Taking art into the community

Art is everywhere.

Just ask adjunct professor Jeremy Siedt, who teaches classes at Lehigh Carbon Community College.

“Anyone can create art,” he says. “It’s just learning to see again and appreciate the things that surround us.”

Siedt’s classes are usually held at LCCC’s main campus in Schnecksville, but this term, he’s been able to instruct a Drawing 101 class in an actual art venue, the Tamaqua Community Art Center.

While the art center offers many types of classes, a college credit class might seem a bit unusual, but the professor doesn’t really see it as being that nontraditional.

“It’s not a normal classroom, but then, we can learn anywhere, anytime,” he said.

The only drawback is a lack of the technological tools offered in an LCCC classroom, such as whiteboards, etc. Even then, Siedt says, the loss of technology is more than made up for by smaller class sizes, the opportunities for field trips to such places as the Owl Creek Reservoir, and a more personal one-on-one interaction with his students.

“There’s no downside to either method,” he says.

Siedt earned a bachelor of arts degree at the Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia, with minors in art history and international race studies. He earned a master’s degree from the University of Arts, also in Philadelphia.

“I love creating art and have a passion for sharing that I hope inspires my students to create their own art,” he said.

The course in Tamaqua is somewhat of an experiment, a successful one if you listen to the students taking the class, or consider that the college is hoping to expand it by offering more courses starting in January.

Those courses would include: Painting 1, a basic course in form, color, composition using oil and acrylic; 3-D Design, considering the elements of design and the principles of using three-dimensional design using basic materials, technique and tools; and Color Therapy, exploring the basic properties of color and its psychological and expressive qualities.

Leona Rega, art center coordinator, sees the collaboration with LCCC as “adding another layer to art offerings within our space. We have been leading the local art scene with volunteers who dedicate their time instructing all levels of art ability for the purpose of fun, social gatherings, exposure to new experiences and breaking down the barriers that art is only for those who want to be or are artists.

“Over the past five years, our efforts have brought about conversations regarding the need for an arts degree program here in Tamaqua. LCCC has an arts program and we have the studio art space. With the Morgan Center already here, the choice to partner was easy. I feel we are now able to provide a follow-through for those who have asked how they can achieve their dream of acquiring formal art instruction locally, she said.

“In addition, Jeremy has been fantastic to work with. He and I often discuss future initiatives for art in public spaces and how together, we can break down the traditional barriers that art is not for everyone. We all have something to learn or contribute and we are excited to be a part of growing and expanding art scene in the area.”

Siedt and Rega are excited about the opportunity to have even more college art classes available to local residents.

“These classes are available to everyone interested in art, whether they are pursuing a career in the subject, or just learning to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us,” says Siedt.

Anyone interested in learning more about the classes should visit LCCC’s website at www.lccc.edu.