Dear Parents and Students,
I hope all is well during these challenging times.
Since March 2020, I have been offering online art classes. Like many others, I have found new challenges and stresses with the new times, but have managed to adapt.
I will be taking a break from all forms of teaching during September 2020. Two weeks will just be a personal break to step away from the computer; The other two weeks will be spent rearranging the studio, administrative work, scheduling, monitoring the restarting of the public-school system, and looking at different ways to make in person art classes safe for everyone.

Based on the fact that we are in stage three of the provincial pandemic reopening plan, the goal is to resume in person art classes in October. This may or may not go to plan depending on the success of public-school reopening.

Online will be available in all scenarios.

When classes do resume, Both Saturday and Sundays will be back on the schedule.

I would like to present three different options for doing art class moving forward:

1. Online classes: As I have gotten used to the format, I have found that most students can adapt well with classes no bigger than 6 students, and even smaller for those who need more individualized lesson planning and attention. I know many parents and students are weary about resuming in person activities. Frankly, I share this concern and I hope that many will pick this option or option 3. I will provide a list of supplies and where to order them to do classes from home.

2. Back in the studio: Fair warning that studio classes will not look exactly as before, and will include the following changes:
Art Supplies: and I will now require students to provide their own supplies. Of exception to this new rule will specialized, lesser used items, materials, etc. The reason for requiring students to provide their own supplies is because of the sanitization nightmare that would be
involved in sanitizing every pencil, marker, paint brush, container, etc. To make sanitization more digestible, I will be focusing on sanitizing desks and common areas between class groups, and specialized lesser used supplies when applicable. I will be providing a list of what supplies to order, and where to order them.
Class Size: There may be smaller class sizes when they resume, of which I am still determining at this time. I will provide further updates after I have re-arranging the studio environment.
Classroom Environment: At the bare minimum, the windows in the studio will be left open at all times, so please dress appropriately for the weather. Furthermore, desks will be organized and spread out to ensure minimal social distancing guidelines of 6 feet, or even further apart if possible. Students of different ages from the same household will be asked to come to class together, and sit closer, as well as any students who are safely maintaining a social circle with each other. I will ask that everyone wear a mask.

3. Studio/Online Hybrid model: This option is harder to explain. While Online can work, there are times where some hands-on help is really missing. With this consideration in mind, I would like to offer this option. In a regularly scheduled online class, one student or one
household could come in during that class time for some for the in person help. The following class they would do online from home while another class mate comes in for that in person time. It rotates each week giving each student the chance to benefit from in-studio instruction.

In-Studio choice Considerations: I know many prefer and value in-person over online classes. I had my doubts too, but have observed since April that many students have adapted well to online, and continue to grow and improve in the art skills, sometimes in surprising ways. I too have
adapted to an online format, creating lesson plans that take advantage of the online format and teach certain skills normally not possible in person. I do however, recognize that all students have learning differences, where an online format simply does not work as a method of learning and growth for everyone. With that being said, I am hoping while parents and students will have their preferences, that only those students who find online lessons ineffective to choose the in-studio option. I feel the Hybrid option is a great alternative.
Scheduling considerations: I am thinking to break things up and alternate between online and in-studio so students don’t bump into each other in the halls.

As I may have to lower class sizes, I am hoping high school students or anyone with a different kind of schedule will be open to doing
class outside of the usual after school or weekend times. That would help me out a lot. Let me know if a student is able to have a class on weekdays before 3:00pm.

I wont’ be getting back to anyone right away but I am open to any clarification, unanswered questions. Do send me your scheduling request and options. I am also open to any additional feedback or suggestion if you have any.

Thanks so much, and I am looking forward to the fall and getting back to teaching art again.
Warmly,
Katherine Martin,
MartinArts