Event Registration

Open Studio Figure Sessions: Etiquette and Format - Updated 1/2/2025

Artist Expectations: 

• Do NOT take photographs of the model. Do not ask the model if you can take a photo, as even the request may make the model uncomfortable.

•  Do NOT touch the model. NO exceptions. Do not invade the model’s personal space. This also includes any time you see the model before, during, or after the session, in any environment.

• Do NOT ask the model out on a date or ask any personal questions. This is a professional and academic environment and should be always treated as such.

• Do NOT talk about the model or make comments about the model’s body or appearance. If you would like to compliment the model’s work, keep the language in a drawing sense rather than referring to beauty.

• Do NOT directly inquire about the models work availability. If you are interested in scheduling the model for your own personal studio time, or for work in another community venue, please call the Art Center and we will reach out to the model on your behalf.

Classroom Etiquette:

• Limit the conversation to breaks and before/after the session. Artists and models are here to work and excessive noise can be distracting. 

• Please keep your phones on “do not disturb” or vibrate during the session. 

• Do not take phone calls in the classroom. If you are expecting a phone call, we ask that you step outside the classroom to limit distractions. 

• If you come late to a session, we ask that you arrive during a break, or that you quietly enter the classroom to set up. 

• If you must leave the session early, we ask that you leave during a break - ideally - or that you pack up your materials and put away Art Center taborets, drawing horses, etc. quietly. 

• At the end of the session, artists are requested to return the taborets, drawing horses, or any other Art Center equipment to the place where these items are stored in the classroom or hallway.

General Info (Thursday - Clothed Figure Painting):

There are two 15-minute breaks during the 3-hour session. There are tables, chairs, and drawing horses available in our hallway and in the studio classroom for you to set up. Art materials are for you to bring in. We do not supply materials in open studios.

Thursday AM: The model will hold one long pose for the duration of the open studio session.

General Info (Friday - Nude Figure Drawing):

There are two 15-minute breaks during the 3-hour session. There are tables, chairs, and drawing horses available in our hallway and in the studio classroom for you to set up. Art materials are for you to bring in. We do not supply materials in open studios.

Friday AM & PM 

• First Hour:

The model generally begins with short, two-minute poses. These poses should be active, gestural ones that couldn’t possibly be held longer than a minute or two. After a series of short poses, the model generally transitions to 5-minute and then 10-minute poses depending on the requests of the artists. 

• Second Hour: 

This hour is generally split up into two 22--minute poses, although this may vary depending on the desires of the artists attending. For the longer poses, it is important for models to know their limits, and to take only those poses that can be held for the full 22 minutes.

• Last Hour: 

In general, the third hour is again split up between two poses. Poses are usually not longer than 25 minutes. It is understood that the longer poses can be reclining. 

The artists in the class may request the model to take certain kinds of poses and will let the model know the length of the pose. If the artists do not make a specific request, the model can decide upon the pose. It is desirable to take a variety of poses, including standing, sitting, or crouching, and reclining. The model is informed ahead of time to face in different directions to give the artists a variety of viewpoints.

ACCESS TO CLASSROOMS AND STUDIOS

ALL REGISTERED ADULT PARTICIPANTS ATTENDING ANY MKAC CLASS AND WORKSHOPS MUST:  

• Be at least 18 years of age and enrolled in an MKAC class 

• No guests and no one under the age of 18 are allowed in adult classes.

• No pets, only certified service animals are allowed in the studios and classroom spaces.

• Adults taking classes are not permitted to bring minors into the art center property and leave them unattended while taking an art class. 

• Adults, friends, and onlookers are not permitted to interrupt a class or workshop that is underway if they are not enrolled. No standing at the threshold of the classroom door, walking into class, waving at the class participants or instructor, etc. as it may disrupt the class.

• If MKAC has to cancel a class or there is a weather event preventing safe travel to the art center, we will have a makeup session reserved at the end of each term if there is scheduling availability. Our staff will determine the date and provide follow-up communication. In the event that rescheduling is not possible, MKAC staff will reach out regarding refunds/credits.

• Makeup sessions are not available if you miss a class for personal, work, health reasons, etc. Our instructors contribute their time, expertise, and energy to our community. They also commit time to their day jobs and careers. We respect their additional responsibilities. Additional, personal makeup instruction beyond the dates and timeframes of the class is not permitted. 

CONDUCT IN MKAC STUDIOS AND CLASSROOM

• Be aware of the needs of other people working around you in the studio. Your language, the amount of time you need for the exclusive use of a piece of equipment, the amount of space you take up with a project, and other personal work habits can directly impact fellow artists. Different styles and work habits are taken into account, and artists who consistently interfere with others' ability to work may be asked to alter their behavior. 

• All art center participants are expected to be respectful to fellow participants, staff,  service animals, volunteers, spaces, and Maude Kerns Art Center Property. The Maude Kerns Art Center reserves the right to dismiss any participant for conduct that the administration deems detrimental to the well-being of other participants, staff, or the overall operation of classes.

• Repeatedly problematic or disruptive behavior may result in termination of access, as decided on a case-by-case basis. 

• No smoking or open flame is allowed anywhere inside the building or courtyard.

• While food and nonalcoholic drinks are permitted in the classroom, closed containers are required.

• No working under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.

• Notify the instructor and MKAC staff in the event of any injuries or accidents. For serious injuries, call 911 and then alert the instructor and staff.  Seek medical attention for serious injuries.

MATERIALS, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT USE 

• Do not access the materials on the shelves or in the cupboards of the classrooms and studios without asking the instructor. Instructors are responsible for gathering the materials they will be using for the class..

• Most adult classes have a materials list. Adult participants are required to purchase the specified materials unless the class specifies that materials are provided. Please do not ask for materials from the instructor or access our storage areas. 

• Participants must follow all guidelines, precautions, and instructions on the safe use of tools and equipment by the instructor. 

• ONLY USE EQUIPMENT THAT YOU KNOW HOW TO USE PROPERLY. Do not use tools or equipment without proper knowledge/instruction.

•  If you think you may have damaged or broken an MKAC tool or piece of equipment, you MUST alert your instructor and/or MKAC staff immediately. We understand that accidents happen, but anyone who damages equipment through negligence or fails to report equipment issues to staff may be held responsible for repairs and/or replacement.

CLEAN-UP GUIDELINES IN A COMMUNITY ART STUDIO

• Make sure the studio or classroom is clean when you leave. This includes wiping down work surfaces (counters, tabletops, palettes, sinks, etc.) and cleaning used tools thoroughly. It is critical to keep shared tools and equipment in the best condition possible. Return the tools and materials to their designated space for the next community member to easily find.Cleanliness adds GREATLY to the safety and overall function of a heavily used community space. 

• Do not dispose of toxic substances (like oil paint) down the drain. We are doing our best to prevent toxic materials from entering the city water. 

• If you are physically able, please help the instructor put away all tables and chairs in an evening class as needed.

• Any items that are unidentified in undesignated areas will be moved and stored at the MKAC front office for the remainder of the term. After the term has ended, items will be disposed of or become the property of MKAC. Please ask at the front desk if something is missing. 

Due to periodic updates to the studio, you will be asked to update your agreement each term you take a class. 

I agree to these terms and to follow and uphold the procedures, rules, and responsibilities outlined in this document. I certify that I have read the guidelines and that I am aware of the conditions associated with working in the studio and classroom spaces. I understand that my conduct will follow the instruction, safety, and studio classroom guidelines. I understand that failure to do so may result in loss of access to the space without refund or credit and that MKAC reserves the right to revoke my access at any time and for any reason.