NOTE: 2021 planning is underway. Below is last year's content for reference.
2020 Summer Kids & Teens Programs
rising 3rd-12th gradersDue to coronavirus concerns, we’re scaling back our usual summer programming and offering short classes so your kids can get off the computer and out into the summer sun! We’ve redesigned our themes and have plucked out our favorite projects that are the most friendly to at-home learning. Most materials are included in your tuition. We’ll have materials available for curb-side pick-up or delivery so you don’t have to go shopping, and we’re focusing on projects that use tidier supplies so you can keep messes to a minimum. Parents, go have a tall glass of lemonade on the porch and let our expert teachers inspire and encourage your kids!
We are happy to add classes; if you want additional workshops, we’ll try to make it happen!
This page is continually updated so please check in regularly. Please subscribe to our mailing list if you’d like to receive news about new programs!
WORKSHOPS
Week 1

CHARACTERS & COMIC STRIPS (3rd-7th grades)
Mon-Tues / July 20-24 / 10:00-11:00am / $115
Instructor Nina Chavchavadze
In this class, we will explore and practice techniques used in the film and comic industries to create figures and creatures from imagination and telling a story with them. From simple line of action to defining features and expressions, we will give you in-depth key tools to build your comic drawing skills to the next level. Special focus will be on breaking down characters into simple shapes and angles, and building your narrative through story-boarding. All levels and abilities are welcome! Class will meet together on an online meeting platform (tbd).
*Most materials are included in the price and will be available for curb-side pick-up. If you need delivery, there is an additional $10 charge.
*Girl Scout Cadettes in attendance may earn their Comic Artist badge.

GRAPHIC NOVEL ILLUSTRATION (teens)
Mon-Fri / July 20-24 / 10:00am-12:00pm / $230
Instructor James Beihl
Students are encouraged to do a master copy of a sequential page featuring Spiderman vs the Hobgoblin by artist John Romita Jr. This will take up 2 days of the workshop. Students will then be looking at the artist Jack Kirby and why he is widely regarded by the comics industry as ‘ the king ‘ of comic art. Students will then work off of a script provided by the instructor and thumbnail out three pages showing their interpretation of how the script will transpire. Lastly students will design their own character based on four key traits and then put that character in a cover where they flesh out their character. Alternatively students can chose to redesign an existing character in fandom and explore their own take on that character. The goal of this workshop is to give students insight into and an appreciation for the comic making process. Classes will be held on an online meeting platform, TBD.
Days 1 and 2 – Romita Page master copy.
Days 3 and 4 – Look at Jack Kirby, work on our character sheets and recreate a Kirby Cover.
Day 5 – Finish our character sheets.
*Most materials are included in the price and will be available for curb-side pick-up. If you need delivery, there is an additional $10 charge.

ALIEN LANDSCAPE: sci-fi scenic design (3rd-7th grades)
Mon-Fri / July 20-24/ 1:00-2:00pm / $115
Instructor James Beihl
Students will be encouraged to create lush, original designs from reference photos. Students will work in a variety of media incorporating methods for drawing from imagination using reference photos. We will be focusing on landscape- a pictorial image of a scene showing the surrounding environment within our range of vision. Students will work off of at least 5 reference photos. Students will work in a variety of media ranging from colored pencils, to markers to gouache. The idea is to get students to incorporate their imaginations to convincingly draw scenes that do not exist in nature using traditional tried and true academic illustration methods that are widely employed in the illustration, gaming, and concept art industries. All levels and abilities are welcome! Class will meet together on an online meeting platform (tbd).
Day 1 – Sketch thumbnails and gather reference images.
Day 2 – Choose thumbnail we like the best, and do 3 color studies of that thumbnail (may be adjusted for pen and ink).
Day 3 – Start full color work (may be adjusted for pen and ink).
Day 4 – Finishing our image.
*Most materials are included in the price and will be available for curb-side pick-up. If you need delivery, there is an additional $10 charge.
Week 2

FANTASTIC CREATURES (3rd-7th grades)
Mon-Fri / July 27-31 / 10:00-11:00am / $115
Instructor Nina Chavchavadze
Every child has a little naturalist inside, and in this workshop we’ll develop their original characters to scientific detail! We will take an in-depth look into their character or monster creation, from the ground up, first establishing solid simple shapes and fine-tuning to the utmost detail with textures and expressions, from different points of view. But that’s just where the fun begins! We will create nature study journals in which we “observe” their creature and take notes and develop drawings about its routine, hygiene, diet, habitat, and more! All levels and abilities are welcome! Class will meet together on an online meeting platform (tbd).
*Most materials are included in the price and will be available for curb-side pick-up. If you need delivery, there is an additional $10 charge.
Week 3

TEEN BOOTCAMP, IN STUDIO (teens only)
OPTIONAL: Monday / August 3 / Individual Portfolio Review at scheduled time / $40 (may be online or in person… TBD)
Tues-Fri / August 4-7 / 10:00am-2:00pm (bring lunch!) / $240
Instructor Felicia Feldman
PLEASE NOTE: Students are responsible for their own supplies for this course. This workshop will meet IN THE STUDIO, not online. We will observe NY State and CDC regulations for safety, including distancing and wearing masks during class.
The instructor will assist students with independent projects, concentrating on portfolio development, composition and aesthetics, as well as teaching students new techniques to help each individual better portray concepts in their artwork. This is a great course for students working on formal portfolios, as well as teens who love art and want to dive deeper! This class is best suited for teens who have at least a little bit of experience drawing or painting. If you aren’t sure if this class is the right fit for you, please email rebecca@liafa.com and we’ll help you! Throughout the course, the instructor will provide demonstrations, progress critiques, and advice on concepts, composition, and aesthetics. Whether you want to learn artistic anatomy or how to better your fundamental techniques at any level, students who apply themselves should be able to complete 1 to 2 portfolio-ready pieces by the end of week.

ART EXPLORATION (3rd-7th grades)
Mon-Fri / August 3-7 / 10:00-11:00am / $115
Instructor Nina Chavchavadze
Young artists will approach art in many different styles and with a limited variety of materials (we don’t want to get too messy when they’re working at home, so we’ll stick to tidier materials!). Projects will span the spectrum of traditional and experimental, representational and imaginative. We’ll have a blast enjoying textures and new challenges, picking up some color theory and good technique along the way. All levels and abilities are welcome! Class will meet together on an online meeting platform (tbd).
*Most materials are included in the price and will be available for curb-side pick-up. If you need delivery, there is an additional $10 charge.
Week 4

FANTASTIC ADVENTURES (3rd-7th grades)
Mon-Fri / August 10-14 / 10:00-11:00am / $115
Instructor Nina Chavchavadze
In this workshop young artists will learn and practice techniques for illustrating fantasy or historical environments in drawing and painting. It all starts with a good story, and your young artist will create their own worlds on which their projects will be based. All levels and abilities are welcome! Class will meet together on an online meeting platform (tbd).
*Most materials are included in the price and will be available for curb-side pick-up. If you need delivery, there is an additional $10 charge.

IN-STUDIO DRAWING & PAINTING (3rd-7th grades)
Tues-Fri / August 11-14 / 9:30-12:00am / $200
Instructor Felicia Feldman
In this STUDIO workshop, Felicia will go through traditional methods of drawing and painting with your young artist. Students will work on individual assignments, moving at his or her own pace. This is the workshop version of Felicia’s weekly Sunday course, which has been a popular choice of students for ten years!
*Materials will be included in this course.
WEEKLY COURSES

TRADITIONAL DRAWING & PAINTING
Tuesdays / June 30-September 1 / $240
Instructor Manu Saluja
On Tuesday afternoons, Manu will work individually, online, with teens at a scheduled time. Assignments will cover traditional techniques of portrait or still life drawing and/or painting. Take a peak at Manu’s course descriptions here. This online course will not involve a group class meeting. Manu will send a sign-up sheet to schedule your weekly feedback. If you are starting late, you may arrange a makeup with Manu.
Meeting dates: 6/30, 7/14, 7/21, 7/28, 8/4, 8/11, 8/18, 9/1

PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT & YOUNG ARTIST DRAWING/PAINTING
Sundays / July 12-Aug 30 / $360
Instructor Felicia Feldman
If you’re looking for a class that meets every week in person or online through the summer, take a peak at Felicia Feldman’s youth classes here. The online version will not involve a group class meeting. You will schedule your weekly one-on-one critique with Felicia and will receive additional feedback via email each week as you progress. Materials are not included. Online course start date is flexible.

CONSTRUCTIVE DRAWING & PAINTING CLASS
$360 for package of 8 classes (start date is flexible)
Instructor Daniel daSilva
Daniel is continuing his fun, freeing drawing & painting course online, as described here with a teaser video. You may choose just drawing or painting if you have a preference. You will receive prerecorded instructional videos, schedule your weekly one-on-one critique with Daniel, and receive email support as you progress. This is a great option for beginners, or for students needing a fresh approach if they’re feeling stuck in a rut. Materials not included.