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The last of the Summer Camp sessions came to a close last week, and the first signs of school supply lists have started cropping up in my ParentSquare, which means Autumn is on the way. The first set of Fall Cloudland afterschool courses will begin a few weeks after the start of the school year, on August 31. I’ll be using the downtime at the studio this month to deep clean, reassess the condition of materials, and take stock of what’s left in the archive after the summer maker marathon. I did some polling with the students about what the studio lacked, and will be acquiring a water cooler and a hole punch (a particular outrage for some artists). The next session’s course days will remain largely the same minus an adjustment to the Fashion series age requirements. Fashion classes will continue to be offered on Mondays or Tuesdays, but am hoping to steer the older students to Monday (ages 10-14), and have the Tuesday group skew 7-12. Fashion can be a particular ally for students treading into middle school, and I’m hoping Cloudland can grow into a safe space for tweens to commiserate during these weird times. Wednesday will be the early dismissal Illustration course beginning with a seven-week study of inks and watercolors (another student request). Much of my own work has focused on these materials, and I find creating with water to be both captivating and soothing. This is a great class for students with an existing interest in drawing and painting who are looking to build new techniques. Last year’s Thursday Sculpture Lab insisted that mixed media be a fixed menu option. Upcycle sourcing by nature changes the direction of the projects — so I’m going to trust the creative forces to guide the schedule of projects. Artists will have access to raw wood, metal scrap, clay, and found objects I deem worthy. The studio gallery will continue to be a venue for student work and sales during the year. I will be contacting families about picking up work from the last exhibit in preparation for a special August solo exhibition. Cloudland regular and undisputed cardboard queen Layla McBeen will be showcasing recent work from her home studio. Her intricate cardboard and found object sculptures are often accompanied with whimsical and bizarre backstories. Her opening is scheduled for Saturday, 8/22 — don’t miss the opportunity to chat with the artist about her process, and if we’re lucky she will price a few works for sale. Beth Next session’s sign-ups go live this Friday, July 30 at 7am
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