This upcoming spring, the Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia swings its studio doors open to welcome members of the Athens and surrounding community to take classes at the new UGA Community Art School.

After successfully launching the UGA Summer Art Camp for high school students in 2024, the Dodd expands its public art instruction with the UGA Community Art School, featuring ten-week courses for adults seeking to learn new skills, hone techniques, and expand their artistic expression.

Taught by UGA faculty and graduate students, the new series of classes maximizes individual instruction and experiential learning in the legendary studios of the Dodd, with a culminating pop-up exhibition and reception in the school’s Dodd Galleries. The first UGA Community Art School class, Drawing Other Humans, is an introduction to life drawing with Associate Professor Benjamin Britton. 

Figure drawing provided by Benjamin Britton

“This inaugural class adds the sought-after ‘night school’ format to our many public-facing events and programs where community members can engage with the School of Art,” said Britton. “I’m excited for the opportunity to teach the first of what will be a series of compelling studio art courses, and for this new opportunity for our school to participate in the cultural life of our region.”

Drawing Other Humans will run Tuesdays from 6 - 8:30 PM from January 28 through April 8, 2025 and is open to 12-16 adults of all ages. Registration for this inaugural UGA Community Art School class is open through January 15, 2025. Proceeds from the UGA Community Art School support the studio art program at the School of Art. 

Community Education Programs Director Charlotte Dudley remarks, "I am fortunate to collaborate with such talented faculty and staff to create and expand non-credit programs at the School of Art that foster lifelong learning. The school offered its first-ever UGA Summer Art Camp in 2024 for high school students, and in 2025, the program will expand to include a residential option and additional weeks of training.” Dudley continues, “Beginning in January 2025, the School of Art will offer drawing classes for adults of all ages through the UGA Community Art School and introduce a Manual Dexterity Certificate specifically designed for pre-dental students. I am excited to see these programs provide opportunities for personal growth and skill development."

For more information, visit art.uga.edu or contact CommunityArtSchool@uga.edu