Q and A's
These questions and answers have been compiled because of things we have asked ourselves and questions others have brought up. They are not an exhaustive list. Email us with any questions, and we will answer them and add them to this Q & A to help others.
ABOUT YOU...
Where do I park?
There is a City lot across Huron, up the hill. That lot or the Ann Ashley lot are convenient. There is street parking in the area, but it is catch as catch can.
Where do I go when I arrive?
When you enter the double doors at the front, there is a reception desk on the immediate left. Identify yourself to the person at the desk—who you are and that you are there for Art Break. From there, enter the dining area that is directly across from the entry. That is where the program will be held.
What can/should I wear to the studio?
Choose whatever is comfortable and that you don’t mind getting paint or glue on. This is a casual art environment. We do have aprons with pockets that you can wear to not only help you stay clean but also identify you to participants. One suggestion though. You will be bending over so you may want to wear a discreet neckline.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM...
What if only 2-3 people show up for a class?
Welcome them and encourage them to create. Particularly in the beginning stages of this program, we don’t know how many people will come. Use your judgement on how to proceed with what you have planned for the day.
How many people will be in the studio to assist me?
See the volunteer responsibilities list for our optimal staffing. The attendance on any Wednesday is unpredictable so we plan to have an instructor and 1-2 assistants. Most importantly, you will never be the only one in the studio.
Is there something on which to play music?
Yes, ArtBreak has a boombox that includes a CD player, AM/FM radio, and an "aux" input to plug into your iPhone, iPod, or tablet. See the Instructor Planning Guide for more information.
Are there any “forbidden” subjects—verbal or visual?
None that we can think of! By this we mean that art work that has some nudity is not forbidden. Probably something with violence is not a great idea, but use your judgement. In the context of art the meaning can be quite different. Some may generate more conversation than others.
What if someone comes but doesn’t want to stay for the whole studio time?
People are here for their own enjoyment and are not required to stay or to participate. They may want to come and watch and learn what is going on and leave. Or, they may want to take a back seat to creating. They may have to come more than once before they feel comfortable joining in. People can leave anytime.
What should I do if someone finishes our project quickly?
What if a participant does not want to do the project the teacher has planned?
Check the answers above. They can watch or they could do anything that finishing a project quickly suggests.
What if they don’t finish their project before the class ends?
We do not encourage keeping a project for the “next time” because (1) they may not come again for a few weeks and (2) We do not have a great deal of storage. BUT, because we don’t want to discourage people there are options: First suggest that they take it with them and bring in back next week or we do have a very small amount of storage. If they want to leave it with us, write their name and the date on the back and put it in the tube marked “works in progress”. We will empty that periodically of the oldest first. Let them know that.
Are participants allow to take supplies with them?
Participants will be given an art supply box for their own keeping. Discourage them from taking supplies from the class because they are available for everyone to use. They definitely can take what they make!
Can I bring snacks or beverages for my class?
We cannot bring food in that we make because of the regulations for food having to be prepared in a commercial kitchen.
If someone is acting strangely or makes me uncomfortable, what can I do?
Your comfort is paramount. There are Delonis Center staff visible at the front desk. They keep an eye on things, but you can go out to them and explain your situation. They are there to help.
ABOUT YOU...
Where do I park?
There is a City lot across Huron, up the hill. That lot or the Ann Ashley lot are convenient. There is street parking in the area, but it is catch as catch can.
Where do I go when I arrive?
When you enter the double doors at the front, there is a reception desk on the immediate left. Identify yourself to the person at the desk—who you are and that you are there for Art Break. From there, enter the dining area that is directly across from the entry. That is where the program will be held.
What can/should I wear to the studio?
Choose whatever is comfortable and that you don’t mind getting paint or glue on. This is a casual art environment. We do have aprons with pockets that you can wear to not only help you stay clean but also identify you to participants. One suggestion though. You will be bending over so you may want to wear a discreet neckline.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM...
What if only 2-3 people show up for a class?
Welcome them and encourage them to create. Particularly in the beginning stages of this program, we don’t know how many people will come. Use your judgement on how to proceed with what you have planned for the day.
How many people will be in the studio to assist me?
See the volunteer responsibilities list for our optimal staffing. The attendance on any Wednesday is unpredictable so we plan to have an instructor and 1-2 assistants. Most importantly, you will never be the only one in the studio.
Is there something on which to play music?
Yes, ArtBreak has a boombox that includes a CD player, AM/FM radio, and an "aux" input to plug into your iPhone, iPod, or tablet. See the Instructor Planning Guide for more information.
Are there any “forbidden” subjects—verbal or visual?
None that we can think of! By this we mean that art work that has some nudity is not forbidden. Probably something with violence is not a great idea, but use your judgement. In the context of art the meaning can be quite different. Some may generate more conversation than others.
What if someone comes but doesn’t want to stay for the whole studio time?
People are here for their own enjoyment and are not required to stay or to participate. They may want to come and watch and learn what is going on and leave. Or, they may want to take a back seat to creating. They may have to come more than once before they feel comfortable joining in. People can leave anytime.
What should I do if someone finishes our project quickly?
- We have several suggestions—assuming they want to stay in the studio
Give them blank paper and let them draw
- They may have something in mind they want to do, and let then as long as you have the materials and it doesn’t distract from other’s or use too much of an assistant’s time. We want to encourage them to create.
- We have adult coloring books which some people really enjoy. Offer these to them. And, remove the page and give it to them when they finish so they have it to keep.
What if a participant does not want to do the project the teacher has planned?
Check the answers above. They can watch or they could do anything that finishing a project quickly suggests.
What if they don’t finish their project before the class ends?
We do not encourage keeping a project for the “next time” because (1) they may not come again for a few weeks and (2) We do not have a great deal of storage. BUT, because we don’t want to discourage people there are options: First suggest that they take it with them and bring in back next week or we do have a very small amount of storage. If they want to leave it with us, write their name and the date on the back and put it in the tube marked “works in progress”. We will empty that periodically of the oldest first. Let them know that.
Are participants allow to take supplies with them?
Participants will be given an art supply box for their own keeping. Discourage them from taking supplies from the class because they are available for everyone to use. They definitely can take what they make!
Can I bring snacks or beverages for my class?
We cannot bring food in that we make because of the regulations for food having to be prepared in a commercial kitchen.
If someone is acting strangely or makes me uncomfortable, what can I do?
Your comfort is paramount. There are Delonis Center staff visible at the front desk. They keep an eye on things, but you can go out to them and explain your situation. They are there to help.