears about making work, to how to market your art online and visual journaling.
Our goal has always been to provide a core understanding and basis for what makes a work of art strong and visually engaging. From this foundation the goal is self discovery and uncovering ones artistic voice, in otherwords what makes you and your art unique.
Now more than ever with so much focus on the finished product ie an object and selling one's work, the core understanding and joy of making art is lost. Our courses are aimed at putting the joy back in making. To not only help you uncover what it is you want to say with your art but to enjoy the process. Inspiration is all around you sometimes all it takes is a relaxtion of pace and an opening of one's eyes.
We're always developing new and engaging courses, our most recent have included Painting the Winter Landscape (in Oils), Exploring the 5 Senses, and a 3 day art trip to NYC this past Spring.
As professional artists with world study ranging from Australia to The Hermitage in St. Petersburg Russia, and Rome we feel we have something genuinely unique and of value to offer to our students.