Pleing air painting at ICCA
There is a growing number of creative and creatively minded adults who are on the lookout for a creative outlet, but, as Michigan based Interlochen College of Creative Arts (ICCA) recently told us, finding a creative workshop or activity can prove to be difficult.
Until now, there has not been an online resource for people who are searching for a creative learning opportunity, which combines course listings with opportunities for social networking between course providers and learners.
The college recently joined online creative courses hub, Artsbowl, to reach out to creative individuals who have as yet been unaware of opportunities for personal enrichment through programs aimed specifically at adult learners.
The success and popularity of Interlochen’
The college is part of the world-renowned Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan, which was founded in 1928 as a music camp for high school students. Over the years, the centre has continued to expand and now boasts a fine arts boarding high school, a public radio station and a performing arts series, as well as arts training and enrichment for adults.
Interlochen officially launched the ICCA in 2005 and it now runs long-established programs such as chamber music and band. Beginner and advanced courses in several disciplines are available in a variety of subjects including creative writing, motion picture arts, music, theatre and visual arts.
Some courses are one-time events and others are offered annually, such as chamber music, band and guitar festival. Each year, ICCA also offers a small number of professional development courses for working artists or arts educators.
At ICCA there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ student, with everyone looking to take away something different from their experience. Some are seeking to learn or explore a new skill, while others are dedicated amateur artists and musicians who travel to Interlochen for an arts experience that is better than one they could find closer to home.
There are even a number of arts educators who will attend a seminar to advance their professional skills.
Although the college itself is still relatively new, the long-established Interlochen Center for the Arts has an impressive list of well-known alumni. Former students include singers Norah Jones, Josh Groban and Jewel as well as Lorin Maazel, conductor of the New York Philharmonic. Jazz drummer Peter Erskine also attended the centre along with Felicity Huffman of Desperate Housewives fame.
The centre’s alumni have earned more than 90 Grammy Awards and seven Tony Awards…and that’s discounting those awarded to entire orchestras or large ensembles.
So what of the future? The ICCA says it will continue to offer arts opportunities for enrichment and professional development including long-running and new programs.
Adults who are looking for a creative workshop such as a plein air painting course, ceramics workshop, writers retreat or almost any other type of creative activity can search for a particular type of class on artsbowl or browse for courses in their area.
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