4 minute read
Academy of Modern Art
Last December during the numerous winter snowstorms a creative new business sprung up in Kerrisdale.
Long time friends Maggie Li and Jade Su, owners and founders of Academy of Modern Art (AOMA), had been searching to find the perfect spot to locate their new business.
The warm and enthusiatic business partners are originally from the beautiful coastal city Hangzhou, China where the 2016 G20 Summit was held. Maggie immigrated to Canada in 2004 and Jade came to the country in 2012.
Maggie lives in Kerrisdale. She knew basing AOMA in this academic oriented neighbourhood near UBC and so many excellent primary and secondary schools would be a perfect fit. Maggie immediately contacted Jade when she discovered the corner location at West 41st Avenue and Balsam Street. They were drawn to the abundance of natural light and the layout.
Jade reports with a smile, “People regularly pop open the door to take a peek to find out what goes on inside.”
Academy of Modern Art in Kerrisdale
“We train and guide passionate art students on their path to top art and design post secondary programs across North America and Europe. Our instructors include university professors, designers, artists and curators. There is nothing else like it in the city,“ Jade says.
Maggie is responsible for business operations while Jade is the director of art and also teaches.
Maggie laughs when she says, “AOMA has become like my second home.” It is hard to believe that the business has been open less than a year with the amount the pair has accomplished.
What makes the Academy special is its calibre of instructors. Each is an expert in his or her field, and it is a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn from professionals. In addition, class sizes are small with a maximum of eight students.
The Mini Arts program and the Portfolio program coexist and enhance one another. Mini Arts sets the foundation while Portfolio focus on creation and design. Students are able to begin with Mini Arts and eventually move on to studio if they wish to pursue preparation for fine arts or design schools. If a student wishes to take Portfolio but lacks fundamentals, they can improve through Mini Arts classes.
The Mini Arts program offers group classes for children ages six and up. Greg Stainton teaches the Fun Cartoon Characters class (ages 6 to 12) and introduces children to the art of cartoon drawing skills and techniques in the style of Disney and North American animation. Students learn to construct bodies from head to toe and draw human characters, animals and robots — the possibilities are endless!
Instructor Jonathan Holland teaches drawing and painting (ages 9 and up). Creativity is explored through a variety of sketching techniques as well as the basic elements of how to draw in a friendly and supportive environment.
Andrew McDermott teaches life drawing classes (ages 13 and up). Students gain an increased understanding of the complexities of anatomy and proportion as it relates to visual art.
Architect Nicholas Waissbluth teaches two youth architecture classes. Architecture Model Making (ages 9 to 12) is an introduction to architecture through hands on 3D modelling exercises. From skyscrapers to houses, students explore geometry, form and space.
Architecture and the City (ages 13 and up) looks at how buildings relate to each other and to the people that use them. Working within the AOMA studio as well outdoors in the Kerrisdale community, students delve into architecture through drawing and physical modelling exercises.
Both Andrew McDermott and Jonathan Holland also teach Acrylic Techniques classes to young artists ages 13 and up.
In addition, AOMA offers an adult painting class taught by Huang Binbin. Nature themes inspire students as they learn the art of drawing, painting techniques and create work a work in either oil or acrylic.
A vital member of AOMA’s team is Master of Architecture (UBC) student Arkgo Chen who has been with the Academy since it opened. His key role is to assist the team of Portfolio experts and he also provides valuable administrative assistance.
A huge feather in the cap of Kerrisdale’s new art academy, one of their portfolio students received an invitation to study at Cornell University’s top ranked College of Architecture, Art and Planning.
Jade’s extensive experience as a fashion designer and university professor in China comes into play as she guides portfolio students on the road to successful applications along with the team of portfolio instructors who also teach Mini Arts classes.
Topics covered in Portfolio Preparation and University Planning range from architecture to fashion design, industrial design and digital media.
An exhibition in September will showcase students’ artwork. This is a wonderful opportunity for the public to drop in and see what takes place in the vibrant studio.
Ultimately, the goal of AOMA is to have fun in an academic setting while offering students the opportunity to shoot for the stars and attain their artistic dreams. In turn, Maggie and Jade are sharing their passion and dream and they couldn’t be happier.
Academy of Modern Art, 2408 W. 41st Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6M 2A7
Telephone 604-564-2408 w
ww.aoma.ca
