Preparatory Department Offers Art Classes

January 7, 2010

Children and adults in the Shawnee area who would like to learn or enhance artistic abilities are invited to attend art classes offered by the Oklahoma Baptist University Preparatory Department beginning the last week of January 2010. 

A drawing course will be offered for children ages 7-18 which will include sketching and concepts. "Sketching" is learning the basics of drawing what one sees, and "concepts" involves using the values of lights and darks. Students will be encouraged to explore and expand their artistic creativity with a journey where each student will learn to draw what they see by imitating life as it appears in various settings. The only necessary supplies are pencil and paper, which will be provided, but students are welcome to bring their own sketch supplies if they prefer.

An oil painting course for adults will include sketching and oil painting - learning the basics and applying oil paint to the canvas.

The courses will be taught by Tecumseh, Okla., artist Lance Kelly. The father of two college-age children, Kelly teaches art classes at Liberty Academy in Shawnee and Hobby Lobby in Norman. He teaches an evening class at the Moore Norman Technology Center, and he offers a once-a-month class for children at the Oklahoma City Zoo.

Kelly also has taught home school students in his home art studio, and he taught an adult art class from Gordon Cooper Technology Center in Shawnee. He said his most memorable teaching experience involved working with third- through fifth-grade students from Cross Timbers Elementary School as part of a grant to teach landscape painting.

"I have enjoyed pursuing my passion while inspiring others who share my desire to improve their art skills," Kelly said.

The cost of the courses is $50 per month. For more information and to enroll, visit the Prep Department webpage, call (405) 585-4329 or email prep@okbu.edu.

Click here for more information about OBU's Preparatory Department.