Zenith Community Arts Foundation
About
Zenith Community Arts Foundation (ZCAF) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to arts advocacy, arts education, and public art, as well as using art and creativity to enrich the Greater Washington D.C. region. We achievesour goals by fostering alliances between area artists, businesses, other non-profits, & government agencies.
ZCAF’s HOW program is designed to provides area youth ages 13-26 with a fun and supportive atmosphere that infuses academic and career-trageted information within the context of a project-based arts education that focuses on the needs of various learning styles. We ask a lot of our participants; we want them to take their talent and dreams to the next level.
We can form projects based on your beginning skills -- are you keen on Painting (and which medium)? Drawing? Design? Want to learn broader contexts or concepts for your work?
I enjoy fostering creative talent and imparting confidence in a student. I specialize in helping students with their portfolio to get into academic art programs and otherwise. My mediums include woodwork, acrylic painting, pastels, graphite and charcoal, reclaimed objects into sculpture, and mold-making.
I have several years experience in teaching, a certificate in teaching in secondary education and a certificate in publishing. I also have an active studio practice.
Highlights
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I share why I'm an artist, where I am from and why I love living in Washington, D.C. I ask for their story, of why they are interested in art and what they would like to achieve.
I like to start with seeing their basic skills - i.e., shading, observational drawing, composition, color mixing. And ask if the student has any artists they like.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I was a Graduate TA during my time at the Maryland Insitute College of Art.
I have taught arts and crafts After School in DCPS and for private sessions.
Reviewed portfolios and taught individuals to strengthen their work and writing to get into college arts programs.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Our Courses are based in our studio at D.C. Arts Studios, in Takoma Park, MD.
Full Day (7-8 hr) At Class for Kids and Teens, (minimum class size 4), $70/child.
Individual participant pricing, contact for rates based on material and time.
How did you get started teaching?
ZCAF was founded to bring community together through the arts. Teaching is one of the natural ways to encourage and foster a strong creative economy. I personally got started teaching while in grad school -- TA'ing in public art, color theory, entry level studio, and figure drawing classes.
What types of students have you worked with?
College Students
Adults
Seniors
5-14 year olds
High School
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently taught a week on Abstract Expressionism. The students were so hesitant at first, worried about their clothes despite the smocks and plastic bag booties for their shoes, the big scale, and asked "how can abstract be good?" Then they all joined in on the 4'x10' piece and it was glorious.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
If you're looking for a teacher who is only expert in one media, be sure it is the one you want! Otherwise, I would advise looking for a multi-media artist to teach you. Consider that there are many elements to having an art career, and those skills include public speaking and writing, just as much as they include getting better any art (painting, whatever media).
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Are you willing to try a new approach or a new media?
If not, why are you set in your known media? Is it that you're just beginning, or you are comfortable and want to get better?