Project Based Learning Electives provided by the Berrien Springs Virtual Academy

Prosper Arts: Fall 2023 (scroll to see all classes)

​All students must complete a project for these classes.

Grade: K-12
Format: In-person 
Location: 117 W Ferry St. Berrien Springs Mi. - Studio is located above the Rabbit Yarn shop. Parking is on the street and the entrance is in the back. (Look for the green Prosper Arts signs)

Instructors: Click to learn more

​Classes begin the week of Sept. 4. (no classes Thanksgiving week) optional Student Gallery Expo in December- time/place TBD

Additional registration on-site is not required.

Creating with purpose

Custom Creative Class
Custom time: 1.5 hours per week
This class is available to any group of 4+ students who would like to learn a certain creative subject (ex: selling on Etsy, jewelry, knitting, clay, nature journaling, oil paint, a mix of several subjects, etc.). Parents should text or call Heather to discuss subjects and available class times. (269-351-2351)    Each class will begin with a brief lesson and a quiz with prizes over the previous week’s topic. There will be an instructor-led project with a short snack/ break time in the middle.

Custom Creative Class Syllabus

Watercolor
Monday 4:5:30pm
In this class we will work on several basic watercolor techniques. We will read a picture book at the beginning of each class and then create a project inspired by the story. Each class will have a snack/game break time in the middle.

Watercolor Syllabus

Art Through History
Tuesday 10-11:30am
In this class, we will learn about many different artists and the techniques they used throughout history. Projects will be tailored and modified to meet the experience levels of each individual student. Please text or call Heather with any questions! (269-351-2351)

Art Through History Syllabus

Drawing
Thursday 4-5:30pm
In this class, we will learn drawing basics with a focus on using pencil, charcoal, and ink.  The principles and techniques we will learn about can be applied to any style of art your student enjoys. Projects will be tailored to meet the abilities of each student. There will be a snack and game break time during each class.

Drawing Syllabus

Photography
Thursday 4-5:30pm
In this class, we will cover some of the FUNdamentals of photography and how to optimize your ability to use your camera as a tool to effectively express your creativity.  Students must have a camera with manual capabilities such as a DSLR or a Mirrorless Camera. Please program your autofocus to use a single focal point before coming to class, instructions are in your camera’s owner’s manual. At this time we have two cameras that can be used in class only, and shared by up to two students each for those with a sincere desire to master these skills. Please contact Mrs Angel ASAP if your student will need to use a classroom camera.

Photography Syllabus

Drawing
Tuesday 5:30-7pm
In this class, we will focus on Drawing mediums, pencil, charcoal, and ink. We will concentrate on fine details and mostly the style of realism. These basic principles and techniques are essential and can be applied to any style of art your student enjoys. Projects will be tailored to meet the abilities of each student. There will be a snack provided during each class.

Drawing 6-12 Syllabus

Watercolor
Friday 4-5:30pm
This will be a more traditional beginner watercolor course, a discipline in learning many watercolor techniques. There will be a snack provided for each class. Projects will be tailored and modified to meet the experience levels of each individual student. Please text or call Heather with any questions! (269-351-2351)

Watercolor 6-12 Syllabus

*Please note: it is important to make as informed a decision as possible when choosing your student's Community Resource classes. Most locations will allow a student to drop a class after one meeting, at no charge if it wasn't a good fit for the student, but not all. Some classes plan ahead based on the number that have signed up and have purchased materials, hired teachers, etc. and there might be a fee for class time or materials given to the student if the student drops after one or two meetings. The school cannot pay for classes that students do not complete, so choose wisely; if you do not take the class off of your student's schedule by the deadline, you may be asked to pay for the class time incurred prior to dropping the class.

Teacher of Record: Lisa VanPlew-Cid