ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CITY SPOTLIGHT
Channel Your Inner Creative Samford Academy of the Arts offers classes for all ages, from preschool to 80-something
BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE No matter your interest—drawing, pottery, stained glass, music, photography—Samford Academy of the Arts probably has a class for it. The Samford Academy of the Arts is the combination of two long-existing programs: the hugely popular Samford After Sundown, which offered adults not-for-credit courses in a variety of interests, and the Preparatory Music Department in the School of Music, which provides instruction in voice, piano, violin, and cello. “I started as the Director of Samford Preparatory Music Department in 1989,” says Connie Macon, Coordinator of Academy Arts. She remained there until 2014, when the university combined its noncredit options into one entity under the School of the Arts and Dean Joseph Hopkins. Academy of the Arts courses encompass a wide range of interests. For example, pottery is popular. “We have some who take pottery again and again because they want to try different projects each time,” says Connie. “We have a kiln, so the instructor fires pieces on-site. We’re also getting six new pottery wheels and are so excited. We’ll be revamping the art studio big-time!” There are day and night classes, and the first session of daytime courses is already halffull. Most classes are split into Session A (August– October) and Session B (October–December), so there’s still time to secure something. Coming off a successful summer of kids’ camps, the fall looks equally promising. Divided by age, and even including a class just for homeschoolers, art class students work with mediums like graphite, clay, glass, and paper. “We have incredible art teachers,” says Connie. “Nicki Masterson is just a pottery guru. Her classes fill up because it’s so much individual attention. And we’re so thankful to have Margaret Winchester back for painting and drawing. She’s a Samford graduate who taught in Bolivia for two years, and she’s returned to get her master’s.” Arts choices for adults include calligraphy, stained glass, fused glass jewelry, painting, and more. 22 Bham Family August 2021
PHOTO COURTESY OF SAMFORD ACADEMY OF THE ARTS
It’s never too late to pick up a new skill. Many adults take music classes at Samford’s Academy of the Arts. Another big draw for the Academy is its language program, including French, Italian, Spanish, and ESL. “Our ESL instructors are degreed and have extensive training,” says Connie. “The beginner’s class gives 40 hours of teaching in 10 weeks. We have lots of students from Central and South America but some from as far away as Spain, too.” Though none of the classes qualify for university course credit, some do offer certificates, like photography. Requirements for the Photography Certificate Program are rigorous. “The classes are substantial, and you do finish the program with a large portfolio,” says Connie. “It’s a super popular course, and we have a great group of instructors who excel in their particular niches.” With subjects such as architectural photography, creative fine art, essential color printing, and landscape photography, there’s truly something for everyone. Connie’s teaching focus is piano lessons, where
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