Our History

The Art School at Old Church is a nonprofit, nonsectarian educational facility established in 1974. A group of artists rescued an abandoned nineteenth century church building with little more than their passion and a will to succeed. Over thirty years later, the Art School continues to offer educational and cultural offerings that enrich the quality of life in the local community and beyond.

About Our Classes

Experienced, professional artists teach all of our classes. The faculty has a common goal in teaching their craft: to teach the breadth of possibilities within their field. All classes encourage each student to find his/her own creative voice in a supportive environment.

Our well-equipped studios are bright and spacious. We offer over 70 classes and workshops each semester for children and adults of all abilities and ages. Day and evening classes are scheduled Monday through Friday with select offerings on Saturdays.

The Art School at Old Church admits students of any race, color, national & ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, & activities accorded to students. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national & ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, & scholarships.

Registration

We accept registration by mail, fax or hand-delivery and also by phone two weeks after registration opens. Registration continues until classes fill. Unless you are notified to the contrary, your fully paid registration application has been accepted. Adult classes are open to students at least 15 years old and require an adult membership.

Membership

The required non-refundable membership is valid from the time of payment through December 31 of the year. Along with helping to support exhibitions and programming, membership also helps keep the cost of tuition down and is not pro-rated.

Family - $50
Adult - $40 (includes teens enrolled in adult classes)
Young person (up to 15) - $20
Teens (enrolled in teen classes only) - $20

How Do I Choose the Right Course?

To assist you in your selection, symbols for the various levels are available by each course description in the catalogue. If you have any questions, please contact our registrar Karen Shalom at 201-767-7160 or Karen@tasoc.org.

Beginner - Basic skill level with limited or no experience. Classes introduce and develop new skills and techniques.

Intermediate - Student has enough knowledge of medium, technique and processes to begin developing a personal voice or vision. Supportive guidance will encourage continued growth.

Advanced - Student has demonstrated a level of mastery that allows for independence and a personal vision for their art. He/she is seeking an environment with other artists that further defines and supports the direction of their work.

Open Studio Time

Life drawing studio time is available Saturday mornings during each semester with a live model. No membership is required to participate. Students may sign up for the semester or attend and pay per diem. Complete course description can found in the drawing and painting section in our online catalog.

Ceramic studio time is available for students enrolled in the ceramic and sculpture classes.

Please call or check at front desk for any exceptions to the schedule.

Materials

Material lists are available online by going to 'Catalog' in the menu bar and clicking on 'View Material List' in the left-hand frame. Material fees for classes are indicated in the catalog above each course description. For some classes, no monetary amount is indicated as materials may be purchased during class.

Clay information and firing Charges: Clay, Pottery tools and sculpture tools and boards are available for purchase at the desk. Only clay from the Art School will be fired. Firing Charges: Firing charges are $3.50/lb for studio clay and $3.00/lb for pre-purchased clay. Discount Firing Charge Cards are available at the main desk.

Youth Programs

Our Young Artists and Teen Programs serve students ages 5 to 15. All the courses are designed to encourage the discovery of creativity, with emphasis on process rather than product. The program offers opportunities for children and family members to explore a variety of art forms together in a fun, creative and exciting environment. We also offer Special Education Art Experience during the school year tailored to children with physical and developmental disabilities. During the summer, the Blast of Art program offers a weeklong art experience for children ages 6 through 12.

Professional Development Classes for Teachers

We are approved by the New Jersey Department of Education as a Professional Development Provider (PDP). All classes may be taken for PDP credits.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for individuals who are in need of financial assistance. Call or ask at the front desk for more information about how to apply.

Volunteering & Work Exchange

We need YOU! Volunteers are an integral part of the community at The Art School at Old Church. We are always seeking volunteers to fill positions in administration, development and marketing. There are also opportunities to assist with gallery exhibitions and event planning. No art experience is necessary, so please consider donating your time and energy.

Work opportunities are also available in exchange for tuition. Please contact Karen at 201-767-7160 or Karen@tasoc.org for more information.

About the Galleries

The Mikhail Zakin Gallery exhibits over 300 artists annually, displaying over 500 works of art. Exhibitions include both traditional and contemporary work from established and emerging artists. The gallery provides a forum for exhibiting artists as well as an educational forum for the Art School's programs. The Café Gallery exhibits students' work from our fine art and craft classes. The galleries are free and open to the public during school hours. Information on exhibiting is available online at tasoc.org. Click on "Gallery" for information on "How to Exhibit at the Art School at Old Church."

Annual Pottery Show & Sale

This annual fundraiser, now more than thirty years old, is heralded as the most prestigious ceramic show of its kind. Karen Karnes, an internationally recognized ceramic artist, curates this invitational event featuring potters from many parts of the United States. Held the first weekend of December, the show draws collectors, educators and pottery enthusiasts who travel from as far away as California, Minnesota and Florida.

Travel Program

Enrich your understanding and develop a greater perspective of the world we live in through our Travel with a Focus program. We coordinate special tours with a cultural focus to countries around the world. We also offer day trips to galleries in the metropolitan area.

Art Parties

Our parties for kids offer a hands-on creative experience for children 7 to 10 years old in a fun, educational, and safe environment. Choose from a variety of craft projects for a fun-filled and memorable celebration. Contact Karen at 201-767-7160 for more details.

Gift Giving Opportunities

Tuition and membership alone do not cover all of our operating expenses. The Art School is able to provide affordable and accessible arts education and cultural programming through tuition, grants and supporters like you. We have a very special group of Friends who help support the school on a regular basis. We need your help to maintain the quality of our classes and programming. Your financial support will help us continue to grow as an institution, inspiring and education the entire community. Tax-deductible donations and gifts are always welcome and can be included with your registration.

Join Our E-Mail List

If you would like to find out about the many exciting cultural events available at the Art School, join our e-mail list at tasoc.org. Click "Join Our Mailing List" from the home page and fill out the pop-up form making sure to check off your area of interest.

We look forward to meeting you and making your experience a great one!

Directions

From the Garden State Parkway or New Jersey Turnpike: Take Route 80 East (local lanes) to Palisades Parkway North to exit 2 toward ALPINE/CLOSTER/RT 9W. Turn slight right onto Henry Hudson Drive. Remain on Henry Hudson Drive by turning right again. (see 4 below). From George Washington Bridge: Take Palisades Parkway North to exit 2 toward ALPINE/CLOSTER/RT 9W. Turn slight right onto Henry Hudson Drive. Remain on Henry Hudson Drive by turning right again. (see 4 below). From New York State Thruway: Take Palisades Parkway South to exit 2 (see 4 below). Follow Exit 2 Ramp: To Route 9W. Turn left onto 9W approximately 1/2 mile. At traffic light turn right onto Closter Dock Road, go 1.4 miles (1 blinking light, 2 traffic lights) to bottom of hill (traffic light and Exxon station on corner). Turn left onto Piermont Road. Go approximately 1/2 mile to the Art School at Old Church (white building next to Demarest Baptist Church). From Manhattan by Bus (40 minutes): Take uptown "A" train express to 175th Street-George Washington Bridge Terminal. Take #20 or #84 Rockland County Coaches, Red and Tan Line to Demarest Middle School-the Art School at Old Church stop on Piermont Road in Demarest. Or from 42nd street terminal take #20 Rockland County Coach, Red and Tan Line to the Art School. (Back to top)

Outreach Programs The Art School at Old Church offers a variety of professionally designed workshops as part of their ongoing Outreach Program tailored to supplement the education of school-aged children. If you would like more information about the Art School at Old Church Outreach Programs, please call 201-767-7160 or e-mail info@tasoc.org.

Staff

Board of Directors

Advisory Board

Your help makes growth possible. Since 1974, the Art School at Old Church has been a part of a growing community of professional faculty and student artists who are dedicated to the fine arts and crafts. We invite you to join us as a supporting member or volunteer. Your donation will directly help us continue to offer new and exciting classes and cultural events.

If you have any questions, or would like to receive more information please e-mail us at Info@tasoc.org

Large print and infrared listening devices are available with two-weeks advanced notice. The Art School at Old Church is wheelchair accessible excepting the ceramic studio.