Below are answers to frequently asked questions, FAQs, or common questions we've received through our contact form.
Use the links below to skip down to the topic of interest on this page.
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| Get Started | Beginners | Intermediates |
| Tuition | Discounts | Rewards |
| Gifts or Donations | Safety | Visual Arts |
Get Started
We are a vocational-type school that offers 2D visual art classes for adults in drawing, painting, or design; we would love to have you! Whether you're interested in sketching, drawing, painting, mixed media, or design, our expert instructors will help you embrace your inner artist!
How Do I Get Started?
Follow these steps
1. Assess Your Skill Level
Skill levels vary depending on knowledge, understanding, or practice. Below are definitions or guidance on what level to look for when registering or enrolling.
Prerequisites are not required for any class with a skill level that lists " Absolute beginner" or "No Experience Needed."
- Absolute Beginners - They may have never been inside an art supply store or need guidance on what materials to purchase. They may have never taken art classes or be unfamiliar with tools, techniques, or studio equipment.
- Beginners to Intermediate - Have some prior experience or have taken some classes.
- Intermediate - Is a novice or comfortable practicing within a studio environment.
Depending on their comfort level, adults may register or enroll in any class or workshop open for enrollment.
2. Register or Enroll
Visit the Course Catalog (artverve. xyz) to see current availability. Registration or enrollment is required to attend any class or workshop. It reserves your seat and ensures the instructor is prepared for your arrival with handouts, materials, etc.
3. Fill Out the Admissions Form
Please complete this one-time required admission form before the first class or workshop session. If you skip the online completion, we'll give you a hard copy in person.
4. Check Communications
Please check your email (or spam folder), text messages, or voicemail. Depending on how you chose to be contacted when you registered or enrolled, the instructor or administration may contact you with information or updates.
Updated December 1, 2024
Beginners
We encourage lifelong learners to embrace their inner artist with the help of the experts at the Art Verve Academy!
May Beginners Attend?
Yes, everyone from absolute beginners to advanced is welcome to enroll. Please review each registration form's "skill level."
Prerequisites are not required for any class with a skill level that lists " Absolute beginner" or " No Experience Needed."
Can I Learn How to Draw or Paint?
Yes! Sketching, art journaling, drawing, or painting may be learned with knowledge, practice, and a supportive community! It is NOT an innate talent you are born with; it is cultivated.
We recognize unique visual artists as vital to learning and provide them with a teaching platform. They become integral to our curriculum and create a respectful, warm, welcoming, and nonjudgmental environment. Learners focus on medium or subject matter techniques rather than a specific artistic style or unique aesthetic.
If you are wondering why you should learn to draw or sketch, click here.
Updated December 1, 2024
Intermediates
See below.
May Intermediates Attend?
Yes, everyone from absolute beginners to advanced is welcome to enroll. Please review each registration form's "skill level."
Prerequisites are not required for any class with a skill level that lists " Beginners to Intermediate" or " Intermediate."
Updated December 1, 2024
What is a Self Taught Artist?
A self-taught artist is someone who learned their craft by educating themselves. Self-taught or tangential learning is the process by which people self-educate or educate themselves if a topic is exposed to them in a context they already enjoy. Information retrieved from informal learning experiences will likely apply to daily life or day-to-day situations. This may include any of the following.
- Practicing visual art skills repeatedly helps build "muscle memory."
- Observing colors or objects in life helps anchor solutions when translating them to paper or canvas.
- Reading articles or art books helps visual artists learn new techniques or may inspire them to achieve their goals.
- Revisiting information occasionally helps retain the skill.
Updated December 1, 2024
Resources to Self-Study?
Yes, we have some resources for you.
Our Educational Blog
Articles, educational resources, and information may be found on the Art Verve's Educational Blog at artverve.info.
Glossary
For a list of Visual Art terminology, click here.
Books
For a list of art books recommended by our instructors, click here.
Videos
For a list of Our Instructor Videos, visit our Vimeo channel.
Learning a New Skill
Below are some links to perspectives that can inspire you to get started or continue on.
- Deliberate Practice: A Guide to Mastery - Deliberate practice is a mindful and highly structured form of learning by doing.
- Focused and Diffused Thinking - The Ping Pong Technique.
- Study Tips - The Science of Studying
Updated December 1, 2024
Tuition for Art Classes or Workshops
Here's what you need to know about tuition for art classes or workshops.
Tuition vs. Fee?
Tuition is the sum charged for a class, workshop, or event that involves an exchange of educational services.
A "material fee" is charged for consumable materials or supplies provided during a class, workshop, or event. A " model fee" is changed for any class, workshop, or event that uses a live model to pose for drawing or painting from life.
Click here to read our terms and conditions.
Updated December 1, 2024
Where to Find Tuition Listing?
If the class, workshop, or event is still open for enrollment, the tuition fee is listed in the course catalog above the "enroll or register" button. If the tuition fee is no longer displayed, the event is no longer open for enrollment.
Updated December 1, 2024
How is Tuition Calculated?
Tuition fees are calculated by the number of sessions and hours offered.
Each course or workshop is unique in that it may or may not include materials within the price of the class.
We try to keep tuition as low as possible, however we reserved the right to readjust our rates based on inflation over time.
Updated December 1, 2024
Need to Pay Us without a form?
Use our PayPalMe page and enter the payment amount.
Updated December 1, 2024
Discounts
See below
Discounts for the Military?
We do not offer reduced tuition rates for the military.
Updated December 1, 2024
Discounts for Teachers?
We do not offer reduced tuition rates for teachers.
Updated December 1, 2024
Discounts for Seniors or Fixed Income?
We do not offer reduced tuition rates for seniors or anyone on a fixed income.
Other Options
Visit the Drawing Studio's website for information on the programs for seniors. Visit the Pima County Library for more details about free art classes. Filter by location to find out dates and times for those events.
Updated December 1, 2024
Rewards
See below
Loyalty Rewards Program for Learners
We reward returning students! Collect tuition receipts or get a punch card to track your progress.
If you have taken 5 classes at the Art Verve Academy, you can receive a discount on your sixth class. Please note that you must keep track of your punch card or present your tuition receipts to receive the discount.
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Updated December 1, 2024
Gifts or Donations
See below
Purchase a Gift Certificate for Someone
Click here to give the gift of art!
Updated December 1, 2024
May I Donate?
Yes, you may!
Donations Without a Tax Credit
Yes, we may take your art supply donations. However, we operate as a privately owned small business and can not provide you with a tax credit receipt.
Donations With a Tax Credit
If you wish to receive a tax credit for your art supply or book donations, please donate to the Tucson Pastel Society.
They are a 501(c)(3) operated organization and will happily provide you with a receipt and drop-off location.
You may contact them via their contact form. Click here.
Updated December 1, 2024
Safety in the Studio
Here's what you need to know about Safety in the studio.
What is Hazardous Waste?
The definition of hazardous waste is complex. However, any material intended for disposal exhibits specific characteristics or is listed by the EPA as hazardous waste.
Hazardous Material is a substance (biological, chemical, radiological, and/or physical) that can cause injury to humans or animals or damage to the environment, either by itself or through interaction with other factors. Hazardous materials are explosive, flammable, toxic, corrosive, oxidizing, irritating, or otherwise harmful.
Updated December 1, 2024
Are there rules specific to Hazardous Waste?
Yes, the containment of hazardous materials is required to protect the environment from contamination and the Safety of safety staff or faculty who work in areas where dangerous or hazardous materials are stored and used.
How is Hazard Waste handled in the studio?
On a small scale, COMPATIBLE wastes may be collected in small LABELED containers in a MARKED cabinet. Any other materials should be disposed of in the appropriately marked container.
In the studio, the following procedures apply:
- All chemicals must be LABELED with the chemical or trade name.
- All waste containers must indicate " WASTE" and a waste description.
- Only MIX waste if specifically approved by the process.
- All containers must be CLOSED (LIDS) when not in use.
- Chemical waste must be placed in a PROPER CONTAINER
- Do not ACCUMULATE too much waste (generally 55 gallons maximum per process)
- NO LIQUIDS in the trash
Updated December 1, 2024
What is Water Systems Compliance?
In the studio, the following procedures apply:
- NO DUMPING to drains or storm sewers
- Wipe extra paint off your palette with a paper towel and throw it in the trash can.
- Ask the instructor where to dispose of your mineral spirits. We have a flammable can specifically for this purpose.
Updated December 1, 2024
How Do I Dispose of Aerosol Cans?
In the studio, the following procedures apply:
- Must be completely empty (internal pressure = external pressure) before disposal
- If NOT EMPTY, then it must be collected as hazardous waste.
Updated December 1, 2024
What Agencies Drive Safety Policy?
Here are the agencies that control the environment and safety regulations in the United States and dictate our safety policies.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA, established under the Department of Labor by the OSHA Act of 1970, regulates the storage and use of toxic and hazardous substances related to worker health and Safety. Safety regulations are in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1910, Subpart H.
The OSHA Act requires employers to comply with OSHA standards and regulations and protect employees from recognized hazards in the workplace. OSHA enforces its rules and regulations by inspecting employers' workplaces. When violations are discovered during inspections, OSHA issues citations and proposes monetary penalties. OSHA encourages companies to participate in Voluntary Protection Programs. Employers participating in these Voluntary Compliance Programs develop a new relationship with OSHA and are not subject to programmed inspections; however, compliance remains mandatory.
Phone: (202) 219-8271
Web: http://www.osha.gov
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
This is addressed through the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which governs solid and hazardous waste disposal in the United States. 1976, amended in 1984. It states the need for facilities with dangerous waste substances to store containers in some containment system.
Hazardous waste regulations appear in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Stationary containers, such as tanks, and portable storage containers, such as 55-gallon drums, must have a system to protect the environment from this waste if a leak occurs.
Portable container containment is addressed under Subpart I, Use and Management of Containers (EPS 40 CFR 264.175). Facilities dealing with the storage of hazardous materials may also be required to contain containment to meet the Uniform Fire Code (UFC) standards. Within the UFC standards, Section 80.
- Division III refers to the Hazard Materials Storage Requirements for containers and tanks.
- Division IV refers to Spill Control, Drainage Control, and Secondary Containment concerning hazardous materials.
For more information, visit their website at https://www3.epa.gov/.
EPA's Spill Prevention, Control & Countermeasures Rule
Under the authority of the Clean Water Act, the EPA published its Oil Pollution Prevention Rule (40 CFR 112) that took effect originally on January 10, 1974. The Rule was revised and strengthened on July 17, 2002. Facilities subject to the Rule must prepare and implement a plan to prevent any discharge of oil into or upon navigable waters of the U.S. (including groundwater) or adjoining shorelines. This written plan is called an SPCC Plan.
The plan must address the following:
- (a) operating procedures the facility implements to prevent oil spills;
- (b) control measures installed to prevent oil from entering navigable water;
- (c) countermeasures to contain, clean up, and mitigate the effects of oil spills.
Phone: (800) 621-3431
Web:
https://www3.epa.gov/
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
The DOT is the focal point for the federal government's coordinated national transportation policy. It has authority over shipping and transporting hazardous materials, including packaging and labeling. The DOT regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations under Title 49 are mainly based on the United Nations (UN) recommendations.
Phone: (202) 366-4000
Web:
https://www.transportation.gov/
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Since 1896, it has been the most recognized non-profit organization dedicated to protecting human life and property from fire hazards.
Phone: (800) 344-3555
Web:
http://www.nfpa.org
Updated December 1, 2024
The Visual Arts
"The Arts" is a modern umbrella term for a broad category that includes some of the artist's disciplines, such as the performing arts, conceptual art, and the "visual arts." This consists of some vocabulary to get you acclimated.
What are the Visual Arts?
The " Visual Arts" category includes fine art and applied decorative arts or crafts. Traditional 2D provides drawing, painting, design, printmaking, and calligraphy. Traditional 3D includes sculpture, metalsmithing, woodworking, jewelry making, origami, glass blowing, glass cutting or fusing, ceramics, monuments, and architecture. Modern includes assemblage, collage, mixed media, fiber art, photography, digital art, and installations.
"Studio Art" means working in a place set up for using art supplies or various materials.
Updated December 1, 2024
What is a 'Studio?'
A "Studio" is an artist or worker's personal workroom. Studios can be found in various locations, from commercial buildings to home garages. An art school or artist may rent or own them. Studios range from small, intimate spaces to large, warehouse-like environments.
A single "studio" is an artist's or worker's workroom. The word 'studio' is derived from the Italian word for study: studio, from Latin studium, from studere, meaning to examine.
Updated December 1, 2024
What is 'Open Studio' for Practice?
An "Open Studio" is an environment where individuals work hands-on or independently to practice the Visual Arts within a group setting outside the structure of a formal class.
An "Open Studio" facilitates social learning and makes participants accountable for practicing or improving their visual art skills. This allows participants to directly observe the work that others produce or see the unique process used firsthand when working with other creative individuals.
Updated December 1, 2024
What is 'Open Studio' for 'Life Modeling?'
Life Modeling or figure drawing, sometimes called "Life Drawing Open Studio." allows students to practice sketching, drawing, or painting outside of a formal class within a studio setting.
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| Life Drawing Class from École des Beaux-Arts, French Art School |
Figure or live model drawing is an academic tradition that evolved in the 18th century. Each session provides a live model where students may directly observe human anatomy or anatomical features from life. A clothed, costumed, or nude model poses for a set time. A facilitator or moderator is always present and will set a timer for each pose.
Some life modeling or figure drawing classes are formally structured. They may use a live model during the session and include a model fee.
Updated December 1, 2024
What's the History of Life Modeling?
European artists began to form artistic academies in the Renaissance and early Baroque eras.
From the establishment of the Accademia di San Luca in Rome in 1577 to the creation of the Académie de Peinture et de Sculpture in Paris in 1648, art academies rapidly developed from merely a network of artists to a relatively systematized sequence of training, where the study of the figure became more codified.
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| Early Life Drawing Session, allowing women artists to participate |
By the late 1700s, "life drawing" was integral to studio practice at the Académie in Paris. Mastery in life drawing was considered a prerequisite to painting after Masters like Neoclassical painter Jacques Louis David advocated for his students to draw from live models for the better part of each day.
Though men were given access to both male and female nudes, women were confined to learning anatomy from casts and models. It was not until 1893 that female students were allowed access to life drawing at the Royal Academy in London, and even then, the model was required to be partially draped.
Updated December 1, 2024
What is an 'Open Studio' for Artists?
An Open Studio for Artists refers to an event inviting the general public to visit an individual artist's studio or group of artists exhibiting in one studio.
This event allows artists to show and sell their work while the public has a unique opportunity to learn more about the creative process or the individual artist.
Updated December 1, 2024
What is a 'Critique'?
A group critique is a detailed analysis or evaluation of your work where other students and instructors provide position opinions and constructive feedback.
An individual or private critique is a detailed analysis or evaluation of your work where an instructor or mentor provides position opinions and constructive feedback directly to you in private.
Updated December 1, 2024
What is an Atelier?
An "Atelier" is a French word that translates to "workshop" or "studio" in English. It is commonly used in the art and fashion industries to describe a space where artists, designers, or craftsmen create their work.
In the past, training in the traditional visual arts was through a variation of an apprenticeship, a workshop system called an "Atelier" under a master artist, or, in modern times, through an art school or an art program under a university or college. However, in the 21st century, art education has forged a new path with various options, including in-person classes or online tutorials.
Updated December 1, 2024
