E

ven before the Italian Renaissance, the real training of artists has taken place in the small studio schools of practicing artists. Not found in university art departments and rarely taught in traditional art schools or ateliers, the classical foundation offered at the Academy of Classical Design is dedicated to developing a relationship between hand, eye, and mind.

Special emphasis is placed on design, which applies to easel as well as mural painting. Courses in traditional materials, anatomy, ornamentation and principles of composition support this curriculum. Illustrated lectures are delivered each week by Academy Director, Jeffrey Mims, with an emphasis on art history and its adaptation to contemporary situations.

The goal is to promote a new chapter in this revival of an ancient art - and in doing so, influence the environment of modern life with a heightened sense of beauty and design.