feature / artcenter-extension / faculty / illustration
May 25, 2021
By Solvej Schou
Images courtesy of Michael Horowitz

ACX KIDS CLASS ILLUSTRATION TEACHES CHILDREN TO COMMUNICATE THROUGH DRAWINGS

In the ACX Kids class Illustration, taught by artist and illustrator Michael Horowitz, students turn their drawings into fun and engaging images that communicate a mood, a feeling or an idea. ACX Kids is ArtCenter’s extension program for students in grades 4 through 8.

Students in lllustration explore drawing and image making through short- and long-term projects. They also experiment with different problem-solving methods, while working with media ranging from crayons and pencils to watercolor and acrylics.

“My basic goal is to introduce a project that can inspire creative solutions, no matter the student's skill level,” Horowitz says. “And there are no wrong outcomes.”

Horowitz says the class urges students to achieve a clarity of their ideas through simple storytelling and the exploration of art materials, from concept to finished work.

“Students are encouraged to brainstorm and help each other,” he says. “With class critiques that accentuate the positive, I see growth in student skill level and confidence,” he adds. “Wonderful friendships develop as artwork is being created.”