FOR WHO: Ages 8-12 (maximum 9 learners)

WHERE: Online via Zoom! We’ll have a Google classroom where I’ll post class info & messages.

WHEN:

• AUGUST:

  • Monday-Thursday 8/18-8/21, 4:00-4:55pm EST

• Other times TBD - feel free to make a request!

COST: $70 - one-time fee

WHAT IS THIS CLASS ABOUT?

Ever wondered how artists like M.C. Escher created those mesmerizing, interlocking patterns? Or how Islamic art achieves those seemingly endless geometric designs? The answer lies in tessellations—fascinating repeated patterns that fit together perfectly without gaps or overlaps.

In this 4-day workshop, we'll demystify the secreta behind tessellations while creating our own beautiful designs. Though geometry provides the foundation, and we’ll learn some geometric terms along the way, this is primarily an art workshop where creativity takes center stage!

We'll begin our journey by exploring what tessellations are through looking at inspiring examples, before diving into hands-on creation. (Even young artists can master these techniques—one of our example pieces is a translation tessellation created by a 10-year-old!)

• Day 1: Introduction to tessellations, and translation

• Day 2: Glide Reflection

• Day 3: Rotation

• Day 4: Finishing up unfinished work*, and/or variations.

  *Since we cover one tessellation type per day, on this last day learners can complete unfinished designs, or explore new variations I'll introduce!

WHAT IS MY TEACHING STYLE?

• I strive for an interactive classroom! I ask questions and value student input.

• I use a document camera to ensure learners see my hands as I am demonstrating, and check often for comprehension.

WHAT WILL LEARNERS DO DURING CLASS?

• We’ll go through a slide show & discussion with sample images and ideas (this discussion will be longest on day 1)

• I'll demonstrate that day’s technique

• Students will spend around 30-35 minutes working, and potentially spend the last few minutes sharing* - but sometimes sharing happens throughout.

  • *Important note about sharing in class: I understand some kids are more shy than others and I have personally experienced what it’s like being pushed to share in class when I didn’t want to, so I never force sharing. I strive to create an environment where learners feel brave/comfortable enough to share when they feel ready!

WHAT ART SUPPLIES DO LEARNERS NEED?

• Pre-cut 3"×3" cardstock squares (1-2 per session) - you can cut these from cardstock or anything slightly heavier-weight - index cards work well, or cereal boxes!

• Paper on which tracing their patterns (8.5"×11"/A4 or larger)

• Basic art supplies (a pencil, and anything they may wish to use to color: eg markers, colored pencils)

• Optional: cardstock hexagons for advanced variations (template provided)

• Scotch/cello-tape

Please reach out to me with any questions....I hope you will join me for this exploration!

GENERAL CLASS REMINDERS: 

• I require student cameras to be on for verification at the beginning of class, and prefer students keep them on as I cannot accurately gauge how well a student is following if all I see is a name in a black box!

• Please ensure no adults appear in the camera view during class. Feel free to sit with your learner, but please adjust your camera so you’re not visible.
  

REGISTRATION & CANCELLATION POLICY:

• I need a minimum of 3 students to run the class.

• If you are registering siblings, each learner must be enrolled separately.

• Should I not reach that minimum, I will let you know within a week prior to class start, and refund your class fee.

• Please understand that with limited class space available, when you register, you are holding a space in the class that another student could fill. As such:

  • Tuition is only refundable if cancellation is received 21 or more days prior to the course start. After that, you’ll get a class credit to use within 6 months towards another class.

  • I do not offer refunds, make-up classes or class credits for missed class sessions.

  • Class recordings will be available for those who miss class (so long as I have already met your learner).

• Please review all of my class policies before registering.