An artist's educational credentials do not always have much relevance to the eventual creative work of the artist, but Andrea Sulzer, who will be teaching two drawing classes at River Arts during September, has a most unique educational background that clearly influences her drawings. She began as a Fine Arts Major at Smith College, then transferred to New York University where she received a degree in French. From NYU, she went on to get a Masters from Columbia University?s Teachers College and then a Master of Science in Forest Biology from the University of Maine, and finally yet a third Master?s degree, coming full circle back to Fine Arts from the Glasgow School of Art in Scotland.

This past summer, her work was on display at Bowdoin College in an exhibition entitled "After Nature." The College described the works as, "teeming graphite compositions, both tiny and huge, [that] explore the intimate interstices of the relationship between landscape and memory."

Sulzer, who has been exhibiting her work both in the US and abroad since 2003, will teach at River Arts from September 25-29th. On those days, from 10am-1pm, she will teach intermediate/advanced drawers and on those same days, from 2pm-5pm she will teach beginning drawing.

For the intermediate and advanced students, Sulzer says, "In this class we will focus on drawing as process and work on discovering new ways of responding to a drawing as it develops. Experimentation and risk-taking will be encouraged." Students are asked to bring watercolor brushes and a sketch/notebook to the first class. Other materials will be provided.

For the beginners, Sulzer says, "How to start-that is sometimes the biggest hurdle for beginning drawers. In this class we will look at different approaches to drawing using a variety of media. Hopefully this class will broaden your idea of what drawing is and how it can play a part in your life." Beginning students are asked to bring a sketch/notebook to the first class. Other materials will be provided.

Sulzer has had many prestigious awards and residencies; collections of her works can be found at Bowdoin and Bates Colleges and in private collections in Maine, New York, London and Edinburgh.

Fees for the five-day classes are $250 for River Arts members and $275 for non-members. There is a materials fee of $40.

Labels: GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN DRAWING